The Amazon Credit Card Gives You Rewards on Amazon Purchases and Rotating Categories

The Amazon credit card — issued by Chase — pays you cash back on purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods, plus rotating categories that change each quarter. The card comes in two versions: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (for non-members). Prime members earn 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. Non-members earn 3% at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases.

The rotating categories typically include groceries, gas, drugstores, and transit — each quarter Amazon announces which category earns 5% cash back that period, capped at $1,500 in purchases per quarter (then 1% after). You need to set up each quarter's category through your Chase account to earn the higher rate. The cash back posts as a statement credit or can be redeemed toward Amazon purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Prime members earn 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, which is higher than most general rewards cards offer on any single merchant.
  • The rotating 5% categories require quarterly set up, so you must log into your Chase account each quarter to earn the advertised rate.
  • The card has no annual fee, making it cost-neutral even if you use it only occasionally.
  • Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit or applied directly to Amazon purchases, giving you flexibility in how you use the reward.

When the 5% Rate on Amazon Spending Matters Most

If you spend $2,000 or more per year on Amazon, the 5% rate starts to add real value. At $2,000 annually, you earn $100 in cash back; at $5,000, you earn $250. That advantage only applies if you're a Prime member — non-members get 3%, which is competitive with some general cards but not exceptional.

The card also covers Whole Foods purchases at the same 5% rate (for Prime members), which extends the benefit beyond Amazon's website. If you already shop at Whole Foods regularly, this stacks the reward. However, if you rarely visit either merchant, the card's value shrinks to the 1% or 2% you earn on other purchases — rates that most cash-back cards match or exceed.

How the Rotating Categories Work and What You Need to Do

Each quarter (January, April, July, October), Amazon announces which category earns 5% cash back. Recent quarters have included groceries, gas stations, drugstores, and transit. The catch is that you must set up the category through your Chase account before the quarter begins — the card does not automatically earn the higher rate.

set up takes two minutes: log into your Chase account, find the Amazon card, and click "set up" next to the current quarter's category. If you forget to set up, you earn only 1% on those purchases. The 5% rate also caps at $1,500 in purchases per quarter; after that, you earn 1%. For most households, $1,500 per quarter (roughly $500 per month) is enough to hit the cap in a single category, so the limit rarely matters unless you spend heavily in that category.

No Annual Fee and Other Card Features

The Amazon credit card has no annual fee, which means there's no cost to holding it even if you use it sparingly. This removes the math you'd need to do with premium cards that charge $95 or more annually — you don't have to earn enough rewards to break even.

The card includes standard Chase benefits: fraud protection, purchase protection (covers items damaged or stolen within 120 days), and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access purchases. Prime members also get a one-time $70 statement credit when they open the card, though this offer changes periodically. There's no sign-up bonus for non-members, so the card's value depends entirely on your spending patterns.

How This Card Compares to Other Rewards Cards

The Amazon card's main advantage is the 5% rate on Amazon and Whole Foods — few other cards match that on a single merchant without annual fees. However, general cash-back cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited earn 1.5% on all purchases with no categories to track, which can be simpler if you value convenience over maximum rewards.

If you spend heavily on groceries, gas, or dining, a card with rotating 5% categories (like the Chase Freedom Flex) might earn more overall, since those categories often represent larger spending than Amazon alone. The Amazon card wins if Amazon and Whole Foods are your largest regular purchases. It loses if you rarely visit either merchant or if you prefer a single flat rate across all spending.

When You Might Not Want This Card

If you're not a Prime member, the 3% Amazon rate is less compelling — you can earn 2% flat on most general cards, and the difference shrinks. If you don't shop at Amazon or Whole Foods regularly, the card's rewards collapse to 1% or 2% on other purchases, which is below average for cash-back cards.

The card also requires you to remember to set up rotating categories each quarter. If you forget, you miss the 5% rate that quarter. Some people find this friction annoying enough to choose a simpler flat-rate card instead. Additionally, if you carry a balance and pay interest, the rewards won't offset the cost — the card's APR is variable and typically in the range of other Chase cards, so it's best used as a card you pay off monthly.

How to Decide If This Card Fits Your Spending

Start by adding up your annual Amazon and Whole Foods spending. If it's under $1,000 per year, the 5% rate saves you less than $50 annually, which may not justify the mental overhead of tracking another card. If it's $2,000 or more, the savings become meaningful — $100 to $250 per year depending on your total.

Next, check whether you're a Prime member. The card's advantage is much larger for members (5% vs. 3%), so non-members should compare it directly to flat-rate cards. Finally, consider whether you'll remember to set up rotating categories. If you know you'll forget, a simpler card might serve you better even if the math says this one would earn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Both Prime members and non-members can open the card. Prime members earn 5% on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases; non-members earn 3%. The card itself has no annual fee regardless of membership status.

What happens if I forget to set up a rotating category?

You earn 1% cash back on that category for the quarter instead of 5%. set up is free and takes two minutes through your Chase account. You can set up past-quarter categories if you realize you missed them, though the higher rate applies only to future purchases in that quarter.

Can I use this card outside the US?

Yes, the card works internationally. However, foreign transactions typically carry a 3% fee, which reduces the value of your rewards. If you travel frequently, a card with no foreign transaction fee may be better for international spending.

Does the cash back expire?

No. Cash back posted to your account does not expire. You can let it accumulate and redeem it whenever you choose, either as a statement credit or toward Amazon purchases.

What's the difference between the Prime Rewards card and the regular Amazon Rewards card?

The main difference is the cash-back rate: Prime members earn 5% on Amazon and Whole Foods, while non-members earn 3%. Both cards have no annual fee. Prime members also receive a one-time statement credit when opening the card, though this offer varies.