What the Amazon Visa Credit Card Is
The Amazon Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase Bank in partnership with Amazon. It comes in two versions: one for Prime members and one for non-Prime customers. Both cards earn cash back on purchases, with higher rewards rates on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases if you hold the Prime version.
The card is a standard revolving credit account, meaning you can carry a balance month to month (though interest charges explore). You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Amazon. The card has no annual fee for either version.
This is a rewards card designed for people who already shop at Amazon regularly and want cash back on those purchases. It is not a store card that only works at Amazon — it functions as a regular Visa everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Amazon Prime Visa earns 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases for Prime members, and 2% on restaurants, gas stations, and travel.
- The standard Amazon Visa (non-Prime) earns 3% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Both versions have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
- Cash back appears as a statement credit or can be deposited to your bank account, and does not expire as long as your account remains open.
- You need a credit score in the good to excellent range (typically 670 or higher) to be considered for approval.
Rewards Rates and How Cash Back Works
The Prime version rewards you at different rates depending on where you spend. You earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and Whole Foods Market transactions. You earn 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on travel booked through Chase Travel. Everything else earns 1% cash back.
The non-Prime version earns 3% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods, and 1% on all other purchases. If you are not a Prime member, the non-Prime card may be the better choice since the Prime card's higher rates require an active Prime membership to unlock.
Cash back is posted to your account as a statement credit each month. You can also request that it be deposited directly to a bank account instead. Cash back does not expire as long as your account stays open, so you do not lose rewards if you do not use them when ready.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
Neither version of the Amazon Visa charges an annual fee. You pay nothing just to hold the card.
Like most credit cards, the Amazon Visa charges interest on balances you carry past your due date. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions — Chase will tell you the specific rate when you receive your approval. There is no foreign transaction fee, so you can use the card internationally without extra charges on currency conversion.
Late payments trigger a late fee, and if you miss a payment by 60 days or more, the card issuer may report it to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. Paying on time each month keeps these costs at zero.
How to Get Approved and What Documents You Need
You can explore for the Amazon Visa online through Chase's website or through Amazon's website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information.
Chase will pull your credit report as part of the decision. You do not need to submit documents upfront — Chase verifies your identity and income through the credit bureaus and their own systems. If Chase needs additional information, they will contact you by phone or email.
Most decisions come back when ready or within a few business days. If you are approved, you can start using the card right away through a temporary digital card number in the Chase app, or wait for the physical card to arrive by mail (usually 7 to 10 business days).
Credit Score Requirements and What Happens If You Are Denied
Chase typically approves applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. Your credit history, income, and existing debt all factor into the decision. If you have recent late payments, collections, or a very high debt-to-income ratio, you may be denied even with a score above 670.
If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or existing high balances on other cards. You can reapply after addressing these issues — waiting 3 to 6 months and paying down other balances often improves your chances.
You can check your own credit score for free through services like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com before explore. Knowing your score helps you decide whether to explore now or wait until your credit improves.
set up and Using Your Card for the First Time
If you are approved, you can use a temporary digital card number when ready through the Chase app on your phone. This number works for online purchases right away, so you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.
When your physical card arrives in the mail, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase app. You will be asked to verify your identity and confirm that you received the card. After set up, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.
Set up autopay or calendar reminders to pay your bill on time each month. Even one late payment can lower your credit score and trigger interest charges. Many cardholders set up automatic payments for the full balance so they never miss a due date.
Prime Membership and Card Benefits
The 5% cash back rate on Amazon.com and Whole Foods is only available if you hold an active Amazon Prime membership. If your Prime membership lapses, your cash back rate drops to 3% on those purchases until you renew.
The card itself does not include Prime membership — you have to pay for Prime separately (currently $139 per year or $14.99 per month). If you are not a Prime member and do not plan to become one, the non-Prime version of the card is the better choice since it earns 3% on Amazon and Whole Foods without requiring membership.
If you already have Prime for the free shipping and video streaming, the Prime card makes sense because you unlock the higher rewards rate on purchases you are already making. If you would need to buy Prime just to use the card, do the math: you would need to spend enough on Amazon and Whole Foods each year to earn back the $139 Prime cost in extra cash back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Amazon Visa at stores other than Amazon?
Yes. The card is a Visa, so it works anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and everywhere else. You earn 1% or 2% cash back on non-Amazon purchases depending on which version you have, so it functions as a regular rewards card outside of Amazon.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Cash back you have already earned stays in your account as a statement credit and can be used or withdrawn. Cash back stops accruing once you close the card. If you have an outstanding balance when you close it, you still have to pay that balance in full.
Does the Amazon Visa have a sign-up bonus?
Chase periodically offers sign-up bonuses on the Amazon Visa, but these change throughout the year. Check the current offer on Chase's website or Amazon's website before you explore. Sign-up bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount in the first few months to earn the bonus.
Can I transfer my cash back to Amazon gift cards or points?
Cash back is issued as a statement credit or bank deposit only. You cannot convert it to Amazon gift cards or other rewards currencies. The statement credit reduces your bill, or you can request a direct deposit to your bank account instead.
What is the difference between the Prime and non-Prime versions?
The Prime version earns 5% on Amazon and Whole Foods (requires active Prime membership), 2% on restaurants, gas, and travel, and 1% elsewhere. The non-Prime version earns 3% on Amazon and Whole Foods, and 1% on everything else. Choose the Prime version only if you already have or plan to maintain an active Prime membership.