What the Chase Amazon Credit Card is and who it's for

The Chase Amazon Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Chase Bank that gives you cash back on purchases, with higher rewards rates on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. You earn a percentage of what you spend as rewards points, which you can redeem as statement credits or Amazon gift cards. The card has no annual fee.

This card makes sense if you shop on Amazon regularly or spend money at Whole Foods, because the rewards rate is higher there than everywhere else. If you rarely use Amazon or prefer other shopping platforms, a different rewards card might give you better value. The card is available to people with good to excellent credit — typically a credit score of 670 or higher, though Chase does not publish exact score requirements.

Chase also offers a version called the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, which requires an active Amazon Prime membership but offers slightly higher rewards rates. Both cards work the same way; the difference is in the rewards structure and the Prime requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chase Amazon Credit Card earns 3% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods, and 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no annual fee.
  • You need a credit score of roughly 670 or higher to be considered, and Chase will check your credit report when you submit your information.
  • Rewards are redeemed as statement credits or Amazon gift cards, not as points you transfer elsewhere.
  • The card comes with a 0% introductory APR period on purchases for a limited time, after which the regular APR applies to any balance you carry.
  • You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for at least six months and made on-time payments.

How to understand the rewards structure

The card earns 3% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and Whole Foods Market purchases, 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on everything else. The rewards are automatic — you do not have to set up categories or track spending. Every purchase you make earns rewards at the rate that applies to that merchant.

Rewards show up in your account as points, but you redeem them as a statement credit (money off your bill) or as an Amazon.com gift card balance. You cannot transfer points to airline programs or hotel chains. If you carry a balance on the card, you can use your rewards to pay down what you owe, which is often the smartest move because the interest you pay on a balance is usually much higher than the rewards you earn.

There is no minimum redemption amount, so you can redeem rewards as soon as you have earned them. The rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

What happens when you submit your information

When you start the process, Chase will ask for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment status. This information is used to check your credit report and decide whether to approve you. The credit check is a hard inquiry, which means it shows up on your credit report and can lower your credit score by a few points temporarily.

Chase typically makes a decision within minutes to a few hours. You will see the result on screen or receive an email. If you are approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason, and you can call the reconsideration line to ask if there is anything you can do.

If you are approved but offered a lower credit limit than you expected, you can accept it and request an increase later, or you can call Chase's reconsideration team to ask for a higher limit right away. Some people are approved when ready; others are told they need to provide additional documents like a recent pay stub or tax return.

Understanding the introductory APR and regular interest rates

The Chase Amazon Credit Card comes with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a set period — this period varies and is stated in your approval documents. During this time, you can carry a balance without paying interest. Once the introductory period ends, the regular APR kicks in on any remaining balance.

The regular APR (the interest rate you pay on balances you carry month to month) ranges based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Chase does not set a single rate; your rate depends on your credit score and history. You will see your specific APR in your approval documents before you set up the card.

If you plan to carry a balance, the introductory period gives you time to pay it down without interest charges. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest at all, regardless of the APR. This is the most cost-effective way to use any credit card.

Annual fees and other costs

The Chase Amazon Credit Card has no annual fee, which means you are not charged just for holding the card. You only pay interest if you carry a balance past your due date, and you only pay fees if you miss a payment or exceed your credit limit.

Late payment fees start at $25 to $35 for the first missed payment, depending on your account history. Returned payment fees (if a check or automatic payment bounces) are also around $25 to $35. If you go over your credit limit, Chase may charge an over-limit fee, though this is less common now because most cards decline transactions that would exceed your limit.

Foreign transaction fees explore if you use the card outside the United States — typically 3% of the purchase amount. If you travel internationally, this is worth knowing, though many other rewards cards charge the same fee.

How to set up your card and set up your account

When your card arrives in the mail, you will need to set up it before you can use it. You can set up it online through your Chase account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or by making a purchase (some cards set up automatically on first use). set up takes seconds and is usually when ready.

Once activated, you can set up your online account at Chase.com. You will create a username and password, link your bank account if you want to make payments, and set up any alerts or notifications you prefer. You can also read the Chase mobile app to check your balance and make payments from your phone.

Set up automatic payments if you want to avoid missing a due date. You can choose to pay your full statement balance automatically each month, or a fixed amount, or just the minimum payment. Paying the full balance automatically is the easiest way to avoid interest charges and late fees.

What to know about credit limits and requesting increases

Your starting credit limit is determined when you are approved and is based on your credit score, income, and credit history. The limit can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You will see your limit in your approval documents and in your online account.

You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for at least six months and made all your payments on time. Chase allows you to request an increase online through your account, by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or through the mobile app. Some requests are approved when ready; others require a hard inquiry into your credit report.

A higher credit limit can help your credit score in one way (it lowers your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of your available credit that you are using) but can hurt it in another (the hard inquiry lowers your score temporarily). The long-term benefit usually outweighs the short-term dip, especially if you keep your balance low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Amazon Prime to use this card?

No. The regular Chase Amazon Credit Card works without Prime membership. You earn 3% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods whether or not you have Prime. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a separate product that requires an active Prime membership and offers slightly higher rewards rates for Prime members.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Chase typically approves people with a credit score of 670 or higher, though this is not a hard rule. Your score is one factor; Chase also looks at your income, employment history, and existing debts. If your score is below 670, you may still be approved, but approval is less likely.

Can I use this card outside the United States?

Yes, but you will pay a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the US. The card works at most merchants that accept Visa, which is the card network Chase uses for this product. If you travel frequently internationally, a card with no foreign transaction fees might be a better choice.

What happens if I close the card after I get the rewards?

Your rewards do not disappear if you close the card, but closing a card can lower your credit score because it reduces your total available credit and shortens your average account age. If you earn rewards and then close the card when ready, it may look suspicious to Chase and could affect your ability to open other cards with them in the future.

How do I redeem my rewards?

Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app, go to the rewards section, and choose to redeem as a statement credit or Amazon gift card. You can redeem any amount with no minimum. The credit usually appears within one to two business days.