Amazon has become a household name when it comes to online shopping. With its vast selection of products and convenient delivery options, it’s no wonder that millions of people turn to Amazon for their shopping needs. But did you know that Amazon offers its own line of credit cards with cashback rewards? In this ultimate guide, we will explore the benefits of using Amazon credit cards and how you can maximize your savings with cashback rewards.
Benefits of Using Amazon Credit Cards
One of the biggest advantages of using Amazon credit cards is the ability to earn cashback rewards on your purchases. Depending on the type of card you have, you can earn anywhere from 1% to 5% cashback on eligible purchases. This can add up to significant savings, especially if you are a frequent Amazon shopper. In addition to cashback rewards, Amazon credit cards often come with other perks such as no annual fee, fraud protection, and special financing options.
Also read: What are the Best Store Credit Cards 2023?
Types of Amazon Credit Cards Available
Amazon offers a variety of credit cards to suit different needs and preferences. The most popular option is the Chase Amazon credit card, which is available in both Visa and store card versions. The Chase Amazon Visa card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, while the store card can only be used on Amazon. Both versions of the card offer cashback rewards, but the Visa card has the added benefit of being accepted worldwide.
Another option is the Amazon Prime card, which is exclusively available to Amazon Prime members. This card offers enhanced cashback rates on Amazon purchases, as well as additional benefits such as free two-day shipping and access to exclusive deals. If you are a frequent Amazon shopper and already have an Amazon Prime membership, this card can be a great way to maximize your savings.
Also read: The Best Travel Credit Cards for 2023 Trips: Your Ticket to Travel Savings.
Understanding Cashback Rewards and How They Work
Cashback rewards are essentially a percentage of your purchases that are given back to you as a reward. For example, if you have a credit card that offers 3% cashback and you make a $100 purchase, you would receive $3 in cashback rewards. These rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, gift cards, or even used to offset future purchases. It’s important to note that not all purchases may be eligible for cashback rewards, so it’s always a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your credit card.
So, How Many Amazon Credit Cards are?
Amazon currently offers six different credit cards, across three different issuers:
- Chase:
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Amazon Rewards Visa Card
- Amazon Prime Store Card
- Synchrony Bank:
- Amazon.com Store Card
- Amazon.com Credit Builder Card
- Comenity Bank:
- Amazon Business American Express Card
The specific cards that are available to you will depend on your creditworthiness and other factors.
It’s important to note that not all of these cards are created equal. Some offer better rewards than others, and some have higher annual fees. It’s important to compare the different options carefully to find the card that’s best for your individual needs.
If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, an Amazon credit card can be a great way to save money on your purchases. However, it’s important to use the card responsibly and pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Chase: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/amazon-prime-rewards
Features:
- 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable APR of 17.99% – 24.99%
- Amazon.com gift card instantly on card approval
- Visa Signature benefits, including Luxury Hotel Collection perks and concierge services
Pros:
- High rewards rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Visa Signature benefits
- New cardholder bonus offer
Cons:
- No intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- High APR if you don’t pay your bill in full each month
- Limited rewards on non-Amazon spending
Overall, the Chase Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a great option for Prime members who shop frequently on Amazon and at Whole Foods Market. The high rewards rate and lack of an annual fee make it a great value card. However, it’s important to pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest charges.
If you’re not a Prime member, you may want to consider the Amazon Rewards Visa Card, which offers similar rewards but does not require a Prime membership.
Chase: Amazon Rewards Visa Card
https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/amazon-rewards
Features:
- 3% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- $50 Amazon.com gift card instantly on card approval
Pros:
- High rewards rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- New cardholder bonus offer
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases than the Chase Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- No rewards on gas stations or restaurants
- No Visa Signature benefits
Overall, the Chase Amazon Rewards Visa Card is a good option for shoppers who spend a lot of money on Amazon and at Whole Foods Market, but don’t want to pay for a Prime membership. It also offers a good rewards rate on gas stations and restaurants. However, the rewards rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases is lower than the Chase Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, and it doesn’t offer any Visa Signature benefits.
If you’re not a Prime member and don’t spend a lot of money at gas stations or restaurants, you may want to consider a different credit card that offers a flat-rate rewards rate on all purchases, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
Chase: Amazon Prime Store Card
Features:
- 5% back on Amazon.com purchases
- Special financing offers on select Amazon purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros:
- High rewards rate on Amazon.com purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Special financing offers can be helpful for large purchases
Cons:
- Card can only be used at Amazon.com
- No rewards on non-Amazon purchases
- Special financing offers can be tempting, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions carefully before using them
Overall, the Chase Amazon Prime Store Card is a good option for Prime members who shop frequently on Amazon. The high rewards rate and lack of an annual fee make it a great value card. However, it’s important to note that the card can only be used at Amazon.com, so it’s not a good choice for shoppers who make a lot of purchases outside of Amazon.
Additionally, the special financing offers can be tempting, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions carefully before using them. If you don’t pay your bill in full each month, you will be charged interest on the remaining balance.
If you’re a Prime member who shops frequently on Amazon, the Chase Amazon Prime Store Card is a good option to consider. However, if you’re looking for a card that can be used anywhere, or if you make a lot of purchases outside of Amazon, you may want to consider a different credit card.
Synchrony Bank: Amazon.com Store Card
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Synchrony-Bank-Amazon-com-Store-Card/dp/B008A0GNA8
Features:
- 5% back on Amazon.com purchases
- Special financing offers on select Amazon purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros:
- High rewards rate on Amazon.com purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Special financing offers can be helpful for large purchases
Cons:
- Card can only be used at Amazon.com
- No rewards on non-Amazon purchases
- Special financing offers can be tempting, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions carefully before using them
Overall:
The Synchrony Bank Amazon.com Store Card is very similar to the Chase Amazon Prime Store Card in terms of its features, pros, and cons. The main difference is that the Synchrony Bank card does not require a Prime membership.
If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, either of these cards could be a good option for you. However, it’s important to compare the two cards carefully to decide which one is right for you.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between the two cards:
- Prime membership: If you’re a Prime member, you may want to consider the Chase Amazon Prime Store Card, as it offers some additional benefits, such as Visa Signature benefits and a new cardholder bonus offer.
- Other spending habits: If you make a lot of purchases outside of Amazon, you may want to consider a different credit card that offers rewards on a wider range of spending categories.
- Creditworthiness: If you have good or excellent credit, you may be able to qualify for a different credit card that offers even higher rewards rates or other benefits.
Synchrony Bank: Amazon.com Credit Builder Card
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Synchrony-Bank-Amazon-com-Secured-Store/dp/B084KP3NG6
Features:
- Secured credit card with a credit limit equal to your security deposit (minimum deposit of $100, maximum deposit of $1,000)
- No annual fee
- 5% back on Amazon.com purchases
- Access to TransUnion CreditView Dashboard to track your credit score
- After 12 months of responsible use, you may be eligible to get your deposit back and upgrade to an unsecured Amazon credit card
Pros:
- Good option for people with bad credit or a limited credit history
- High rewards rate on Amazon.com purchases
- No annual fee
- Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card after responsible use
Cons:
- Requires a security deposit
- Can only be used at Amazon.com
- No rewards on non-Amazon purchases
- Lower credit limit than some other secured credit cards
Overall:
The Synchrony Bank Amazon.com Credit Builder Card is a good option for people with bad credit or a limited credit history who are looking to build their credit. The card offers a high rewards rate on Amazon.com purchases and no annual fee. Additionally, you may be eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card after responsible use.
However, it’s important to note that the card does require a security deposit and can only be used at Amazon.com. If you’re looking for a secured credit card that can be used anywhere, you may want to consider a different option.
Here are some additional things to consider when deciding if the Synchrony Bank Amazon.com Credit Builder Card is right for you:
- Your credit goals: If you’re primarily interested in building your credit, the Synchrony Bank Amazon.com Credit Builder Card is a good option. However, if you’re also looking for a card with other benefits, such as rewards on a wider range of spending categories or travel benefits, you may want to consider a different card.
- Your spending habits: If you make a lot of purchases on Amazon.com, the Synchrony Bank Amazon.com Credit Builder Card could be a good way to save money on your purchases. However, if you don’t shop at Amazon frequently, you may want to consider a different credit card.
- Your budget: If you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to make a security deposit to open the Synchrony Bank Amazon.com Credit Builder Card. The minimum security deposit is $100, but you can deposit more if you want.
Comenity Bank: Amazon Business American Express Card
Link: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/amazon/
Features:
- 3% cash back on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market
- 2% cash back at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% cash back on other purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- 60-day extended payment terms on eligible purchases
- Employee purchase control features
- Business benefits from American Express, including purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and travel protections
Pros:
- High rewards rate on Amazon Business and Amazon purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- 60-day extended payment terms on eligible purchases
- Employee purchase control features
- Business benefits from American Express
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate on non-Amazon Business and Amazon purchases than some other business credit cards
- American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, especially internationally
Overall:
The Amazon Business American Express Card is a good option for businesses that make a lot of purchases on Amazon Business and Amazon.com. The high rewards rate and lack of an annual fee make it a great value card. Additionally, the 60-day extended payment terms on eligible purchases can be helpful for businesses with cash flow constraints.
However, it’s important to note that the Amazon Business American Express Card offers a lower rewards rate on non-Amazon Business and Amazon purchases than some other business credit cards. Additionally, American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, especially internationally.
If you’re looking for a business credit card with a high rewards rate on all purchases, you may want to consider a different card, such as the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card or the Capital One® Spark Cash Plus® for Business. If you’re looking for a business credit card that is widely accepted internationally, you may want to consider a card that is issued by Visa or Mastercard.
How to Apply for Amazon Credit Cards?
Chase Cards
To apply for an Amazon credit card in Chase, you can either:
- Visit the Chase website: https://creditcards.chase.com/all-credit-cards and click on the “Apply Now” button for the card you want.
- Call Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117.
- Visit a Chase branch in person.
When applying for the card, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security number
- Your income
- Your employment information
- Your credit history
Chase will review your application and make a decision within a few days. If you are approved for the card, you will receive it in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Here are some tips for increasing your chances of approval:
- Have a good credit score. Chase generally prefers applicants with credit scores of 670 or higher.
- Have a low debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income ratio is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Chase generally prefers applicants with debt-to-income ratios of 30% or lower.
- Have a steady employment history. Chase generally prefers applicants who have been employed at the same job for at least six months.
- Have a clean credit history. Chase generally prefers applicants who have no history of late payments, bankruptcies, or foreclosures.
Additional tips:
- Make sure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the card. The Amazon credit cards in Chase require applicants to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number.
- Be honest and accurate on your application. Chase will verify the information you provide on your application, so it’s important to be truthful.
- Review your credit report before you apply. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 12 months at annualcreditreport.com. Reviewing your credit report will help you identify any errors or problems that could affect your chances of approval.
If you have any questions about the application process, you can contact Chase customer service for assistance.
Synchrony Bank Cards
To apply for an Amazon credit card in Synchrony Bank, you can either:
- Visit the Synchrony Bank website and click on the “Apply Now” button for the card you want.
- Call Synchrony Bank customer service at 1-866-634-8379.
- Visit a Synchrony Bank branch in person.
When applying for the card, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security number
- Your income
- Your employment information
- Your credit history
Synchrony Bank will review your application and make a decision within a few days. If you are approved for the card, you will receive it in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Here are some tips for increasing your chances of approval:
- Have a good credit score. Synchrony Bank generally prefers applicants with credit scores of 670 or higher.
- Have a low debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income ratio is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Synchrony Bank generally prefers applicants with debt-to-income ratios of 30% or lower.
- Have a steady employment history. Synchrony Bank generally prefers applicants who have been employed at the same job for at least six months.
- Have a clean credit history. Synchrony Bank generally prefers applicants who have no history of late payments, bankruptcies, or foreclosures.
Comenity Bank
To apply for the Amazon Business American Express Card, you can either:
- Visit the American Express website and click on the “Apply Now” button for the card.
- Call American Express customer service at 1-800-449-9555.
- Visit an American Express branch in person.
When applying for the card, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name
- Your business name
- Your business address
- Your business phone number
- Your business email address
- Your Social Security number
- Your annual income
- Your business annual revenue
- Your business type
- The number of employees in your business
- Your credit history
American Express will review your application and make a decision within a few days. If you are approved for the card, you will receive it in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Here are some tips for increasing your chances of approval:
- Have a good credit score. American Express generally prefers applicants with credit scores of 670 or higher.
- Have a low debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income ratio is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. American Express generally prefers applicants with debt-to-income ratios of 30% or lower.
- Have a steady business history. American Express generally prefers applicants who have been in business for at least six months.
- Have a clean credit history. American Express generally prefers applicants who have no history of late payments, bankruptcies, or foreclosures.
There are Alternatives to Amazon Credit Cards?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Amazon credit cards. Some of the best options include:
- Cash back rewards credit cards: These cards offer cash back on all purchases, or on specific categories like groceries, gas, and travel. Some popular options include the Citi® Double Cash Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Discover it® Cash Back.
- Travel rewards credit cards: These cards offer miles or points that can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars. Some popular options include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One® Venture Rewards Credit Card, and Citi® Premier® Card.
- Sign-up bonus credit cards: These cards offer a bonus of cash back, miles, or points when you spend a certain amount of money on the card within a few months of opening it. Some popular options include the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Capital One® Venture Rewards Credit Card, and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Read also: Best Credit Cards.
Which alternative to an Amazon credit card is best for you will depend on your individual spending habits and financial goals. If you’re looking for a card that will give you the most rewards on Amazon purchases, then the Amazon Prime Visa Signature Card is a good option. However, if you’re looking for a card that will give you more flexibility in terms of rewards and redemption options, then one of the alternatives listed above may be a better choice.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing an alternative to an Amazon credit card:
- Annual fee: Some credit cards have an annual fee, while others don’t. If you’re not sure whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee, you can look for a card that offers a sign-up bonus that offsets the cost of the fee.
- Interest rate: The interest rate is the rate that you’ll be charged if you carry a balance on your credit card. If you’re planning on carrying a balance, you’ll want to choose a card with a low interest rate.
- Foreign transaction fees: If you travel internationally, you’ll want to choose a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amazon credit cards can be a valuable tool for maximizing your savings. Whether you choose the Chase Amazon credit card, the Amazon Prime card, or another option, the key is to use your card strategically and take advantage of cashback rewards. By understanding how cashback rewards work, managing your credit card account responsibly, and exploring alternative options, you can make the most of your savings and enjoy the benefits of shopping on Amazon. So why wait? Start maximizing your savings today with an Amazon credit card!