The Amazon Credit Card process Process
You can start an Amazon credit card process online through Amazon's website or through the card issuer's site. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and asks for personal information, income details, and permission to check your credit. Most decisions come back within minutes, though some applications go to a manual review that can take a few business days.
Amazon offers two main cards: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (for non-members). Both are issued by Chase. You do not need to be a Prime member to start an process for either card, but the Prime version offers different rewards and benefits.
The process itself does not cost anything. If you are approved, there is no annual fee for either card. You can begin the process on Amazon.com, on Chase's website, or through a pre-approval offer if you received one by mail or email.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon credit card applications are completed entirely online and take 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.
- You will need your Social Security number, current income, and employment information to complete the process.
- Most applicants receive a decision within minutes; some applications are reviewed manually and take a few business days.
- There is no annual fee for either the Prime or non-Prime Amazon Rewards card, and no cost to explore.
- If you are approved, you can use the card when ready for online purchases while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
What Information You Will Need to Provide
Have your Social Security number, current address, and phone number ready before you start. The process will ask for your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
You will also need to provide employment information: your job title, employer name, and annual income. If you are self-employed, you can enter your business income. The form asks whether you are employed, self-employed, retired, or in another status. Be honest about your income — the issuer uses this to decide your credit limit, not to disqualify you.
Have a valid email address and phone number on hand. Chase will use these to contact you if there are questions about your process or to send you account information after approval.
Where to Start Your process
On Amazon.com: Go to the Amazon credit cards page, select the card you want (Prime Rewards or standard Rewards), and click the button to explore. You will be taken to Chase's process system.
On Chase.com: Visit the Chase credit cards section, find the Amazon card, and start the process there. This route takes you to the same process system.
From a pre-approval offer: If you received a pre-approval letter or email, it will have a link or code to start your process. Using the pre-approval link may speed up the process, though the decision is still based on your credit and income at the time you explore.
All three routes lead to the same Chase process. It does not matter which one you use — the timeline and decision process are the same.
What Happens After You Submit
After you submit your process, Chase runs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This means they pull your full credit history and score. A hard inquiry can lower your credit score by a few points, but the impact is temporary.
Most applicants see a decision on the screen within minutes. If Chase approves you, you will see your credit limit right away. If your process needs more review, you will be told to check back in a few business days or that Chase will contact you by phone or email.
Some applications are flagged for manual review — this happens when your income, credit history, or other details need a closer look. Manual review typically takes two to five business days. Chase may call you to verify information or ask follow-up questions.
Using Your Card Before It Arrives
If you are approved, you can use your Amazon credit card for purchases on Amazon.com when ready, even before the physical card arrives in the mail. You will see a virtual card number in your Amazon account or Chase account that you can use for online shopping right away.
The physical card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just on Amazon.
Your first statement will show any purchases you made with the virtual card number. Make sure to set up a payment method before your first statement closes so you can pay your bill on time.
If Your process Is Denied or Pending
If Chase denies your process, you will see the reason on the screen or receive a letter in the mail. Common reasons include a low credit score, high existing debt, or a short credit history. A denial does not prevent you from explore again in the future — your credit will improve over time.
If your process is pending, check your email and phone for messages from Chase. They may need you to verify your identity, confirm your income, or provide additional information. Respond as soon as you can — the faster you reply, the faster they can make a decision.
You can also call the number on your pre-approval letter or visit Chase.com to check the status of a pending process. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.
Prime Rewards Card vs. Standard Rewards Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is designed for Prime members and offers 5% cash back on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods purchases, 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% cash back on everything else. You do not have to be a Prime member to explore, but the rewards are built for Prime shopping.
The Amazon Rewards Visa Card is for anyone and offers 3% cash back on Amazon purchases, 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% cash back on everything else. This card has no Prime membership requirement.
Both cards have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Both come with fraud protection and purchase protection. The main difference is the cash back rate on Amazon purchases — 5% for Prime members versus 3% for non-members. If you shop on Amazon regularly and have a Prime membership, the Prime card usually pays for itself in rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Prime membership to explore for the Amazon Prime Rewards card?
No. You can explore for the Prime Rewards card without an active Prime membership. However, the card's rewards are designed for Prime members — you get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases only if you have an active Prime membership at the time of purchase. If you do not have Prime, you will earn 1% cash back on Amazon purchases instead.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most applicants receive a decision within minutes of submitting their process online. Some applications go to manual review and take two to five business days. If your process is pending, Chase will contact you by phone or email with next steps.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for the Amazon card. Generally, applicants with a score of 670 or higher have a better chance of approval, but people with lower scores are sometimes approved depending on their income and credit history. The best way to know is to explore — a soft inquiry does not happen until you submit your process.
Can I use my card before the physical card arrives?
Yes. If you are approved, you can use a virtual card number for purchases on Amazon.com and other online retailers right away. The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
What if I was denied?
Chase will tell you the reason for the denial in a letter or on the process screen. Common reasons include a low credit score, high debt, or insufficient credit history. You can explore again in the future as your credit improves. You can also call Chase to ask if there are steps you can take to strengthen your process.