7 Things To Know About Amazon’s Revamped Credit Cards
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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Recently, Chase and Amazon announced various changes to the Amazon Visa card lineup. For starters, not only can cardholders earn more cash back, but there have also been changes to the rewards program. Here are seven things to know about Amazon’s revamped credit cards.
1. The Card Names Have Been Simplified
As part of the changes, the Amazon Visa card offerings have new, streamlined names. The former Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is now Prime Visa, and the former Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is now Amazon Visa. Additionally, each card’s design has been updated.
2. Both Cards Have a Welcome Offer
The Amazon Prime Visa has a welcome offer that’s worth up to $275. You’ll receive a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval. Additionally, if you have an eligible Amazon Prime membership, you can also earn 5% back on every purchase, up to $2,500, during the first 90 days after account opening. This equals a $125 value.
The welcome offer for the Amazon Visa card is worth up to $105. You’ll receive a $60 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval. Plus, you can also earn 3% back on a maximum of $1,500 in purchases during the first 90 days, which equals a $45 value.
3. You Can Earn Rewards for Travel
If earning travel rewards is something you enjoy, one of the new rewards categories for the refreshed Amazon Visa cards is Chase Travel. The Amazon Prime Visa card offers 5% back on travel purchases booked through Chase Travel, whereas the Amazon Visa offers 3% back on Chase Travel purchases. Travel booked through other providers is not eligible for rewards.
4. You Can Earn Rewards for Local Transit and Commuting
Another new rewards category for both Amazon Visa cards is the ability to earn 2% rewards for local transit and commuting purchases. This includes taxis, rideshares, buses, passenger trains, limousines, ferries, toll bridges, highways, parking lots and garages. Transportation provided by other services, like airlines, cruise lines, hotels or discount travel sites is not eligible for rewards.
5. Other Past Rewards Are Still Available
The original rewards categories also remain in play for both the Amazon Prime Visa and the Amazon Visa. The Amazon Prime Visa offers 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, while the Amazon Visa offers 3% back. Additionally, both cards still offer 2% back at restaurants and gas stations and 1% back on all other purchases.
6. You Can Earn Rewards While Trying Out a Prime Membership
The Amazon Prime Visa requires cardholders to have an eligible Amazon Prime membership. This can include being a member of a household with a Prime membership.
If you’re not already a Prime member or a member of a household that has a Prime membership and want to try it out, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial. During this trial membership period, you can earn Amazon Prime Visa rewards. However, if you decide not to continue your Amazon Prime membership after the free trial, your Amazon Prime Visa will no longer earn 5% rewards; it will only earn 3%, like the Amazon Visa card offers.
7. You Can Redeem Rewards the Same Day
Another new feature of the Amazon Visa offerings is that you can redeem rewards the same day. Amazon updates rewards everyday except for Saturday. After the close of the Daily Rewards posting, your earned points will typically be available for use the same day. Points earned on purchases after the close of the Daily Rewards posting might take an additional day to become available. You can see your total points balance by logging into your account.
Cardholders can redeem rewards for millions of items at Amazon.com or for travel, cash back or gift cards offered on Chase’s website.
Which Amazon Card Is Right for You?
Both of the refreshed Visa card offerings from Amazon and Chase have no annual fees or foreign transaction fees. In addition, they both offer lucrative welcome bonuses plus ongoing rewards. However, if you have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll earn 5% back with the Amazon Prime Visa — instead of the 3% offered with the Amazon Visa — on all purchases from Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and Chase Travel. If you shop at these retailers often, the Amazon Prime Visa might be a better fit.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Amazon credit cards.- What credit score do I need to get an Amazon credit card?
- To get approved for the Prime Visa or the Amazon Visa, you'll most likely need a credit score of 670 or higher.
- Who offers the Amazon credit card?
- Amazon Visa credit cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
- Will an Amazon credit card help my credit?
- As long as you use the Amazon credit card responsibly by making payments by the due date and keeping your utilization low, it can benefit your credit by helping you build a responsible credit history.
- Does Amazon have its own credit card?
- Yes, Amazon has four different credit cards. The Amazon Secured Card and the Amazon Prime Store Card are issued by Synchrony Bank. These cards can only be used for Amazon purchases.
- The Amazon Prime Visa and the Amazon Visa, which are issued by J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., can be used at Amazon and anywhere Visa is accepted.
- Which Amazon card can you get with the lowest credit score?
- The Amazon Secured Card is for consumers who are building credit. Secured cards have less stringent requirements for approval than unsecured cards and require an upfront deposit. Anyone with a lower credit score will likely find it easier to qualify for this type of card.
The information related to the Prime Visa and Amazon Visa was collected by GOBankingRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see the issuer’s website for current information. GOBankingRates does not receive commission for this product.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
Data is accurate as of June 16, 2023, and is subject to change.
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