What you need to do to get an Amazon credit card

You can get an Amazon credit card by going to the Amazon.com website, finding the credit card offer in their store, and completing an online form with Chase Bank, which issues the card. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you'll know within seconds whether you've been approved. You don't need to visit a store or call anyone — the entire thing happens on your computer or phone.

Amazon offers two main credit card products: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card (for anyone). Both are issued by Chase. The main difference is the rewards rate — Prime members earn higher cash back on Amazon purchases. Both cards charge no annual fee.

The card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You can use it when ready for online purchases at Amazon once Chase sends you the card number by email or text, usually the same day you're approved.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly through Amazon.com or Chase.com, and Chase makes the approval decision in seconds based on your credit history and income.
  • Amazon Prime members earn 5% cash back on Amazon purchases and 2% at gas stations and restaurants; non-Prime members earn 3% on Amazon purchases and 1% elsewhere.
  • There is no annual fee, and you can start using the card number for online purchases the same day you're approved, before the physical card arrives.
  • You'll need a Social Security number, current address, employment status, and annual income to complete the process.
  • Chase will check your credit report, so your credit score and existing debt affect whether you're approved and what interest rate you receive.

Where to start the process

Go to Amazon.com and scroll to the bottom of any page. Look for a link that says "Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card" or "Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card" — the exact link changes depending on which card you're may be able to access for. Click it, and you'll be taken to a Chase process page.

Alternatively, you can go directly to Chase.com, search for "Amazon credit card," and click the card you want. Both routes lead to the same process form. If you're already logged into your Amazon account, some of your information (like your name and address) may pre-fill.

You can also call Chase at the number on the back of any Chase credit card you already have, but the online process is faster and you'll get an when ready decision.

Information you'll need to provide

Have these details ready before you start:

  • Your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number
  • Your current mailing address and phone number
  • Your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or unemployed)
  • Your employer's name and industry (if employed)
  • Your annual gross income — this includes salary, self-employment income, investment income, and any other regular income
  • Whether you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

The form also asks whether you want to link the card to an existing Chase account. If you have other Chase cards or a Chase bank account, you can link them, but it's optional.

What Chase checks before approving you

Chase pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). They look at your credit score, payment history, how much debt you already carry, and how long you've had credit accounts open. This is called a hard inquiry, and it temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

Chase also verifies your income and employment using the information you provided. They may contact your employer or check public records. If your income seems inconsistent with your credit history, they may ask for pay stubs or tax returns before making a final decision.

You'll see a decision on screen when ready after you submit the form — either approved, approved with conditions, or denied. If you're denied, Chase will mail you a letter explaining why within 30 days, and you can dispute any errors on your credit report with the bureau that reported them.

How to use your card number before the physical card arrives

If you're approved, Chase sends your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code) by email or text message within minutes. You can use this number to make purchases on Amazon.com, other websites, and over the phone right away.

You cannot use the card number in a physical store until the plastic card arrives in the mail. The card itself takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Chase account online.

Set up automatic payments or at least a calendar reminder for your due date. Your first bill is due about 21 days after your first purchase. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you won't pay interest.

Rewards and benefits you get with the card

The rewards structure depends on which card you have. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card members earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card (non-Prime) members earn 3% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% elsewhere.

Cash back is automatically credited to your Amazon account as an Amazon balance. You can use it to buy anything on Amazon, or you can request it as a statement credit (a reduction in what you owe Chase). There's no limit to how much cash back you can earn, and it doesn't expire as long as your account stays open.

Both cards come with purchase protection (Chase refunds you if something you bought is damaged or not as described), extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items, and roadside information if you break down while traveling. You also get access to Amazon's 24/7 customer service line for card questions.

What happens if you're denied

If Chase denies your process, you can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com (the only free, official source) to see if there are errors. Dispute any mistakes with the credit bureau directly — this can take 30 to 45 days but may improve your score enough to be approved next time.

If your score is low because of missed payments or high debt, focus on paying down balances and making all payments on time for at least three to six months before reapplying. Some people are approved for a lower credit limit on their first attempt; if that happens, you can request a higher limit after six months of on-time payments.

If you don't have any credit history yet (you're new to the country or very young), you may need to build credit first with a secured credit card or become an authorized user on someone else's account before Chase will approve you for this card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Prime member to get the Amazon credit card?

No. Amazon offers two versions: one for Prime members (with higher rewards) and one for anyone. If you're not a Prime member, you'll be shown the standard Amazon Rewards card. You don't have to join Prime to use the card, though the Prime version gives better cash back on Amazon purchases.

Can I use the card outside of Amazon?

Yes. Both cards work anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, everywhere. You earn 1% or 2% cash back on non-Amazon purchases depending on the category. The highest rewards (5% or 3%) are only on Amazon.com purchases.

What's the interest rate if I carry a balance?

Chase doesn't publish a single rate — your rate depends on your credit score and credit history. It typically ranges from 16% to 24% annually, but you'll see your specific rate before you accept the card. You can avoid interest entirely by paying your full balance by the due date each month.

How long does it take to get approved?

You get a decision on screen when ready after submitting the process — usually within 60 seconds. If you're approved, your card number arrives by email or text within minutes. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I transfer my Amazon balance to my bank account?

No. Cash back earned through the card stays in your Amazon account as an Amazon balance and can only be used to buy things on Amazon or request a statement credit (which reduces your Chase bill). You cannot transfer it to a bank account or withdraw it as cash.