Amazon Credit Card Review (2024)

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The Amazon Credit Card is ideal for Amazon Prime members and those with a credit score of 700 or higher who enjoy online shopping. It’s worth considering because it has no annual fee and offers generous rewards of 3% to 5% cashback on Amazon purchases, with Prime members getting the higher rate.

These cashback rates are significantly higher than what most other rewards cards offer, making it a valuable choice for everyday spending. You can find more information about this rewarding card below.

Key features

Here are the key terms for the Amazon credit card:

Accepted credit scores: To qualify for this card, you typically need to have a good or excellent credit score. This means you should have a history of responsible credit use.
Annual fee: There is no annual fee for using this credit card. You won’t be charged just for having the card.
APR on purchases: The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases made with this card ranges from 19.49% to 27.49%. This rate can vary depending on your creditworthiness (the better your credit, the lower the rate).
Balance transfer: If you want to move existing credit card balances to this Amazon card, the APR for balance transfers is also in the range of 19.49% to 27.49%, again depending on your creditworthiness.
Balance transfer fee: When you transfer a balance, there is a fee of 4% of the amount transferred, with a minimum fee of $5. For example, if you transfer $100, you would pay a $5 fee (which is 4% of $100), but if you transfer $1,000, you would pay a $40 fee (4% of $1,000).

These terms provide a clear understanding of the costs and qualifications associated with the Amazon credit card. Remember that your specific rates and fees may vary based on your credit history and other factors.

Amazon Credit Card’s additional info

Certainly, here is an expanded explanation of the provided information about the Amazon Credit Card:

Prime membership benefits:

If you have an eligible Amazon Prime membership, you have two options when using this credit card. You can either earn 5 points for every dollar you spend on Amazon.com purchases, or you can take advantage of a promotional offer that provides a 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for 6 to 12 months on purchases that are $50 or more. However, please note that specific terms and conditions apply to these benefits.

Equal monthly payment financing:

This credit card also offers a financing option. You can make 6 equal monthly payments if your purchase totals $50 or more, or 12 equal monthly payments if your purchase totals $250 or more. This can help you manage larger expenses over time.

Travel benefits:

With the Amazon Credit Card, you gain access to various travel-related benefits. These include Travel Accident Insurance, which provides coverage in case of accidents while traveling, Lost Luggage Reimbursement to help with the cost of lost luggage, Baggage Delay Insurance for reimbursement when your bags are delayed, and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver to cover damage to rental cars. These benefits can provide peace of mind when you’re on the go.

Shopping protection:

When you use this credit card for purchases, you get added protection. This includes Extended Warranty Protection, which extends the warranty on eligible items, Purchase Protection to cover the cost of damaged or stolen items, and Zero Fraud Liability, which ensures you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized purchases made with your card.

Credit access line:

If your application for this credit card is approved, you will be given a credit limit of at least $500. This is the maximum amount you can charge on the card at any given time.

Fees and rates:

Cash advance fee: If you use your card for a cash advance, there’s a fee of 4% of the advance amount, with a minimum fee of $5.
Cash advance APR: The APR for cash advances is 29.99% (Variable).
Foreign transaction fee: There is no fee for foreign transactions, making this card convenient for international purchases.
Smart chip: The card comes with a chip for added security, and it uses a chip-and-PIN system.
Late fee: The maximum late fee you can be charged is $39.
Overlimit fee: There is no overlimit fee.
Penalty APR: If you miss payments, the penalty APR can be as high as 29.99% (Variable).
Grace period: You have a 21-day grace period after your billing cycle ends to pay your balance without incurring interest charges.

These are the key details and features of the Amazon Credit Card, providing you with a clear understanding of its benefits, fees, and terms.

Amazon Credit Card Rewards

The Amazon credit card offers several rewards:

Instant Gift Card: Upon approval of your credit card application, you’ll receive a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card (or $100 if you’re a Prime member), which will be added to your Amazon.com account.
Points for Purchases: You earn points for your purchases:
- 3 points for every $1 spent on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel purchases.
- 2 points for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare services).
- 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Redemption Options: You can redeem your earned points:
- Daily at Amazon.com starting the next day.
- On Chase.com for cash back, gift cards, or travel.
Extra Rewards for Prime Members: If you have an eligible Prime membership and link your Amazon.com Credit Card, you can earn even more:
- 5 points for every $1 spent on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel (equivalent to 5% cash back).
- Up to 10% back on rotating Amazon categories and products with a Prime card.

These rewards make the Amazon credit card attractive for frequent Amazon shoppers and Prime members, allowing them to earn points and receive additional benefits.

Amazon Credit Card pros & cons

Certainly, here are the pros and cons of the Amazon Credit Card:

Pros:

$50 gift card: When you’re approved for the Amazon Credit Card, you get a $50 gift card as a welcome bonus.
Rewards on Amazon and Whole Foods: You earn 3% cashback on purchases made at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. This can add up if you frequently shop on these platforms.
Cashback at gas stations, restaurants, and drug stores: The card offers 2% cashback on spending at gas stations, restaurants, and drug stores, which can be beneficial for everyday expenses.
No annual fee: There’s no annual fee to use the card, so you won’t have to pay extra for the privilege of using it.
1% Cashback on all other purchases: Even for purchases outside of Amazon, Whole Foods, gas stations, restaurants, and drug stores, you still earn 1% cashback.
Ongoing rewards: You can earn 1 to 5 points for every dollar spent on purchases.
Helps build credit: It allows you to establish and improve your credit history.
0% foreign transaction fee: You won’t be charged extra for using the card internationally.

Cons:

Prime membership not included: Unlike some other Amazon cards, this one doesn’t come with a complimentary Amazon Prime membership, which means you’d need to pay separately for Prime if you want those benefits.
Prime membership requirement: To get the best rewards, you need an Amazon Prime membership.
High APR: The card carries a high annual percentage rate (APR) ranging from 19.49% to 27.49% based on your creditworthiness.
Good credit needed: Approval typically requires at least a good credit score.
Hard credit pull: Applying for the card can result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Small initial bonus: The introductory bonus for new cardholders is limited.
Limited acceptance: The card can only be used at Amazon and select merchants that accept Amazon Pay.

In summary, the Amazon Credit Card offers ongoing rewards and benefits like no annual fee and a lack of foreign transaction fees. However, it has a high APR, requires a Prime membership for optimal rewards, and approval may necessitate a good credit score.

It’s important to consider these factors and your shopping habits before applying for the card. If you don’t meet the credit requirements, alternative options like the Amazon Store Card or Amazon Secured Credit Card are available, although they share some of the same limitations and can only be used at Amazon and select affiliated merchants.

How do I apply for the Amazon Credit Card?

To apply for the Amazon Credit Card:

Online Application: The easiest way is to apply online through Amazon’s website.
Chase Branch: You can also apply for the card at a nearby Chase branch since Chase is the issuer of the Amazon Credit Card.
No Phone Application: Keep in mind that you cannot apply for the Amazon Credit Card over the phone.

Requirements to Apply:

Good Credit: You’ll typically need a credit score of at least 700, which signifies good credit, to be approved for the Amazon Credit Card.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
U.S. Address: You should have a valid U.S. Social Security Number and a U.S. physical address.

Application Status:

If you don’t receive an instant decision, you can inquire about your application’s status by calling (888) 338-2586.

How can I pay my Amazon Credit Card?

To pay your Amazon Credit Card, you have several options:

1. Online:

Log in to your account.
Select your Amazon Credit Card.
Click “Pay credit card.”
Follow the instructions to enter your payment account number and routing number.

2. Mobile app:

Download the mobile app and sign in.
Choose the card account you want to pay.
Tap “Pay card.”
Enter the payment amount, the account you want to pay from, and the payment date.
Tap “Schedule,” confirm your choices, and tap “Schedule it.”

3. By phone:

Call (800) 436-7958.
Follow the prompts from the issuer’s automated system to make your payment.

4. At an ATM/branch:

Locate the nearest ATM or branch of the card issuer.
Make your payment there.

5. By mail:

Send a check or money order along with your name and account number to: Cardmember Services
P.O. Box 6294
Carol Stream, IL 60197-6294

6. Via Western Union:

Use the Code City WALNUT for Western Union payments.

Note that payments by mail take the longest to process, so send them at least 5-7 days before your due date to avoid late payments. If you prefer using Western Union, be aware that it may take up to 7 days for the payment to be reflected in your account.

What are the benefits of having an Amazon Credit Card?

The benefits of having an Amazon credit card include:

Generous rewards: You can earn 1 to 5 points for every $1 spent, which can be used for Amazon purchases.
$0 annual fee: You won’t have to pay an annual fee for using the card.
No foreign transaction fees: When you use the card for purchases outside the United States, there are no additional fees.
Travel accident insurance: Cardholders receive coverage in case of travel accidents.
Lost luggage reimbursement: If your luggage gets lost during travel, the card may cover the cost.
Rental car insurance: The card may provide insurance coverage when you rent a car.
Amazon gift card: Upon approval, you can receive a $50 Amazon.com gift card (or $100 if you’re an Amazon Prime member).
Concierge services: Access to assistance with travel and other services.
Roadside dispatch: Help with roadside emergencies.
Baggage delay insurance: Coverage for delayed baggage during travel.
Travel and emergency assistance: Support in case of travel emergencies.
Extended warranty protection: The card may extend warranties on eligible purchases.
Purchase protection: Coverage for damaged or stolen purchases made with the card.

If you have a good credit score, the Amazon credit card can be a valuable addition to your wallet due to these benefits.

Does applying for an Amazon card hurt your credit?

Applying for an Amazon card can have a small negative impact on your credit score. When you apply for one of Amazon’s credit cards, such as the Amazon Credit Card, Amazon Store Card, Amazon Secured Credit Card, Amazon Business American Express Card, or Amazon Business Prime American Express Card, the card issuer will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. This hard inquiry typically causes a temporary drop in your credit score, usually around 5 to 10 points.

However, it’s essential to note that this credit score decrease is normal when applying for most credit cards. The good news is that this minor dip in your credit score is usually temporary and should recover after a few months, provided you use the card responsibly. To help maintain or improve your credit score, it’s advisable to make on-time payments and keep your credit card balance below 30% of your credit limit.

The specific credit score requirements for Amazon’s cards vary. The Amazon Credit Card typically requires at least a good credit score and can be used anywhere. On the other hand, the Amazon Store Card, which is limited to use at Amazon and select merchants that accept Amazon Pay, also generally requires a good credit score.

If you have a lower credit score, you may consider applying for the Amazon Secured Credit Card. If you are a business owner with good credit, you can apply for either of the business credit cards offered by Amazon.

In summary, while applying for an Amazon card may temporarily lower your credit score due to a hard inquiry, responsible use of the card can help rebuild your credit over time. It’s crucial to apply for an Amazon card that matches your credit score to increase your chances of approval.

What credit score do you need for the Amazon Credit Card?

To be eligible for the Amazon Credit Card, you typically need a credit score of 700 or higher, which falls into the “good” credit range. The Amazon Store Card, on the other hand, requires a credit score of 640 or higher, categorized as “fair” credit.

It’s important to keep in mind that while your credit score is a significant factor, other factors also affect your approval chances for the Amazon Credit Card. These factors include your income, existing debts, the number of open accounts you have, recent credit inquiries, your employment status, and your housing situation.

While it’s possible to be approved with a slightly lower credit score based on these other criteria, it’s generally advisable to wait until you meet the Amazon Credit Card’s recommended credit score requirement of 700 or higher to increase your chances of approval.

How much is the Amazon Credit Card annual fee?

The Amazon Credit Card has an annual fee of $0, which means you don’t have to pay anything each year to keep the card. This $0 annual fee is lower than the average annual fee for new credit card offers currently available. However, it’s important to be aware of other fees associated with the Amazon Credit Card:

Cash Advance Fee: This fee is 4% of the cash advance amount, with a minimum fee of $5.
Foreign Transaction Fee: There is no foreign transaction fee, which means you won’t be charged extra when using the card for purchases in foreign currencies or overseas.
Balance Transfer Fee: If you transfer a balance from another credit card to the Amazon Credit Card, you’ll incur a fee of 4% of the transfer amount, with a minimum fee of $5.
Max Late Fee: If you make a late payment on your credit card, the maximum late fee you can be charged is $39.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Amazon Store Card also has a $0 annual fee, so you won’t be charged for owning that card either.

How much is the Amazon credit card foreign transaction fee?

The Amazon credit card foreign transaction fee is 0%. This fee applies to the Amazon Credit Card, the Amazon Prime Credit Card, the Amazon Business American Express Card, and the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card. There are no additional charges when using these cards for purchases abroad or international online transactions.

The Amazon Secured Credit Card and Amazon Store Card also do not have foreign transaction fees, but they are limited to use on Amazon.com and select U.S. merchants that accept Amazon Pay. Therefore, even if you purchase items on Amazon.com from foreign sellers, you won’t incur any foreign transaction fees with these cards.

It’s worth noting that you can use different cards for Amazon purchases and international travel if you prefer, as there are many travel rewards cards available that do not charge foreign transaction fees, allowing you to maximize benefits.

What is the Amazon Credit Card credit limit?

The Amazon.com Credit Card has a minimum credit limit of $500, but the actual limit you receive depends on your credit score and income. People with better credit scores and higher incomes tend to get higher credit limits.

On the other hand, the Amazon Store Card doesn’t have a guaranteed minimum credit limit, so you won’t know your limit until you apply and get approved.

To increase your Amazon Credit Card limit, you can call (888) 247-4080 and request an increase, but it’s best not to do this more than once a year. The issuer may also review your account periodically for automatic limit increases, so it’s essential to pay your card on time and keep your credit usage low to improve your chances of getting a higher limit.

Can I use my Amazon credit card anywhere?

Yes, you can use your Amazon Credit Card anywhere that accepts Visa cards. This includes over 10.7 million merchant locations in the United States and millions more in 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee, making it suitable for international purchases. Additionally, it has no annual fee and offers a rewards program with 1 to 5 points per dollar spent, making it a beneficial choice for frequent card users.

What does an Amazon Credit Card do for you?

The Amazon Credit Card, issued by Chase, offers several benefits:

Earn Rewards: This card provides a high rewards rate when you make purchases on Amazon.com and at Whole Foods.
Versatility: Unlike some store-specific cards, you can use it at any place that accepts Visa, which means you can earn rewards beyond just Amazon and Whole Foods.
Bonus Rewards: You’ll also get bonus rewards when you use the card at restaurants, drugstores, and gas stations.

In essence, it’s a card that rewards you for your spending, with extra perks when you use it at specific types of businesses.

The bottom line

The Amazon Credit Card is a great choice for Amazon Prime members and those with a credit score of 700 or higher who enjoy shopping online. It stands out because it doesn’t have an annual fee, saving you about $21.5 compared to the average credit card.

When you open an Amazon Credit Card account, you’ll receive an initial credit of at least $50 (or $100 for Prime members) as a special promotion.

This card rewards you with points for your purchases, which can be translated into cash back. You’ll get 3% cash back on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel purchases (5% back for Prime members). For dining, gas stations, local transit, and commuting (including rideshare), you’ll earn 2% back. On all other purchases, you’ll receive 1% back. These earning rates are much higher than the average rewards card, which typically gives about 1.14% back on all purchases.

However, it’s important to note that the Amazon Rewards Visa Card is best for those who can pay off their balances within a single billing cycle. It offers a 0% promo APR for 6 – 12 months on Amazon purchases, but its regular APR may be higher than other cards, especially if you have fair credit or better. So, it’s essential not to carry balances and incur finance charges that could offset your rewards.

If you’re looking for an alternative and have good credit, the Amazon Store Card is worth considering, especially for Prime members, as it offers 5% cash back on Amazon purchases, but it’s limited to use on Amazon.com.