Yes, you can use your Amazon credit card almost anywhere Visa is accepted, not just on Amazon
The Amazon credit card is a Visa card, which means you can use it at any merchant that takes Visa — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, everywhere. You are not locked into shopping on Amazon. The card works like any other Visa debit or credit card in the physical world and online.
The catch is that the rewards structure changes depending on where you spend. You earn higher cash back on Amazon purchases and at Whole Foods, but lower cash back (or no bonus at all) everywhere else. So while you can use it anywhere, you will earn more value using it on Amazon and at Whole Foods than at other merchants.
Key Takeaways
- Your Amazon credit card is a Visa card and works at any store, gas pump, or website that accepts Visa.
- You earn the highest cash back rate (typically 3% to 5%) on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods, depending on which Amazon card you hold.
- You earn a lower cash back rate (usually 1%) on all other purchases, so the card is most valuable for Amazon and Whole Foods spending.
- The card has no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it internationally anywhere Visa is accepted.
How the rewards structure works across different merchants
Amazon offers two main credit cards: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card. Both earn cash back, but at different rates depending on where you shop.
On Amazon.com and at Whole Foods Market, the Prime card earns 5% cash back (if you are a Prime member) or 3% (if you are not). The standard Amazon card earns 3% at both. At gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores, both cards earn 1% cash back. On everything else — clothing stores, hardware stores, department stores, online retailers other than Amazon — you earn 1% cash back.
This means the card is designed to reward Amazon and Whole Foods spending. If you spend most of your money elsewhere, a different card might earn you more value. But the card will still work everywhere Visa is accepted; you just will not earn bonus rewards.
Using your Amazon card at physical stores and restaurants
You can swipe or insert your Amazon credit card at any physical merchant that accepts Visa. This includes supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing retailers, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and gas stations. You can also use it for contactless payments if your card has that feature — hold it near the reader instead of swiping.
At most of these places, you will earn 1% cash back. The exceptions are gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores, where you also earn 1% — so there is no bonus category outside of Amazon and Whole Foods in the physical world.
Using your Amazon card online and internationally
You can use your Amazon credit card on any website that accepts Visa, not just Amazon.com. This includes other retailers, subscription services, utilities, and any other online merchant. When you shop on Amazon.com, you earn the higher cash back rate (3% or 5% depending on your card and Prime status). On other websites, you earn 1% cash back.
If you travel outside the United States, your Amazon card works at any merchant that accepts Visa internationally. The card has no foreign transaction fees, so you will not pay extra to use it abroad. You still earn the same cash back rates as you would in the US — 1% on most purchases, higher rates only on Amazon and Whole Foods.
What happens if a merchant does not accept Visa
If a store or service accepts only American Express, Mastercard, or Discover, your Amazon Visa card will not work there. This is rare in the United States — Visa is the most widely accepted card network — but it does happen. Some gas stations, small local businesses, or specialty retailers may accept only certain card networks.
If you encounter a merchant that does not take Visa, you will need to use a different card, pay with cash, or use another payment method. There is no way to convert your Amazon Visa to work on a different network.
Checking your cash back and managing your account
Your cash back accumulates automatically as you use the card. You can see your current cash back balance in your Amazon account under "Your Account" and then "Rewards." The cash back appears as an Amazon.com balance that you can use toward purchases, or in some cases you can request it as a statement credit.
Keep track of where you are earning the most value. If you are using your Amazon card at merchants where you earn only 1% cash back, you might earn more with a different card that offers higher rewards in those categories. Many cards offer 2% to 3% cash back on groceries, gas, or restaurants — categories where your Amazon card earns only 1%.
Annual fees and other costs to know
Both Amazon credit cards have no annual fee, which means you can keep the card open and use it anywhere without paying to own it. There are no foreign transaction fees if you use it internationally.
Like any credit card, you will pay interest if you carry a balance. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. You can find the current APR range in your card agreement or by logging into your account. If you pay your full balance each month, you will not pay any interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Amazon credit card at Target or Walmart?
Yes. Both Target and Walmart accept Visa, so your Amazon card will work there. You will earn 1% cash back on these purchases, since they are not Amazon or Whole Foods transactions. If you spend heavily at these retailers, a card that offers higher rewards at supermarkets or general merchandise stores might be more valuable.
What if I lose my Amazon credit card?
Contact your card issuer (Chase, for Amazon cards) right away to report it lost or stolen. You can call the number on the back of your card, or log into your Amazon account and request a replacement. Chase will cancel the old card and send you a new one. You will not be liable for fraudulent charges if you report the loss promptly.
Can I use my Amazon card to withdraw cash from an ATM?
Yes, but it will cost you. Most ATM withdrawals with a credit card trigger a cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) plus interest starting when ready. Cash advances are expensive and should be avoided unless you have no other option. Use your debit card or bank account to withdraw cash instead.
Do I earn cash back on Amazon Prime membership or AWS purchases?
No. Cash back is earned only on may be able to access purchases of physical goods and some digital content on Amazon.com. Prime membership fees, AWS (Amazon Web Services) charges, and certain other Amazon services do not earn cash back.
Can I use my Amazon card internationally if I do not have a PIN?
Yes. Credit cards do not require a PIN for most international purchases — you sign or use contactless payment instead. A PIN is only needed if you try to withdraw cash from an ATM abroad. Ask your card issuer for a PIN before you travel if you think you might need cash.