The Two Amazon Credit Cards and How They Work
Amazon offers two credit cards through Chase Bank: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card. Both earn cash back on Amazon purchases, but they differ in rewards rates, annual fees, and who they're built for.
The Prime Rewards card requires an active Amazon Prime membership and gives you higher cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases — currently 5% back on Amazon.com purchases (up to $1,500 per year, then 1% after that) and 2% at Whole Foods. It has no annual fee. The standard Amazon Rewards card earns 3% back on Amazon.com purchases and 1% on everything else, also with no annual fee, and doesn't require Prime membership.
Both cards are issued by Chase and use the Visa network. The main difference is which rewards structure fits your spending: Prime members who shop frequently on Amazon usually come out ahead with the Prime version, while occasional shoppers or non-Prime members may prefer the standard card.
Key Takeaways
- You can start the process online at Amazon.com or Chase.com, and you'll know within seconds whether you're approved.
- Chase will check your credit report, so you need a credit score of roughly 670 or higher to have a reasonable chance of approval.
- The Prime Rewards card requires an active Prime membership; the standard Amazon Rewards card does not.
- Both cards charge no annual fee, so the main cost is the interest rate if you carry a balance month to month.
- Your credit limit and interest rate depend on your credit history and income, not on which card you choose.
What Credit Score You'll Likely Need
Chase typically approves applicants with a credit score around 670 or higher, though approval is possible below that depending on your credit history and income. If you have no credit history yet, you may be declined, but some people with limited credit have been approved.
The best way to find out is to apply. A single application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points but doesn't prevent you from applying elsewhere if you're declined. If you're worried about your score, you can check it free through your bank, your credit card issuer, or a site like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com before you apply.
If you're declined, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a score that's too low, too many recent credit inquiries, or too much existing debt relative to your income. You can reapply after improving one of these factors, though waiting at least three to six months gives your credit report time to reflect changes.
How to Apply Online
You can apply for either Amazon credit card directly through Amazon.com or through Chase.com. Both routes lead to the same application and the same Chase approval decision.
The application takes about five minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, employment status, annual income, and housing payment. Be honest about your income — Chase verifies this information, and lying can result in account closure later. You don't need to have a Chase bank account already.
After you submit, you'll see a decision on screen within seconds. Most people get an instant approval or decline. If you're approved, your card will ship within one to two weeks. If you're declined, you can request reconsideration by calling the number on the decline letter, though this rarely changes the outcome without new information.
What Happens After Approval
Once approved, your card arrives in the mail with a temporary credit limit. You can activate it through the Chase app or website, or by calling the number on the back of the card. You'll also set up online access to your account so you can check your balance, make payments, and track rewards.
Your first statement closes about 25 days after you open the account. You then have a grace period — usually 21 days from the statement close date — to pay your balance in full without interest. If you carry a balance past that date, interest accrues daily at your card's APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
Rewards post to your account automatically. With the Prime card, 5% cash back on Amazon purchases appears as a statement credit or can be redeemed as an Amazon.com balance. You can also transfer rewards to other Chase cards if you have them.
Comparing the Two Cards Side by Side
| Feature | Prime Rewards Card | Standard Rewards Card |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com cash back | 5% (up to $1,500/year, then 1%) | 3% |
| Whole Foods cash back | 2% | 1% |
| Other purchases cash back | 1% | 1% |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Prime membership required | Yes | No |
| Introductory bonus | Varies (check current offer) | Varies (check current offer) |
When the Prime Card Makes Financial Sense
The Prime Rewards card is worth getting if you have an active Prime membership and spend at least $100 per month on Amazon.com. At that rate, the 5% cash back adds up to $60 per year just on Amazon purchases, which is meaningful money back in your pocket.
If you spend less than $100 monthly on Amazon, the difference between 5% and 3% cash back is small — maybe $12 to $24 per year. In that case, the standard card is simpler because it doesn't tie you to a Prime membership.
Keep in mind that the 5% rate caps at $1,500 per year in purchases, so if you spend more than $30,000 annually on Amazon, the extra cash back stops after you hit that limit. For very high spenders, this is worth knowing upfront.
Things to Know About Interest and Fees
Both Amazon credit cards charge no annual fee, which means you can keep them open indefinitely without paying to use them. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you'll pay interest at your card's APR. This rate varies by person and typically ranges from 16% to 24%, depending on your credit score and current market conditions.
There are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card internationally without a penalty. There are also no late fees if you pay at least the minimum by the due date, though paying late will hurt your credit score and trigger interest on your balance.
If you close the account, your rewards don't disappear — they stay in your account and you can redeem them anytime. However, closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your available credit and shortens your average account age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get approved with no credit history?
It's possible but uncommon. Chase prefers applicants with at least some credit history. If you have no credit yet, you might be declined, but you can try applying anyway — the worst outcome is a decline. Building credit first through a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account makes approval more likely.
What's the difference between being declined and getting a decline letter later?
An instant decline on screen means Chase's automated system rejected you immediately. A decline letter that arrives by mail means your application went to a human reviewer who made the decision. Either way, you can request reconsideration by calling the number on the letter, though this rarely succeeds without new information like a higher income or a recent credit score improvement.
Do I have to use my Prime membership to get the Prime card's rewards?
You need an active Prime membership to open the Prime Rewards card, but once you have it, the card works even if your membership lapses. However, if you cancel Prime, Chase may close the card or convert it to the standard Amazon Rewards card. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact policy.
How long does it take to get the card after approval?
Most cards arrive within one to two weeks of approval. Chase ships to your address on file. If you need the card faster, you can ask Chase about expedited shipping when you call to activate, though this isn't always available.
Can I have both the Prime and standard Amazon cards at the same time?
Chase's rules typically allow you to hold only one Amazon credit card at a time. If you want to switch from one to the other, you'll need to close the first card before opening the second, or ask Chase whether they'll convert your existing card to the other version.