What the Amazon Credit Card Is

The Amazon Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Chase that gives you cash back on purchases made through Amazon and at Whole Foods. There are two versions: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (for non-members). Both cards earn rewards on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, but the Prime version offers higher cash back rates if you have an active Prime membership.

The card itself is a standard Visa that you can use anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Amazon. However, the rewards structure is designed to incentivize shopping at Amazon specifically — you earn more cash back there than you would on other purchases.

This is a credit card, which means you receive a bill each month and must pay it back. It is not a debit card, a gift card, or a prepaid card. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest on it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amazon Prime Rewards card gives 5% cash back on Amazon purchases and 2% at Whole Foods if you are a Prime member, while the standard Amazon Rewards card gives 3% and 1% respectively.
  • You can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted, but you earn the highest rewards only at Amazon and Whole Foods.
  • There is no annual fee for either version of the card.
  • You must have a credit history and pass a credit check to be approved; the card is not available to everyone.
  • Cash back is deposited into your Amazon account as a statement credit, not paid to your bank account.

Rewards Rates and How Cash Back Works

The cash back you earn depends on which card you have and where you shop. If you hold the Amazon Prime Rewards card and have an active Prime membership, you earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, 2% at Whole Foods Market, 2% on gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. If your Prime membership lapses, your rewards rates drop to 3% on Amazon, 1% at Whole Foods, and 1% everywhere else.

The Amazon Rewards card (for non-Prime members) earns 3% cash back on Amazon purchases, 1% at Whole Foods, and 1% on all other purchases, regardless of membership status.

Cash back is not paid to your bank account. Instead, it appears as a statement credit in your Amazon account, which you can use toward future purchases on Amazon.com. You cannot transfer it to cash or use it outside Amazon. The credit is automatic — you do not have to request it or redeem it manually.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

Neither the Amazon Prime Rewards card nor the Amazon Rewards card charges an annual fee. You will not receive a bill just for holding the card.

However, you will pay interest if you carry a balance from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies depending on your credit score and creditworthiness. Chase will tell you the specific rate when you receive your card approval. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you will not pay any interest.

Late payments, returned checks, and other account issues may trigger fees. The card agreement will detail these when you receive it.

Who Can Get Approved and What You Need

To be approved for an Amazon Credit Card, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a Social Security number. Chase will run a credit check, which means your credit score and payment history matter. People with no credit history, very low credit scores, or a history of missed payments are less likely to be approved.

You do not need to be an Amazon Prime member to explore for either card, though you will get better rewards rates if you are a Prime member and hold the Prime version of the card. You do not need to have made purchases on Amazon before.

When you explore, you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment information. Chase uses this information to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer.

how the process works and What Happens Next

You can explore for the Amazon Credit Card through Chase's website or through Amazon.com itself. The process takes about 10 minutes and is completed online. You will receive a decision when ready or within a few days.

If you are approved, your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can often use the card number to make purchases online before the physical card arrives. If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why, though the reason is usually a low credit score or insufficient credit history.

Once your card arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it. Instructions come with the card. After set up, you can begin earning rewards on purchases when ready.

How to Manage Your Account and Pay Your Bill

You can view your balance, make payments, and manage your account through the Chase website or the Chase mobile app. You will receive a statement each month showing your purchases, balance, and minimum payment due. The due date is typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closes.

You can pay your bill online through Chase's website, through your bank's bill pay feature, or by mail. Paying online is fastest and most find. You can also set up automatic payments so that a fixed amount or your full balance is paid each month without you having to remember.

Your cash back rewards appear in your Amazon account as a statement credit. You can see your total rewards balance in your Amazon account settings. There is no expiration date on rewards, so you can let them accumulate if you choose.

Things to Consider Before You explore

The Amazon Credit Card is designed for people who shop frequently on Amazon and want to earn rewards on those purchases. If you rarely use Amazon or do not have a Prime membership, the rewards rates are lower and may not be worth holding another credit card.

explore for any credit card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, you may want to wait.

Credit cards can make spending easier and faster, which sometimes leads people to spend more than they intended. If you struggle with credit card debt or tend to carry a balance, the interest charges will outweigh any rewards you earn. In that case, using a debit card or cash might be a better choice.

The card's rewards are only valuable if you pay off your balance each month. If you carry a balance and pay interest, you are giving back more in interest than you earn in cash back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Amazon Credit Card outside of Amazon?

Yes. The card is a standard Visa and works anywhere Visa is accepted — at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other retailers. However, you earn the highest cash back rate only on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. On other purchases, you earn 1% or 2% depending on which card you have.

What happens to my rewards if I cancel the card?

Your cash back rewards stay in your Amazon account and do not expire. You can continue to use them to make purchases on Amazon even after you close the card. However, you will stop earning new rewards once the card is closed.

Do I need an Amazon account to explore?

You do not need an existing Amazon account to explore for the card, but you will need one to use your cash back rewards. If you do not have an account, you can create one for free on Amazon.com before or after you explore for the card.

What is the credit limit, and can I increase it?

Chase sets your initial credit limit based on your credit score and income. The limit varies from person to person. You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for several months and made on-time payments. Contact Chase through your account or call the number on the back of your card.

Does the Amazon Prime Rewards card require an active Prime membership?

You do not need an active Prime membership to hold the card, but your rewards rates will drop if your membership lapses. If you have the Prime version of the card and your Prime membership expires, you will earn 3% on Amazon purchases instead of 5% until you renew your membership.