The basic path: apply online or in a store

You can open an Amazon credit card in two ways: through Amazon's website or in person at a Whole Foods store. The online route takes about 15 minutes and gives you a decision in seconds or minutes. The in-store route at Whole Foods takes longer but lets you ask questions face-to-face.

Amazon offers two versions of the card: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (no Prime membership required). Both are issued by Chase. The rewards structure and annual fee differ between them, so the version you can open depends partly on your Prime status and partly on what rewards matter to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open an Amazon credit card online at amazon.com or in person at Whole Foods; the online application takes about 15 minutes and returns a decision almost immediately.
  • The Amazon Prime Rewards card requires an active Prime membership and has no annual fee, while the standard Amazon Rewards card has no membership requirement but also no annual fee.
  • Chase will check your credit report during the application, so you need a credit score of roughly 670 or higher to have a reasonable chance of approval.
  • Once approved, your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use it immediately for purchases on Amazon and at Whole Foods.
  • The card earns different rewards rates depending on where you shop: 5% back on Amazon purchases (with Prime), 2% at Whole Foods, and 1% everywhere else.

What you need before you apply

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You will also need a phone number and email address. Chase will pull your credit report during the application, so you should know roughly what your credit score is — the card typically goes to people with scores around 670 or higher, though Chase does not publish a minimum.

If you are applying for the Prime Rewards version, you must have an active Prime membership at the time you apply. If your Prime membership has lapsed, you will need to renew it first. The standard Amazon Rewards card has no membership requirement.

Have your Amazon account information handy. The application will ask you to verify your identity through your existing Amazon account, so you need to know your login email and password.

Applying online through Amazon

Go to amazon.com and look for the credit card offer, usually found in the "Your Account" menu under "Login & Security" or in the main navigation under "Shop by Department." You can also search "Amazon credit card" directly on the site. Click the offer for the card that matches your situation: Prime Rewards if you have Prime, or the standard Rewards card if you do not.

Click "Apply Now" and you will be taken to Chase's application page. Fill in your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Answer questions about your employment and annual income. Be honest — Chase verifies income information.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Chase will pull your credit report and give you a decision within seconds, minutes, or up to a few hours. You will see the decision on screen and receive an email confirmation. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Applying in person at Whole Foods

Walk into any Whole Foods store and ask a cashier or customer service representative where to open a credit card. They will direct you to a kiosk or desk, usually near the checkout area or customer service desk. A Whole Foods employee or a Chase representative will walk you through the application on a tablet or computer.

The information you provide is the same as the online application: personal details, Social Security number, income, and employment. The in-person process takes longer because the representative may ask follow-up questions, but you get answers to your questions in real time. If approved on the spot, you may receive a temporary card number to use immediately, with the physical card arriving by mail later.

What happens after approval

Your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to wait for it to arrive to start using it — if you were approved, you can log into your Amazon account and add the card to your payment methods immediately. You can also use the temporary card number provided at approval to shop online right away.

Once the physical card arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase mobile app. Set up your PIN if you plan to use it at ATMs (though the card is primarily a credit card, not a debit card). Add it to your digital wallet if you want to use it for contactless payments at Whole Foods or other retailers that accept Visa.

Your first statement will arrive 30 days after your first purchase. You will have a grace period (usually 21 days from the statement date) to pay your balance without interest charges.

Understanding the rewards before you apply

The Amazon Prime Rewards card earns 5% back on Amazon purchases and Amazon Fresh orders, 2% back at Whole Foods and Amazon-owned Whole Foods Market, and 1% back on all other purchases. These rates apply only if you have an active Prime membership — without it, the rewards drop to 3% on Amazon, 1% at Whole Foods, and 1% elsewhere.

The standard Amazon Rewards card (for non-Prime members) earns 3% back on Amazon purchases, 2% at Whole Foods, and 1% everywhere else. There is no annual fee on either card.

Rewards post to your account as Amazon.com account credit. You can use them to buy anything on Amazon, including physical goods, digital content, and Prime membership renewals. You cannot transfer rewards to another person or convert them to cash.

If your application is denied or you need to reapply

If Chase denies your application, you will see the reason on screen or in an email. Common reasons include a credit score that is too low, too many recent credit inquiries, or insufficient credit history. You can reapply after 30 days, but your credit situation should improve in that time — paying down balances, correcting errors on your credit report, or building more payment history.

If you were approved but want to switch from the standard Amazon Rewards card to the Prime Rewards card (or vice versa), you cannot convert your existing card. You would need to open a new card account. Wait at least 30 days after your first application before applying for the second card, and be aware that Chase will pull your credit report again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for the Amazon credit card?

Most decisions come within seconds or minutes of submitting your application online. Some applications go to manual review and take a few hours. You will receive an email with the decision. If approved, the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the card number immediately in your Amazon account.

Do I need a Prime membership to open the Amazon credit card?

No. Amazon offers two versions: the Prime Rewards card (which requires active Prime membership) and the standard Amazon Rewards card (which does not). If you do not have Prime, you can open the standard version. The rewards rates are lower without Prime, but there is still no annual fee.

What credit score do I need to open the Amazon credit card?

Chase does not publish a minimum, but the card typically goes to people with credit scores around 670 or higher. If your score is lower, your application may be denied. You can check your own credit score for free through your bank, credit card issuer, or websites like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com.

Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?

Yes. Once approved, you can log into your Amazon account and add the card to your payment methods immediately. You can use the card number to shop on Amazon right away. The physical card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if I close my Prime membership after opening the Prime Rewards card?

Your card remains active, but the rewards rates drop to the non-Prime levels: 3% on Amazon purchases instead of 5%, 1% at Whole Foods instead of 2%. You keep the card and can continue using it, but you will earn fewer rewards. If you renew Prime later, the higher rates return automatically.