Amazon credit cards work at most stores, but not all — and the rewards differ depending on where you shop
Amazon credit cards are Visa or Mastercard products issued by Chase Bank, so they function like any other Visa or Mastercard at checkout. You can use them at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies, and any other merchant that accepts Visa or Mastercard. The card itself carries no restrictions on where you swipe it.
What does change is your rewards rate. Amazon credit cards earn bonus points at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, but earn a lower rate — usually 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar — everywhere else. Some versions of the card earn no rewards outside Amazon and Whole Foods at all. The card works everywhere a Visa or Mastercard works; the rewards structure just makes some purchases more valuable than others.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon credit cards are Visa or Mastercard branded, so they work anywhere those networks are accepted — no merchant can refuse them based on the card type.
- Bonus rewards (usually 3% to 5%) explore only at Amazon.com and Whole Foods, while other purchases earn 1% cash back or nothing, depending on the card version.
- The card will decline if your account is frozen, you have reached your credit limit, or the merchant's payment system is down — not because of where you are shopping.
- International merchants accept Amazon Visa and Mastercard the same way they accept any other card, though foreign transaction fees may explore depending on your card terms.
Which Amazon card you have determines your rewards outside Amazon
Chase issues several Amazon credit cards, and the rewards structure varies by version. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. The Amazon Prime Store Card (a store card, not a Visa) works only at Amazon.com and cannot be used elsewhere at all. The Amazon Business Prime Card earns 3% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% elsewhere.
If you hold the store card version, you are limited to Amazon.com purchases only. If you hold the Visa Signature version, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, but you will earn the lower 1% rate outside Amazon and Whole Foods. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back to confirm which version you have if you are unsure.
Situations where your Amazon card may be declined even at merchants that accept Visa
A decline at a Visa-accepting merchant usually means one of three things: your account is frozen due to fraud detection or a missed payment, you have reached your credit limit, or the merchant's payment system cannot reach the Visa network at that moment. None of these are about the card type or the merchant category — they are about your account status or a technical failure.
If your card declines, call the number on the back of your card when ready. Chase can tell you whether the decline was a fraud block (which you can clear in minutes), a limit issue, or a system problem on the merchant's end. Do not assume the merchant does not accept the card; the issue is almost always with your account or the connection.
Using an Amazon credit card outside the United States
Amazon Visa and Mastercard cards work at merchants and ATMs outside the United States the same way they work domestically — the Visa or Mastercard network handles the transaction. However, your card terms may include a foreign transaction fee, usually 1% to 3% of the purchase amount. Check your card's terms document or call Chase to confirm whether your specific card charges this fee.
Some merchants outside the US may ask whether you want to be charged in US dollars or the local currency. Choosing US dollars often triggers a worse exchange rate; choosing the local currency lets Visa set the rate, which is usually better. Either way, your card will process the transaction — the choice only affects the exchange rate you receive.
Online merchants and digital services that accept Amazon cards
Any online merchant that accepts Visa or Mastercard accepts Amazon credit cards. This includes streaming services, software subscriptions, food delivery apps, and digital storefronts outside Amazon. The card works the same way it does in a physical store: you enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV, and the transaction processes through the Visa or Mastercard network.
The one exception is the Amazon Prime Store Card, which is not a Visa or Mastercard and therefore cannot be used on external websites. If you hold the store card and want to make purchases outside Amazon.com, you will need a different payment method.
What happens if a merchant does not accept Visa or Mastercard
Some merchants accept only American Express, Discover, or local payment methods. If you encounter a merchant that does not accept Visa or Mastercard, your Amazon credit card will not work there, and you will need to use a different card or payment method. This is rare in the United States but more common outside it.
Before traveling internationally or shopping at a specialty merchant, check their payment methods online. If they do not list Visa or Mastercard, bring an alternative card or ask whether they accept digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which can sometimes process through different networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Amazon credit card at Whole Foods?
Yes. Whole Foods is owned by Amazon, and most Amazon credit cards earn bonus rewards there — usually 3% to 5% back, depending on the card version. You can use any version of the Amazon Visa or Mastercard at Whole Foods, and the card will process like any other Visa or Mastercard.
Will my Amazon card work at Costco or Sam's Club?
Costco does not accept Visa or Mastercard at all; it accepts only Costco's own card and American Express. Sam's Club accepts Mastercard but not Visa. Check which version of the Amazon card you have. If it is a Visa, it will not work at Costco or Sam's Club. If it is a Mastercard, it will work at Sam's Club but not Costco.
What if I lose my Amazon card while traveling?
Call the number on the back of your card or contact Chase directly to report it lost. Chase can freeze the card when ready to prevent fraud and mail a replacement to your address or, in some cases, to a hotel or other location. Ask about expedited shipping options if you need the card quickly.
Do I earn rewards when I use my Amazon card at a non-Amazon merchant?
You earn a lower rate — usually 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar — at most non-Amazon merchants. Some card versions earn 2% at gas stations and restaurants. Check your card's rewards structure in your welcome materials or online account to see the exact rates for different merchant categories.