Amazon offers a variety of credit cards tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
Among the most popular are the Amazon Visa, Amazon Store Card, and Amazon Secured Card.
This article provides an in-depth look at these cards, detailing how to apply, the rewards you can earn, and strategies to maximize your savings.
Why does the company offer Credit cards?
Amazon credit cards primarily enhance customer loyalty, increase sales, and gather financial insights about consumer behavior.
Below are the main reasons in detail:
- Encourage Repeat Purchases: Credit cards with cashback or reward systems — like 5% back for Prime members — incentivize customers to make more frequent purchases on Amazon rather than shopping elsewhere. This deepens customer loyalty and keeps spending within Amazon’s ecosystem.
- Boost Prime Membership: Cards like the Prime Visa and Store Card offer the best rewards only to Prime members. This pushes cardholders to subscribe to Prime ($139/year), which further ties them into services — from free shipping to video streaming.
- Promote Financing Options: By partnering with Synchrony Bank for the Store Card, it can offer special promotional financing on expensive items. This helps customers spread payments over time, increasing average order size — especially on big-ticket purchases like electronics or furniture.
- Compete with Other Retailers: Big retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all offer branded credit cards. The offerings help it remain competitive by matching — or exceeding — similar benefits provided by these stores.
Amazon Visa Cards
Amazon, in partnership with Chase Bank, offers two primary Visa cards: the Prime Visa and the Amazon Visa.
Prime Visa
Key Benefits:
- 5% Back: Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
- 2% Back: Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- 1% Back: Earn 1% back on all other purchases.
Interest Rates:
- Variable APR: 19.49% to 28.24%, based on creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
Amazon Visa
Key Benefits:
- 3% Back: Earn unlimited 3% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases.
- 2% Back: Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- 1% Back: Earn 1% back on all other purchases.
Interest Rates:
- Variable APR: 19.49% to 28.24%, based on creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
Amazon Store Card
The Amazon Store Card, issued by Synchrony Bank, is designed for frequent shoppers.
Key Benefits:
- 5% Back: Earn 5% back on Amazon.com purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
- Special Financing Options: Offers promotional financing on eligible purchases.Amazon Pay – US
Interest Rates:
- Standard Variable Purchase APR: 29.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
Amazon Secured Card
The Amazon Secured Card is aimed at individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit.
It requires a security deposit, which determines the credit limit.apply.syf.com
Key Benefits:
- Credit Building: Regular reporting to credit bureaus helps build a credit history.
- Potential Upgrade: After 12 months of responsible use, you may be eligible to upgrade to an unsecured Amazon Store Card.
Interest Rates:
- Standard Variable Purchase APR: 10% for Secured Card accounts that have not converted to the Store Card features.
Application Process
The application for an Amazon credit card is easy to perform on your computer.
- Eligibility: Check what is needed to be approved, such as an eligible Amazon Prime membership.
- Apply Online: Visit the website and click on “Apply Now” for the card you want.
- Sing In: Create an account if you don’t have one.
- Provide Information: Enter personal details, including address, Social Security number, and annual income.
- Review and Submit: Review the terms and conditions before submitting your application.
How to Maximize Your Amazon Credit Card Savings
Choosing the right card is only the first step. To truly benefit, consider the following strategies:
- Pair Your Card with Amazon Prime: The 5% back benefit is only available to Prime members for both the Prime Visa and Store Card. If you frequently shop on Amazon or at Whole Foods Market, these cashback rewards can offset the annual Prime membership fee ($139/year as of 2024).
- Monitor Special Financing Offers: The Store Card frequently offers 0% promotional financing on larger purchases (e.g., 6 to 24 months), which can help with budgeting — as long as you pay in full before the promotional period ends. Otherwise, interest is charged retroactively.
- Use Points at Checkout: With Visa cards, you can use your cashback rewards directly at checkout. One point equals one cent ($1 cashback = 100 points). To conserve points, you can toggle this feature off and instead redeem for statement credits.
- Track Spending Categories: Use your Visa for gas stations, restaurants, and local transit to earn 2% back. This helps you earn rewards even when you’re not shopping at Amazon.
- Build Credit with the Secured Card: If you’re starting your credit journey or repairing damaged credit, the Secured Card is a low-risk entry point. Pay on time, keep utilization low, and monitor your credit report. After 12 months, you may qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card, with no deposit and enhanced benefits.
What to Watch Out For
If you have an Amazon credit card, always consider:
- High Interest Rates: All three cards have high variable APRs, particularly the Store Card (currently 29.99% APR). These cards are best suited for people who pay off their balance in full each month.
- Deferred Interest on Financing Plans: If you use special financing and don’t pay off the full amount in time, you’ll be charged interest from the date of purchase, not just on the remaining balance.
- Limited Use (Store Cards): The Store Card and Secured Card can only be used on Amazon.com, unlike the Visa cards, which are accepted anywhere Visa is.
Bank Contact Information & Support
Chase Bank (Amazon Visa and Prime Visa)
- Customer Service: 1-888-247-4080
- Online: creditcards.chase.com
- Mailing Address: Card Services, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850
Synchrony Bank (Amazon Store Card & Secured Card)
- Customer Service: 1-866-634-8379
- Online: synchrony.com
- Mailing Address: Synchrony Bank, P.O. Box 965013, Orlando, FL 32896-5013
Final Thought
There’s likely an Amazon credit card that fits your needs.
Just understand the terms and use your card responsibly to maximize the benefits.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Terms, interest rates, and rewards are subject to change. Before applying, always review the card member agreement and bank disclosures on the official websites.