Your Amazon credit card works almost everywhere Visa is accepted, but the rewards change depending on where you shop

The Amazon credit card — issued by Chase — is a Visa card, which means you can use it at millions of merchants worldwide that take Visa. You are not locked into Amazon's website or stores. The catch is that your cash back rate drops outside Amazon and Whole Foods, so the card works best when you understand where you get the highest rewards and where you are just using it like any other card.

There are two versions of the Amazon credit card: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card. Both work anywhere Visa is accepted. The difference is in the rewards structure and which one you can get — the Prime version requires an active Prime membership, while the standard version does not.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Amazon credit card is a Visa, so it works at any store, restaurant, gas station, or online merchant that accepts Visa — not just Amazon.
  • You earn the highest cash back rate (3% or 5%, depending on the card) only at Amazon, Whole Foods, and on rotating bonus categories; everywhere else you earn 1%.
  • The card has no annual fee, so using it for everyday purchases outside Amazon does not cost you extra, even if the rewards are lower.
  • Your card will be declined only if the merchant does not accept Visa, you have reached your credit limit, or there is fraud protection blocking the transaction.

Where the card earns the highest rewards

The Amazon Prime Rewards card earns 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods, and 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and transit (including taxis, parking, trains, and buses). The standard Amazon Rewards card earns 3% at Amazon and Whole Foods, and 1% everywhere else. Both cards also have rotating bonus categories that change quarterly — these usually offer 5% back on things like gas, groceries, or drugstores for a set spending cap.

Outside of these categories, you earn only 1% cash back (or 2% if you have the Prime version and are using it at a restaurant or gas station). This is why many cardholders use a different card for everyday purchases and reserve the Amazon card for places where the rewards are higher. If you spend most of your money at Amazon and Whole Foods, the card pays for itself in rewards. If you spend most of your money elsewhere, you might earn more with a different card.

How to check if a store accepts Visa

Look for the Visa logo at the checkout counter or on the store's website. If you see the four overlapping blue and gold rectangles, the store takes Visa. You can also ask a cashier or call the store's customer service line. Most major retailers, restaurants, and online merchants accept Visa — the exceptions are usually small local businesses, some gas stations that only take cash, and a few specialty stores.

If a store does not accept Visa, it will decline your card at the point of sale. Your card will not be charged, and you will need to pay with a different method. Some stores that do not accept Visa may still accept Mastercard or American Express, so it is worth asking what cards they do take.

Using your Amazon card for online shopping outside Amazon

You can use your Amazon credit card on any website that accepts Visa — this includes retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and thousands of smaller online stores. You will earn 1% cash back on these purchases (2% if you have the Prime version and the purchase is at a restaurant or gas station, though most online retailers do not fall into those categories). The card works the same way online as it does in a physical store: you enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV code at checkout.

Some online retailers offer their own branded credit cards with higher rewards. If you shop frequently at a specific store, you might earn more by using that store's card instead. However, if you shop at many different places, the Amazon card's 1% back everywhere else is a reasonable baseline, and you avoid having to manage multiple cards.

What happens if your card is declined

A Visa decline at a merchant usually means one of three things: the store does not accept Visa, you have hit your credit limit, or Chase has flagged the transaction as potentially fraudulent. If the store does not accept Visa, you will see that when ready and can offer a different payment method. If you have hit your limit, you will need to pay down your balance before you can use the card again.

If Chase blocks the transaction for fraud protection, you may see a temporary decline even though you have available credit. This happens when the purchase looks unusual — for example, if you normally shop locally but suddenly make a large purchase in another state. Call the number on the back of your card to confirm the transaction, and Chase will usually unblock it within minutes. You can also set up purchase notifications in the Chase mobile app so you know right away when your card is used.

International use and currency conversion

You can use your Amazon credit card outside the United States anywhere that accepts Visa. The card will convert your purchase to US dollars, and Chase will charge you a foreign transaction fee — typically 3% of the purchase amount. This fee is added to your bill along with the converted amount. If you travel internationally often, a card with no foreign transaction fee may save you money, but for occasional trips, the Amazon card works fine.

Before you travel, call Chase at the number on the back of your card to let them know you will be using the card abroad. This prevents fraud protection from blocking legitimate purchases. You can also do this through the Chase mobile app by updating your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Amazon credit card at Costco or Sam's Club?

No. Costco and Sam's Club do not accept Visa — they have their own payment agreements. Costco accepts Mastercard and American Express, while Sam's Club accepts Mastercard. If you have a membership to either warehouse, you will need a different card to shop there.

Do I earn Amazon cash back on non-Amazon purchases?

Yes, but at a lower rate. You earn 1% cash back on purchases outside Amazon, Whole Foods, and the rotating bonus categories (2% if you have the Prime version and are buying at a restaurant or gas station). The cash back posts to your Amazon account and can be used toward Amazon purchases or applied to your credit card bill.

What if I use the card at a store that also sells on Amazon?

You earn the in-store rate, not the Amazon rate. For example, if you buy something at a Whole Foods store, you earn 5% cash back. If you buy the same item on Amazon, you also earn 5% cash back. But if you buy it at a different grocery store, you earn only 1% (or 2% if you have the Prime version). The rate depends on where you make the purchase, not on what you are buying.

Can I use my Amazon card to pay bills?

Yes, you can use your Amazon credit card to pay most bills — utilities, insurance, phone service, and so on. However, many billers charge a convenience fee (usually 2% to 3%) if you pay by credit card. You will earn 1% cash back on the purchase, so if the fee is higher than 1%, you lose money. Check whether the biller charges a fee before you use your credit card.

Is there a limit to how much I can spend with my Amazon card?

Your credit limit is set by Chase based on your credit score and income. You can check your limit in the Chase mobile app or online account. If you reach your limit, the card will be declined until you pay down your balance. You can request a credit limit increase through your Chase account, though Chase will review your request and may or may not approve it.