Amazon credit cards work at any store that accepts Visa or Mastercard, not just Amazon

The Amazon Visa card and Amazon Mastercard are regular payment cards issued by Chase Bank. They carry the Visa or Mastercard logo, which means you can use them anywhere those networks are accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, utilities, medical offices, anywhere. You are not locked into shopping on Amazon.

The catch is that your rewards rate changes depending on where you spend. You earn the highest cash back or points on Amazon purchases and at Whole Foods (which Amazon owns). Everywhere else, the rewards are lower — usually 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar, compared to 3% or 5% on Amazon. So the card works everywhere, but it rewards you most heavily for Amazon spending.

Which Amazon card you have matters. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card requires a Prime membership and offers 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card (no Prime required) offers 3% back on those same categories. Both offer 1% back on all other purchases. There is also an Amazon Business Prime Card for business accounts, with different reward tiers.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon credit cards carry the Visa or Mastercard logo and work anywhere those networks are accepted — not just on Amazon.com.
  • Rewards rates are highest on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases (3% to 5% depending on the card), and 1% everywhere else.
  • You can use the card for bills, groceries, gas, travel, and any other purchase a regular credit card handles.
  • The card does not restrict where you shop; the rewards structure just incentivizes Amazon spending.

How rewards change based on where you swipe

The Amazon Prime Rewards card gives you 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% everywhere else. If you do not have Prime, the standard Amazon Rewards card drops to 3% on Amazon and Whole Foods, 1% on the other categories, and 1% on everything else.

This structure means the card is designed to reward you for shopping where Amazon benefits — Amazon itself and Whole Foods — but it does not prevent you from using it elsewhere. A grocery store that is not Whole Foods, a Target purchase, a utility bill, a hotel booking: all of these work fine. You just earn fewer points or less cash back than you would on Amazon.

Some people use an Amazon card as their everyday card anyway, because 1% back on all purchases is better than no rewards at all. Others use it only for Amazon and Whole Foods, and carry a different card for other spending. Both approaches are valid; it depends on your shopping habits.

Annual fees and when they apply

The Amazon Prime Rewards card has no annual fee, but it requires an active Prime membership. If your Prime membership lapses, you keep the card, but you lose the 5% rewards rate on Amazon purchases — it drops to 1%. You can still use the card everywhere, and you still earn 2% at restaurants and gas stations, but the main benefit is gone.

The standard Amazon Rewards card (without Prime) also has no annual fee. Neither card charges you to carry it or to use it at non-Amazon merchants. There are no foreign transaction fees listed in the standard terms, though you should confirm this with Chase if you plan to use the card internationally.

What happens if a store does not accept Visa or Mastercard

Some retailers accept only American Express, Discover, or their own proprietary cards. Gas stations sometimes have pumps that do not read Mastercard. A few small businesses or international merchants may not accept Visa. In those cases, your Amazon card will not work, and you will need a different payment method.

This is rare in the United States. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the vast majority of merchants. But if you encounter a store or service that does not take your card, you can ask if they accept other payment methods, or you can use a different card if you have one.

Online purchases outside Amazon

You can use your Amazon card on any website that accepts Visa or Mastercard — Walmart, Target, Best Buy, airline booking sites, hotel sites, subscription services, and thousands of others. The card works the same way it does in a physical store: you enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV at checkout.

Your rewards rate on these purchases is 1% (or 2% at restaurants and gas stations if you have the Prime version). You do not earn the higher Amazon rate just because you are shopping online; the higher rate applies only to Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases.

International use and currency conversion

Amazon credit cards can be used in other countries anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. However, you should contact Chase before traveling to let them know you will be using the card abroad. This helps prevent fraud blocks that might decline legitimate purchases.

When you use the card internationally, Chase converts the purchase to US dollars. The conversion rate is set by Visa or Mastercard, not by Chase, and you will see the converted amount on your statement. Check your cardholder agreement for any foreign transaction fees; most Chase cards do not charge them, but it is worth confirming before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Amazon credit card at Target or Walmart?

Yes. Both stores accept Visa and Mastercard. You will earn 1% cash back on the purchase (or 2% if you have the Prime card and are buying at a gas station or restaurant). You earn the higher 5% or 3% rate only on Amazon.com and Whole Foods.

What if I lose my Amazon card or it gets declined?

Contact Chase immediately using the number on the back of your card or through your online account. Chase can cancel the card and issue a replacement, which usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. For urgent purchases, you can use a different payment method or request a temporary card number through the Chase app.

Do I earn rewards on bill payments made with my Amazon card?

Yes, if you pay a bill by credit card. Utility companies, insurance companies, and other billers that accept credit cards will process your Amazon card and you will earn the standard 1% back. Some billers charge a convenience fee for credit card payments, so check before you pay.

Can I use the card if my Prime membership expires?

Yes, the card remains active. However, your rewards rate on Amazon purchases drops from 5% to 1%, and you lose the 2% rate at restaurants and gas stations. You still earn 1% on all other purchases. If you renew your Prime membership, the higher rates return automatically.

Is there a limit to how much I can spend with my Amazon card?

Your credit limit is set by Chase based on your credit history and income. This limit applies to all purchases, whether on Amazon or elsewhere. You can check your current limit in your Chase account online, and you can request an increase if you need one.