The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card is a popular and versatile option for those who frequently shop on Amazon or enjoy the benefits of the Prime membership. Offering substantial rewards, this credit card caters to individuals with good to excellent credit scores. With no annual fee and an impressive rewards rate, it has become a sought-after choice for Amazon enthusiasts.
This card offers an enticing rewards system, with 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on other purchases. Additionally, new cardholders can earn an Amazon gift card bonus upon approval, without any spending requirement. Among other benefits, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card also has no foreign transaction fees, adding to its appeal for those who travel internationally.
This article will provide an in-depth review of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, discussing its features, benefits, and drawbacks. Carefully examining the card, we will help potential cardholders to better understand and determine if it is the right choice for them.
Amazon Credit Card Overview
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a popular option for avid Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers who have an Amazon Prime membership. This credit card is provided by Chase and features a Visa Signature branding. Cardholders can expect to earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market on their purchases. Additionally, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a convenient choice for international travelers.
One exciting benefit of this card is the initial Amazon Gift Card Bonus offered without any spending requirement. The variable APR for this card typically ranges between 18.99% and 26.99%, depending on the applicant’s creditworthiness.
Key features:
- Issuer: Chase
- Network: Visa Signature
- Annual Fee: $0 (with Amazon Prime membership)
- APR Range: 18.99% – 26.99% variable
- Credit Score Requirement: Good/Excellent
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
Another option for Amazon customers is the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card. This card doesn’t require an Amazon Prime membership and still provides some valuable rewards. Cardholders can expect to earn 3% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. Like the Prime Rewards version, this card also has no foreign transaction fees.
The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card shares the same issuer, Chase, and network, Visa Signature, as the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. The variable APR for this card is also in the 18.99% – 26.99% range, depending on the individual’s credit score.
Important details:
- Issuer: Chase
- Network: Visa Signature
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR Range: 18.99% – 26.99% variable
- Credit Score Requirement: Good/Excellent
Card Features and Benefits
Rewards and Earning Categories
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers an attractive rewards structure for Amazon Prime members. Cardholders earn:
- 5% cash back on purchases at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
There is no cap on the amount of rewards you can earn, and cash back is earned in the form of points.
Redemption Options
Points earned with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card can be redeemed in various ways, including:
- Applying them towards Amazon.com purchases
- Converting them into statement credit
- Redeeming for gift cards
- Using them to book travel through Chase’s travel portal
Sign-Up Bonus and Welcome Offer
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a tempting sign-up bonus: new cardholders can earn an Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval. The value of this gift card may vary depending on the current promotion.
In addition to the sign-up bonus, there may be limited-time welcome offers that provide extra rewards on certain categories of spending.
Card Fees and APR
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card boasts a $0 annual fee for Prime members (which comes with an Amazon Prime membership). Its variable APR ranges from 18.99% to 26.99%, depending on your credit score. This card does not charge any foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good option for international travelers.
Additional Benefits
Apart from the rewards program, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card also provides several valuable Visa Signature benefits, such as:
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Roadside dispatch
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty protection
- Access to Visa Signature Concierge services
- Exclusive access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection
Overall, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a comprehensive package of features and benefits that cater to Amazon Prime members and those who frequently shop at Amazon and Whole Foods Market.
Comparing Amazon Credit Cards
Amazon Prime Card vs. Amazon Visa Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is designed for Amazon Prime members and offers impressive rewards, including 5% back on purchases made on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. Cardholders also earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. This card doesn’t have an annual fee, and there’s no foreign transaction fee either.
On the other hand, the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is available for non-Prime members too, featuring 3% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases, and the same 2% and 1% back on other categories as the Prime Card. There’s no annual fee or foreign transaction fee for this card as well.
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon & Whole Foods | 5% back | 3% back |
| Restaurants, Gas, & Drugstores | 2% back | 2% back |
| Other purchases | 1% back | 1% back |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fee | None | None |
Amazon Credit Cards vs. Other Top Credit Cards
Comparing Amazon credit cards with other top credit cards in the market, we have the Citi® Double Cash Card as an example. This card allows cardholders to earn 1% cash back on purchases and another 1% as they pay their bills, for a total of 2% cash back on all purchases, without any category restrictions. The Citi Double Cash Card has no annual fee, but it does have a foreign transaction fee of 3%.
While Amazon credit cards offer higher rewards for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, the Citi Double Cash Card provides a more consistent and simple rewards structure across all spending. Your choice should largely depend on your spending habits and whether you frequently shop with Amazon and its subsidiaries.
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | Citi® Double Cash Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon & Whole Foods | 5% back | 2% back |
| Restaurants, Gas, & Drugstores | 2% back | 2% back |
| Other purchases | 1% back | 2% back |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fee | None | 3% |
Eligibility and Application Process
Credit Score Requirements
To be eligible for the Amazon credit card, you should have a credit score in the range of 690 to 850, which falls under the Good to Excellent category. Keep in mind that other factors, including income and debt levels, may also affect your eligibility and chances of approval for the card.
Application Steps
To apply for the Amazon credit card, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Amazon account: You must have an active Amazon Prime membership to be eligible for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card. If you don’t have a prime membership, you can still apply for the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card.
- Visit the Amazon credit card page: Search and navigate to the specific credit card’s page that you are interested in applying for. Read the information and benefits provided before proceeding.
- Click “Apply Now”: Follow the on-screen prompts to start your credit card application process.
- Provide the required information: Complete the application form by filling out your personal details such as name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information.
- Review and submit: After reviewing your information and ensuring its accuracy, submit your application.
You will typically receive a response within a few minutes of submitting your application. If more time is needed to evaluate your application, you may receive a decision via email within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits?
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card offers various benefits including a $0 annual fee, a higher-than-average welcome bonus, and 5% cash back on all Amazon, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel Portal purchases. Note that while the card has no annual fee, users must be Amazon Prime members, which costs $139 annually ($69 a year for students).
How is the rewards system?
The card’s rewards system is primarily focused on Amazon and its subsidiaries. Cardholders can earn:
- 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The earned rewards can be redeemed on Amazon.com, for cash back, gift cards, or travel bookings through the Chase Travel Portal.
What’s the credit score requirement?
The recommended credit score for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card is good to excellent. It indicates that applicants should have a credit score in the range of 670 to850 for better approval chances.
Does it impact my credit?
Yes, like any other credit card, responsible usage can have a positive impact on your credit score, while missed payments or high credit utilization can negatively affect your score. It’s important to use your card responsibly, make timely payments, and keep your credit utilization low.
Is it suitable for students?
While the card is not specifically targeted towards students, its rewards and benefits can still be valuable for students who shop frequently on Amazon or at Whole Foods. The reduced Prime membership fee for students ($69 per year) makes it more affordable. However, students should be aware that they need to maintain a good to excellent credit score to be eligible for the card.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
- High cash back rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
- No annual fee (except for Prime membership)
- Versatile reward redemption options
- Welcome bonus
Cons:
- Requires Amazon Prime membership
- Not suitable for those who don’t shop frequently at Amazon or Whole Foods
- Limited rewards for non-Amazon purchases
