The Amazon Credit Card process Process
You can get an Amazon credit card by going to the Amazon.com website, finding the credit card offer in the "Your Account" menu, and completing the online process form. The process takes about five minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details. Amazon's credit card partner (currently Chase) will then check your credit report and tell you whether you're approved, usually within seconds or a few minutes.
There are actually two different Amazon credit cards: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card. The Prime version requires an active Prime membership and offers higher rewards rates. The standard version has no membership requirement. Both cards are issued by Chase Bank USA, N.A., and both come with an annual percentage rate (APR) that depends on your credit score and history.
If you're approved, your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use a temporary digital card number in the Amazon app when ready to start shopping while you wait for the physical card.
Key Takeaways
- You start the process on Amazon.com through your account menu, and Chase will give you an approval decision in minutes.
- The Amazon Prime Rewards card requires an active Prime membership and pays higher rewards on Amazon purchases, while the standard Amazon Rewards card has no membership requirement.
- Your credit score and history determine whether you're approved and what APR you receive, so having a score of 670 or higher makes approval more likely.
- You can use a temporary digital card number when ready after approval, but the physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
- Both cards charge no annual fee, but you pay interest on any balance you don't pay off in full each month.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your Social Security number, current address, and employment information before you open the process. You'll also need to know your annual household income — this is what you and anyone else in your household earn in a year before taxes. Have a phone number ready in case Chase needs to contact you during the review.
If you want the Prime Rewards version, make sure your Amazon Prime membership is active. You can check this in your Amazon account under "Your Memberships and Subscriptions." If your membership has lapsed, you'll need to renew it before you can get approved for the Prime card.
Check your credit report before you explore if you're unsure about your credit history. You can get a free copy once per year from AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. This takes a few minutes and shows you what Chase will see when they pull your report.
The Two Amazon Credit Card Options
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is designed for people with an active Prime membership. It pays 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and Amazon Fresh, 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% cash back on everything else. The 5% rate applies only to Amazon purchases, so the card is most valuable if you shop on Amazon regularly.
The Amazon Rewards Visa Card is the standard version with no membership requirement. It pays 3% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and 1% cash back on everything else. This card costs nothing to own and has no annual fee, but the rewards rate is lower than the Prime version.
Both cards have no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and come with fraud protection and purchase protection. Both are Visa Signature cards, which means you get benefits like emergency card replacement and travel information. The main difference is the rewards rate and the Prime membership requirement.
how the process works on Amazon.com
Log into your Amazon account and go to "Your Account" in the top right corner. Scroll down to "Your Wallet" and click "Credit Cards." You'll see the Amazon credit card offers. Click on the card you want (Prime Rewards or standard Rewards) and select "explore Now."
Fill in the process form with your legal name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Enter your Social Security number, annual household income, and current employment status. If you're self-employed or retired, enter that in the employment field. The form asks whether you want a new card or are adding to an existing account — choose "new card" unless you already have an Amazon credit card.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit the process. Chase will pull your credit report and show you a decision on the same screen, usually within a few seconds. If you're approved, you'll see your temporary card number when ready and can use it in the Amazon app to shop right away. If you're denied or need more information, Chase will tell you why and what to do next.
What Happens After You're Approved
Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary digital card number works in the Amazon app and on Amazon.com as soon as you're approved, so you don't have to wait. When your physical card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or by logging into your Chase account online.
Your first statement closes 21 to 25 days after you open the card. You'll receive a bill showing any purchases you made with the temporary card number or the physical card. You have until the due date (usually 21 days after the statement closes) to pay the balance in full or make a minimum payment. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, you pay the APR that was set when you were approved.
You can manage your card through the Chase website or the Chase Mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and see your rewards balance. Rewards post to your account as a statement credit that you can use toward Amazon purchases or transfer to other uses depending on your card terms.
Credit Score and Approval Odds
Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for the Amazon credit card, but approval is more likely if your score is 670 or higher. This is considered "good" credit by most lenders. If your score is below 620, approval is less likely but still possible depending on your income, employment history, and other debts.
Chase also looks at how many credit applications you've made recently. If you've applied for multiple cards or loans in the last few months, Chase may deny you even if your score is good. This is because multiple applications in a short time suggest financial stress. Space out credit applications by at least a few months if you can.
If you're denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries, or high existing debt. You can ask Chase for a reconsideration by calling the number on the denial letter, but they rarely reverse a decision based on a phone call alone. Your best move is to wait 3 to 6 months, improve your credit score if possible, and explore again.
Using Your Card and Managing Your Account
Use your Amazon credit card like any other Visa card — swipe it, insert it, or tap it at any store that accepts Visa. You earn rewards on every purchase, whether you're shopping on Amazon or anywhere else. Rewards post to your account as a statement credit that reduces your bill.
Pay your bill on time every month to avoid late fees and interest charges. Set up automatic payments through your Chase account so you never miss a due date. You can choose to pay the full balance automatically, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you set yourself. Paying the full balance keeps you out of debt and saves you money on interest.
If you have questions about your account, rewards, or a charge, call the number on the back of your card or log into your Chase account online. Chase customer service is available 24/7. You can also dispute a charge if you don't recognize it or believe it was made fraudulently — Chase has a dispute process that usually takes 30 to 60 days to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Amazon Prime Rewards card if my Prime membership expires?
No, you need an active Prime membership to get approved for the Prime Rewards card. If your membership has lapsed, renew it before you explore. If you already have the Prime card and your membership expires, Chase will convert your card to the standard Amazon Rewards card automatically, and your rewards rate will drop to 3% on Amazon purchases.
What's the APR on the Amazon credit card?
The APR varies based on your credit score and history. Chase does not publish a specific rate, but it typically ranges from 17% to 24% for most cardholders. You'll see your exact APR in the approval email or in your account details after you're approved. The APR applies only if you carry a balance — if you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest.
How long does it take to get approved?
You usually get a decision within seconds or a few minutes of submitting your process. If Chase needs more information, they may take a few hours or a business day to review your process. You'll see the decision on the screen after you submit, or Chase will call you if they need to ask questions.
Can I use my temporary card number right away?
Yes, you can use the temporary digital card number in the Amazon app and on Amazon.com when ready after approval. You cannot use it at physical stores — only online. When your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 days, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.
What if I'm denied?
Chase will send you a letter explaining why you were denied. Common reasons are a low credit score, too many recent credit applications, or high existing debt. You can call the number on the denial letter to ask if Chase will reconsider, but they rarely reverse a decision. Wait 3 to 6 months, work on improving your credit score, and explore again.