When it comes to online shopping, Amazon offers a variety of credit cards that provide consumers with significant rewards and cashback benefits. Whether you’re a frequent Amazon shopper or looking for a way to save on purchases, the Amazon Credit Card is a great tool to enhance your shopping experience. In this article, we will explore the various features, benefits, and use cases of the Amazon Credit Card. Additionally, we’ll compare some of the best Amazon credit cards and show you how to apply and make the most of their rewards.
What is the Amazon Credit Card?
The Amazon Credit Card is a series of credit cards issued by Amazon in partnership with Chase (for Visa cards) or Synchrony Bank (for store and secured cards). These cards are designed to reward frequent Amazon shoppers with cashback, exclusive discounts, and financing options. Each card comes with a unique set of features tailored to meet different customer needs, making them ideal for anyone who regularly shops on Amazon or at Whole Foods Market.
There are four main types of Amazon Credit Cards, each offering varying benefits and rewards:
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: This card is exclusive to Amazon Prime members and offers 5% cashback on all Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases. It also provides 2% cashback at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases.
- Amazon Rewards Visa Card: For non-Prime members, this card still provides competitive cashback rewards with 3% back on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases, 2% back on gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. It comes with no annual fee and is a great option for general Amazon shoppers.
- Amazon Store Card: This is a store-specific card that can only be used on Amazon.com. Prime members get 5% back on all purchases, along with special financing options on large orders. However, the card is limited to Amazon purchases and can’t be used elsewhere.
- Amazon Secured Card: This card is designed for those looking to build or rebuild their credit. It requires a refundable security deposit but offers similar cashback benefits as the Amazon Store Card for Prime members. It’s a helpful tool for establishing a solid credit history.
Each of these cards provides unique benefits depending on your shopping habits. They offer a range of perks, from cashback rewards on everyday purchases to exclusive financing options for large purchases, making them a valuable financial tool for both regular and occasional Amazon customers.
Key Features of the Amazon Credit Cards
- Cashback Rewards: Depending on the card, you can earn 3% to 5% cashback on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases.
- Financing Options: Some cards offer 0% interest financing on qualifying purchases for a set period, making large purchases more affordable.
- No Annual Fees: Except for the Prime Visa card (which requires an Amazon Prime membership), most Amazon credit cards come with no annual fees, making them cost-effective.
- Wide Usability: Amazon Visa cards can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, providing cashback on various everyday purchases like gas, dining, and drugstores.
The Amazon Credit Cards cater to a variety of financial needs, from earning rewards on daily expenses to improving credit scores. Whether you’re a loyal Amazon shopper or someone looking to improve your financial standing, there’s an Amazon credit card designed to fit your needs.
Benefits of Using the Amazon Credit Card
The Amazon Credit Card offers numerous advantages, especially for frequent shoppers on Amazon and at Whole Foods Market. Whether you’re looking to maximize your cashback rewards, take advantage of exclusive financing options, or simply build your credit, an Amazon Credit Card can enhance your shopping experience and provide significant financial benefits. Let’s dive deeper into the specific benefits of using the Amazon Credit Card.
1. Maximized Cashback Rewards
One of the standout features of Amazon Credit Cards is the cashback rewards. Depending on which card you choose, you can earn between 3% and 5% cashback on purchases made on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. This is an excellent perk for anyone who frequently shops on Amazon, as these cashback percentages are among the highest offered by any credit card for retail purchases.
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll receive 5% cashback on every purchase made on Amazon and Whole Foods Market. This cashback can be applied to future purchases, or you can redeem it for statement credits or gift cards.
- Amazon Rewards Visa Card: Even non-Prime members can enjoy 3% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases, along with 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
This means that every time you shop, you are essentially earning money back, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants to save on their everyday expenses. For example, if you spend $500 a month on Amazon as a Prime member, you could earn $25 in cashback each month.
2. Exclusive Financing Options
Amazon Credit Cards offer special financing deals that make it easier to manage larger purchases without paying interest. For qualified purchases, you can select from 0% APR financing options ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on the purchase amount. This feature allows you to make more expensive purchases and pay them off over time without incurring additional interest charges.
For example:
- 6-month financing for purchases over $150.
- 12-month financing for purchases over $600.
- 24-month financing for select large purchases, such as electronics or home appliances.
This makes the Amazon Credit Card an excellent option if you plan to buy big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, or appliances but prefer to spread the cost over several months.
3. No Annual Fees (for Most Cards)
With the Amazon Rewards Visa Card, Amazon Store Card, and Amazon Secured Card, there are no annual fees to worry about. This makes the Amazon Credit Card a cost-effective solution for earning cashback and gaining access to financing options without having to pay an additional yearly fee.
The only card with a fee is the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, but that’s because it requires you to have an active Amazon Prime membership ($139/year). However, the value of the 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases often outweighs the cost of the membership, making it a great investment for frequent Amazon shoppers.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For travelers or international shoppers, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card come with no foreign transaction fees. This means you can use your card for purchases abroad without incurring the typical 3% foreign transaction fee that most credit cards charge. This is especially beneficial for those who travel frequently or make international purchases online.
5. Credit Building Opportunities
The Amazon Secured Card is specifically designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit. This card requires a refundable security deposit as collateral, which serves as your credit limit. Over time, with responsible use (such as making payments on time), you can improve your credit score and potentially qualify for other types of credit cards in the future.
Key benefits of the Amazon Secured Card include:
- 5% cashback for Prime members on Amazon purchases.
- A path to upgrading to an unsecured Amazon Store Card after demonstrating responsible credit usage.
This makes the Amazon Secured Card an excellent option for those starting their credit journey or those working to repair their credit history.
6. Additional Shopping Perks and Discounts
Amazon Credit Cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts and access to early shopping events. This is particularly beneficial during major sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday, where cardholders may receive extra discounts or early access to limited-time deals. Additionally, many cardholders are eligible for special financing offers on Amazon purchases, which can be extremely valuable when purchasing high-cost items.
Best Amazon Credit Cards Compared
There are several Amazon credit card options available, each catering to different needs. Below are 3 top Amazon credit cards along with detailed information and comparisons:
1. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Cashback: 5% on Amazon and Whole Foods Market, 2% on gas, restaurants, and drugstores, 1% elsewhere.
- Annual Fee: $0 (Requires Amazon Prime membership, which is $139/year).
- Pros: High cashback on Amazon purchases, no foreign transaction fees.
- Cons: Requires Prime membership.
- Price: $0 (Prime membership required).
- Features: 5% cashback for Prime members, financing offers.
2. Amazon Rewards Visa Card
- Cashback: 3% on Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% on gas, restaurants, and drugstores, 1% elsewhere.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Pros: Solid cashback rewards with no annual fee, available for non-Prime members.
- Cons: Lower rewards rate than the Prime card.
- Price: $0.
- Features: 3% cashback on Amazon, 2% at other select categories.
3. Amazon Store Card
- Cashback: 5% back on Amazon.com purchases for Prime members.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Pros: Simple, straightforward cashback for Amazon purchases.
- Cons: Can only be used for Amazon.com purchases.
- Price: $0.
- Features: 5% back on Amazon purchases, financing options for large orders.
4. Amazon Secured Card
- Cashback: 5% on Amazon purchases (Prime members).
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Pros: Ideal for building or rebuilding credit.
- Cons: Requires a security deposit.
- Price: $0.
- Features: Credit-building tool, cashback for Prime members.
Comparison Table
| Card Name | Cashback | Annual Fee | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature | 5% on Amazon & Whole Foods, 2% on gas/restaurants | $0 (Prime required) | High cashback, no foreign transaction fees | Requires Prime membership | Frequent Amazon shoppers with Prime |
| Amazon Rewards Visa | 3% on Amazon & Whole Foods, 2% on gas/restaurants | $0 | No annual fee, decent rewards | Lower rewards rate than Prime card | General Amazon shoppers |
| Amazon Store Card | 5% on Amazon purchases | $0 | Straightforward cashback | Only usable on Amazon purchases | Prime members with large purchases |
| Amazon Secured Card | 5% on Amazon (Prime members) | $0 | Builds credit, cashback | Requires a security deposit | People building credit |
How to Apply for an Amazon Credit Card
Applying for an Amazon Credit Card is simple, and you can do it online in just a few steps:
- Choose Your Card: Visit the Amazon Credit Card page to select the card that suits your needs.
- Fill Out the Application: Provide basic information, such as your name, address, income, and social security number.
- Review Terms: Be sure to review the APR, fees, and rewards details before submitting your application.
- Submit: Once you’ve filled out all the necessary fields, submit your application. You’ll usually get a decision within minutes.
- Receive Your Card: If approved, your Amazon Credit Card will be mailed to you within a few business days. Once activated, you can start enjoying the rewards and perks!
Where to Use Amazon Credit Cards
Amazon Credit Cards can be used on Amazon.com, Whole Foods Market, and wherever Visa is accepted (for Visa-based cards). For store-specific cards like the Amazon Store Card, you’ll only be able to use it on Amazon.com.
With the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa and Amazon Rewards Visa, you’ll not only earn cashback on Amazon purchases but also at restaurants, gas stations, drugstores, and other everyday locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What credit score is required for an Amazon Credit Card?
Most Amazon credit cards require a good credit score (around 670 and above). However, the Amazon Secured Card is designed for individuals building or repairing their credit. - Can I use my Amazon Credit Card outside the US?
Yes, both the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature and Amazon Rewards Visa have no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international use. - Do Amazon Credit Cards offer purchase protection?
Yes, cards like the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature offer purchase protection, including extended warranty and damage protection on qualifying purchases. - Is there an annual fee for Amazon Credit Cards?
Most Amazon credit cards have no annual fee. The exception is the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa, which requires an active Prime membership ($139/year). - Can I manage my Amazon Credit Card online?
Yes, you can manage your card via the Chase online portal (for Visa cards) or through Amazon.com (for the store and secured cards), where you can view balances, rewards, and make payments.
The Amazon Credit Card offers a wide range of benefits for frequent shoppers, including cashback rewards of up to 5%, exclusive financing options, and no annual fees on most cards. Whether you’re an Amazon Prime member looking to maximize your savings, a traveler seeking no foreign transaction fees, or someone aiming to build credit with the Amazon Secured Card, there’s a card tailored to your needs. With flexible payment options and cashback rewards on everyday purchases, the Amazon Credit Card is a smart financial tool to enhance your shopping experience and save money.
