What people actually discuss about Amazon credit cards online
Reddit threads about Amazon credit cards focus on three things: whether the rewards are worth the annual fee, how the card performs against competitors, and whether approval is realistic for people with fair credit. The most common posts come from people deciding between the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Prime Store Card, or from cardholders asking whether to keep the card after their first year.
The conversations are useful because they come from people who have actually used the card for months or years, not from marketing copy. You will see real approval stories, actual reward redemption experiences, and honest complaints about customer service. Reddit users also post about specific situations — what happens if your Prime membership lapses, whether the card works internationally, and how the rewards compare if you do not shop on Amazon regularly.
Key Takeaways
- Reddit users most often discuss the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, which charges a $39 annual fee and offers 5% back on Amazon purchases and Prime Video.
- People with fair credit report approval more often than denial, though some say they were approved with scores in the 650 to 700 range.
- The main complaint is that rewards only reach 5% on Amazon purchases; outside Amazon, the card pays 1% or 2%, which users say is below average for premium cards.
- Cardholders debate whether the $39 annual fee is worth keeping if you spend less than $800 per year on Amazon, since that is roughly the breakeven point.
- Reddit discussions often mention that the Store Card (no annual fee) is better for occasional shoppers, while the Visa Signature Card suits people who buy on Amazon monthly.
The two Amazon cards people compare most often
Reddit threads usually pit the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card against the Amazon Prime Store Card. The Visa Signature is a Mastercard you can use anywhere; it costs $39 per year and gives 5% back on Amazon and Prime Video purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. The Store Card is free but only works at Amazon.com and Whole Foods; it gives 5% back on both.
Users say the choice depends on whether you shop outside Amazon. If you buy groceries, gas, or other goods elsewhere, the Visa Signature makes sense despite the fee. If Amazon is your only regular purchase, the free Store Card is the smarter pick. Reddit users also note that the Visa Signature comes with travel protections and purchase protection, while the Store Card does not.
One recurring point: the Visa Signature requires an active Prime membership to earn the 5% rate. If your membership lapses, the card drops to 3% on Amazon purchases. Store Card users report the same rule applies there.
Approval odds and credit score discussions
Reddit users with credit scores between 650 and 750 report approval fairly often, though some say they were denied or approved for a lower credit limit than expected. People with scores above 750 rarely report denial. The card appears to be easier to get than some premium travel cards, but harder than store cards with no annual fee.
Several threads mention that Amazon pulls from Visa's underwriting, not Amazon's own lending team, so the approval process follows standard credit card rules. Users note that recent hard inquiries, high utilization on other cards, and recent delinquencies seem to matter more than a single low score.
One pattern that appears across multiple Reddit communities: people who were denied often reapply after three to six months of on-time payments and report approval the second time. This suggests the card is not a hard no for fair-credit applicants, but timing and recent payment history matter.
Real reward redemption and the annual fee math
Reddit users who track their spending report that the $39 annual fee breaks even around $800 in annual Amazon purchases. At that level, the 5% reward ($40) covers the fee. Below $800, the Store Card (free, 5% back) wins. Above $800, the Visa Signature wins because of the extra 2% at gas stations and restaurants.
A common complaint is that 2% at gas and restaurants is not competitive. Users point out that other premium cards offer 3% or higher in those categories. Several threads mention that if you do not use gas or restaurants much, the card is really just a 5% Amazon card with a $39 fee, which feels thin.
Redemption itself is straightforward: rewards post as a statement credit automatically. Reddit users say there is no points system to manage, no transfer options, and no way to cash out — the credit just reduces your bill. Some users like this simplicity; others say it limits flexibility.
Common complaints and frustrations
The most frequent complaint is that the card does not compete well outside Amazon. Users compare it to cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X and note that those cards offer higher rewards on travel, dining, and everyday purchases. The Amazon card feels narrow by comparison.
A second complaint is about customer service. Several Reddit threads mention that Amazon credit card support is handled by Synchrony Bank, not Amazon directly, and that wait times are long. Users also report that disputes take longer to resolve than with other card issuers.
A third issue is the Prime membership requirement. Users say that if your membership lapses — even for a month — your rewards rate drops when ready, and you may not notice until you check your next statement. One user reported that the card did not remind them their Prime was expiring.
Finally, some users mention that the card does not offer a sign-up bonus, unlike most premium cards. This means there is no incentive to open it other than the ongoing rewards, which some see as a disadvantage when deciding whether to explore.
Who Reddit users say should and should not get this card
Across multiple subreddits, the consensus is that the Visa Signature Card makes sense if you meet three conditions: you have an active Prime membership, you spend at least $800 per year on Amazon, and you use gas stations or restaurants regularly enough to earn 2% there. If you miss any of those, users recommend the free Store Card or a different card entirely.
Reddit users also mention that the card is worth keeping if you use Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods, since both earn 5%. One user noted that their weekly Whole Foods trips alone justified the annual fee, even though their Amazon purchases were light.
For people who shop on Amazon only once or twice a year, or who have not yet built credit, Reddit users consistently recommend starting with the Store Card or waiting until you have a higher credit score and more spending to justify the fee.
What Reddit does not tell you
Reddit threads focus on rewards and approval, but they often skip over the fine print. The card does have a foreign transaction fee (3%), so it is not ideal for international travel. It also does not offer extended warranty or return protection beyond what Mastercard provides. These details matter less if you only use the card domestically, but they are worth knowing.
Reddit users also rarely discuss the card's relationship to your Amazon account. The card is tied to your Amazon login, which means if your account is compromised, your payment method is at risk. This is not unique to Amazon, but it is worth considering if you use a weak password or share your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Prime to get approved for the Amazon credit card?
No. You can open the card without an active membership. However, you will not earn the 5% reward rate on Amazon purchases unless your membership is active at the time of purchase. If you plan to use the card, having Prime makes the rewards worthwhile.
What happens to my rewards if I cancel Prime?
Your rewards rate drops from 5% to 3% on Amazon purchases when ready. The 2% at gas and restaurants stays the same. Reddit users say this change is not always obvious, so check your account if your Prime lapses.
Can I use this card outside the US?
Yes, but you will pay a 3% foreign transaction fee on all purchases. Reddit users who travel internationally say this makes the card less useful abroad than domestic cards without that fee. The card works in most countries, but the fee adds up quickly.
Is the Store Card or Visa Signature better for someone who shops on Amazon once a month?
The free Store Card is better unless you also spend regularly at gas stations or restaurants. One Reddit user calculated that monthly Amazon spending of $50 to $70 does not generate enough rewards to cover the $39 annual fee, even with the 2% categories included.
How long does approval take?
Reddit users report decisions within minutes to a few hours. Most approvals come through when ready or within 24 hours. If you are not approved when ready, you can call the number on the process to speak with a representative, though wait times are often long.