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 everyday purchases, but the Prime version offers higher cash back rates on Amazon and Whole Foods transactions.

This is a standard credit card, not a store card that only works at Amazon. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so your payment history affects your credit score the same way any other credit card does.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amazon Prime Rewards card gives 5% cash back on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else—but you must be a Prime member to open it.
  • The standard Amazon Rewards card gives 3% cash back on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods, and 1% on everything else, with no Prime membership required.
  • You can redeem cash back as a statement credit, a deposit to your bank account, or as Amazon.com balance—there is no minimum redemption amount.
  • Chase reviews your credit score, income, and credit history before deciding whether to issue the card; most approvals happen within minutes, but some applications require additional review.
  • You pay an annual fee of $0 on both versions, but you do pay interest on any balance you carry month to month.

Rewards Rates and How to Redeem Them

The Amazon Prime Rewards card earns 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases (up to $500 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1% after that), 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. You must maintain an active Prime membership to keep the higher rates; if your membership lapses, your cash back drops to the standard card's rates.

The Amazon Rewards card earns 3% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, and 1% on everything else. There is no quarterly cap on the 3% rate.

You can redeem your cash back in three ways: as a statement credit (applied to your card balance), as a direct deposit to a linked bank account, or as Amazon.com balance. There is no minimum redemption amount—you can redeem $1 if you want. Cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open.

How to Open an Amazon Credit Card Account

You start by visiting Chase's website or Amazon's credit card page and selecting which version you want. You will enter your Social Security number, income, employment status, and current address. Chase will pull your credit report and make a decision within minutes in most cases.

If Chase approves you when ready, you can begin using your card number for online purchases right away. A physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If Chase needs more information, you will receive an email or phone call asking for details like recent tax returns or proof of income.

If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a credit score below their minimum threshold (typically around 670), recent late payments, or high existing debt relative to your income. You can reapply after addressing these issues, though Chase generally recommends waiting at least 30 days between applications.

Credit Score and Approval Factors

Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for the Amazon card, but most cardholders report approval with scores in the 670 to 700 range or higher. Your actual approval odds depend on your full credit profile: payment history, total debt, length of credit history, and recent credit inquiries all matter.

If you have a recent late payment, a high credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe divided by your total credit limits), or multiple recent hard inquiries from other credit applications, your odds of approval drop. Conversely, if you have a long history of on-time payments and low balances, you are more likely to be approved even with a lower score.

Opening this card will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. This inquiry stays on your report for about 12 months but stops affecting your score after about six months.

Annual Fees, Interest Rates, and Other Costs

Both versions of the Amazon credit card have a $0 annual fee. You will not be charged 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 based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Most cardholders see APRs between 18% and 24%, though some with excellent credit may receive lower rates. Chase will tell you your specific APR before you accept the card.

You will also pay late fees if your payment is more than 60 days overdue, and you may face a penalty APR (a higher interest rate) if you miss a payment by 60 days or more. The best way to avoid these costs is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.

How Payments and Account Management Work

Your statement closes on the same date each month (Chase assigns this when you open the account). You then have a grace period—usually 21 to 25 days—to pay your balance before interest charges begin. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you owe no interest, regardless of how much you spent.

You can make payments online through Chase's website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Chase branch. You can also set up automatic payments so your full balance or a minimum amount is paid on a date you choose each month.

You can view your account, check your rewards balance, redeem cash back, and update your contact information through the Chase mobile app or website. If you have questions or need to report fraud, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card.

Prime Membership and Card Benefits

If you hold the Amazon Prime Rewards card, you must maintain an active Prime membership to receive the 5% cash back rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. Prime membership costs $139 per year (or $14.99 per month) and includes free two-day shipping on millions of items, access to Prime Video, and other benefits.

If your Prime membership expires or you cancel it, your cash back rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases drops to 1% when ready. You can reactivate Prime at any time and your higher rates return. The card itself remains active even if you let your Prime membership lapse, but the rewards rates change.

If you do not have Prime and do not plan to get it, the standard Amazon Rewards card is the better choice. The 3% rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases does not require membership and does not have a quarterly cap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this card outside the United States?

Yes, you can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted internationally. However, Chase charges a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the U.S. This fee is added to your statement. If you travel frequently, you may want to compare this card to other travel rewards cards that waive foreign transaction fees.

What happens to my rewards if I close the card?

Any cash back you have already earned stays in your account for 90 days after you close the card. After 90 days, unredeemed rewards are forfeited. You should redeem all your cash back before closing the account if you want to keep it.

Does this card help me build credit?

Yes. The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so your payment history and credit utilization affect your credit score. Making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit will help your score improve over time. However, opening any new credit card temporarily lowers your score due to the hard inquiry and the new account.

Can I transfer my rewards to airline miles or hotel points?

No. Amazon credit card rewards can only be redeemed as a statement credit, a bank account deposit, or Amazon.com balance. You cannot transfer them to airline or hotel loyalty programs. If you want rewards that transfer to travel partners, you would need a different rewards card.

What if I am denied for the card?

You can contact Chase to ask why you were denied. Common reasons include a credit score below their threshold, recent late payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after waiting 30 days and addressing the issue (such as paying down balances or letting late payments age off your report). Some people are approved on a second process after their credit profile improves.