Are Amazon Credit Cards the Right Choice for You?

Amazon credit cards can be a great option for frequent Amazon shoppers, offering rewards and benefits that can save you money and enhance your shopping experience.

With the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, you can earn 5% cashback on purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods, as well as 2% cashback at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores.

If you're not an Amazon Prime member, the Amazon Rewards Visa Card is a more affordable option, still offering 3% cashback on purchases at Amazon and 2% cashback at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores.

To qualify for these benefits, you'll need to have good credit, typically a credit score of 660 or higher.

Amazon credit cards can be a convenient way to earn rewards and discounts on purchases, especially for frequent Amazon shoppers.

Rewards programs can be quite generous, offering up to 5% cashback on purchases, which can add up quickly.

However, it's essential to consider the interest rates, which can be as high as 27.99% APR, making it crucial to pay off the balance in full each month.

Amazon credit cards often come with benefits like free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and early access to sales, making them a great option for those who regularly shop on Amazon.

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a $150 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, which can be a nice incentive for new cardholders.

However, it's worth noting that these benefits may not be worth the annual fee, which can range from $0 to $119 per year, depending on the card.

One of the main advantages of Amazon credit cards is the high rate of return on purchases, such as at Amazon and Whole Foods.

Easy-to-earn welcome bonuses are also a perk.

However, to qualify for these benefits, you'll typically need an Amazon Prime membership.

Additionally, choosing the promo APR may mean you won't earn rewards on those purchases.

Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

But, be aware that Amazon Prime membership costs $139 a year, which may be a drawback for some.

The potentially high APR is another consideration when deciding if an Amazon credit card is right for you.

The Prime Visa is an excellent choice for Amazon Prime members who frequently shop on Amazon and at Whole Foods, offering 5% back on these purchases. If you spend at least $2,800 annually from these stores, the cash back you earn from these two vendors alone can offset the cost of your Prime membership.

You can earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership. This is a great perk for frequent travelers or those who rely heavily on Amazon for their daily needs.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Prime Visa:

The Prime Visa also offers a Prime Card Bonus, which allows you to earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership. This is a great way to maximize your rewards and save even more money.

The Prime Visa and Amazon Visa credit cards are two popular options for Amazon shoppers. Both cards offer rewards and benefits that can help you save money and get more value from your purchases.

The Prime Visa card earns 5% back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, making it an excellent choice for frequent shoppers. It also offers 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.

The Amazon Visa card, on the other hand, earns 3% back in rewards on purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods, as well as on purchases made through Chase Travel. It also offers 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.

One benefit of both cards is that they offer a sign-up bonus, which can be a nice incentive to start using the card. The Prime Visa card also offers a Prime Card Bonus, earning 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com.

Here are the rewards rates for both cards:

Both cards are also open-loop, meaning they can be used anywhere that takes Visa, not just at Amazon. The Prime Visa card has a $0 annual fee, but you must be an Amazon Prime member to get it. The Amazon Visa card also has no annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee.

The Amazon Prime Visa card offers some amazing benefits for Prime members. You can get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members.

Here are some of the key highlights:

These benefits make the Amazon Prime Visa card a great option for frequent Amazon shoppers.

The Amazon Store Card and Amazon Store Credit Card can only be used for purchases at Amazon or at Amazon-owned businesses, limiting their versatility. This is a key consideration if you need a card for broader spending needs.

There are two types of Amazon credit cards: store cards and credit cards. Store cards, like the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Store Credit Card, can only be used at Amazon or at Amazon-owned businesses. Credit cards, on the other hand, like the Amazon Prime Visa, can be used anywhere Visa or American Express is accepted.

Here's a breakdown of the usage options for different Amazon credit cards:

If you do most of your shopping on Amazon, a store card might make sense. But if you need a card for broader spending needs, a credit card might be a better option.

If you're looking for a secured credit card, the Amazon Secured Card is a great option. You can qualify with poor credit and there's no annual fee. However, you will need to put down a security deposit upfront, which becomes your credit limit.

The Amazon Secured Card has a low, locked-in APR of 10% and it's possible to earn rewards with the card, although only if you're an Amazon Prime member: 2% back on all eligible Amazon purchases. After 12 months of responsible card use, you could qualify to convert the Amazon Secured Card to one of the unsecured Amazon store cards and get your deposit back.

You can earn 2% back on all eligible Amazon purchases with a Prime membership, but the Amazon Secured Card is not the best option if you're building or rebuilding your credit because you can only use it on Amazon.

Here are some key features of the Amazon Secured Card:

The Amazon Store Card, Amazon Prime Store Card, and Amazon Store Credit Card are all store cards that can only be used at Amazon-owned stores, including Whole Foods. They have various promotional financing offers, but these offers come with deferred interest, which means you'll pay all the interest you incurred during the offer period if you don't pay your balance in full before it ends.

You can get these cards without a Prime membership, but you won't earn rewards. However, if you're a Prime member, you'll earn 5% back on Amazon purchases with some cards.

There are two versions of the Amazon Store Credit Card, one for Prime members and one for non-Prime members. The Prime version lets you choose between earning 5% back on purchases or special financing options, while the non-Prime version offers special financing options instead.

Store cards are often unsecured products, meaning you don't need to make a deposit to get one. They tend to have lower credit score requirements, making them relatively easy to get.

Here's a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of the Amazon Store Card and the Amazon Prime Store Card:

Keep in mind that these cards can only be used at Amazon-owned stores, which may limit their versatility. However, if you're a frequent Amazon shopper, one of these store cards might be a good option for you.

You can use your Amazon card just about anywhere, thanks to the numerous locations that accept Visa and American Express. From grocery stores to online retailers, the Prime Visa, Amazon Visa, Amazon Business Prime American Express Card, and Amazon Business American Express Card are accepted at millions of locations worldwide.

The Amazon Store Credit Card and Amazon Secured Card are a bit more limited in their usage, however. You can only use these cards for purchases on Amazon and at Amazon-owned businesses.

If you're considering an Amazon credit card but not sure if the Amazon Prime Visa is the best fit, there are plenty of alternatives to explore.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a strong contender, offering a cash-back rate on every purchase you make. It's a great option if you want a simple and straightforward rewards program.

If you're looking for a starter card with no annual fee, the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card is worth considering. It also offers the opportunity to earn cash back on some purchases.

The Discover it Cash Back card is another good option for earning cash back wherever you shop. It's a solid choice if you want a card that's easy to use and understand.

If you're still unsure about the Amazon Prime Visa, you can always compare it to similar cards. For example, the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a 1% - 3% cash back rewards rate, a $50 Amazon gift card welcome offer, and a regular APR of 19.99%–28.74% (variable).

Here are some key features of the Amazon Prime Visa compared to similar cards:

Some users have reported positive experiences with the Amazon credit card, citing its benefits, such as no annual fee and 5% back on Amazon purchases.

The card's APR is indeed high, but users who pay off their balance every month, like one reviewer, don't have to worry about it.

One reviewer noted that the negative reviews are often from people who were denied the card, not from actual users.

If you do get denied, it's not a reflection of the card itself, but rather a decision made by the issuer based on your creditworthiness.

As one reviewer pointed out, even with a good credit score and being an Amazon Prime member, they were still denied the card.

However, for those who are approved, the card can be a great addition to their wallet, especially for Amazon shoppers.

The Amazon Prime Visa card may seem like a great deal, but there's a catch - you need to be an Amazon Prime member to apply, which costs $139 per year.

If you're already an Amazon Prime member, the cost isn't a concern, but if you're considering signing up just for the card, think about it carefully. A different cash back card with a lower annual fee might make more sense.

You can keep the card if you cancel your Amazon Prime membership, but you'll earn lower cash back rates in certain categories.

A high APR can sneak up on you if you're not careful. The Amazon Prime Visa has a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49% on purchases and balance transfers.

Carrying a balance can lead to a lot of interest paid over time. We've seen it happen to friends who didn't pay their credit card bills in full each month.

If you're not paying your bill on time and in full, a high APR is definitely something to worry about. A single late payment can add up to a significant amount over time.

Paying your bill on time and in full is key to avoiding interest charges. If you can't afford to pay off a purchase by your due date, it's best to avoid using credit cards altogether.

The APR is a consideration for emergency expenses that don't fit into your budget. If you do need to use a credit card for an emergency, be sure to pay off the balance as soon as possible.

If you cancel your Prime membership, your card will essentially be switched to the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, which offers a slightly lower rewards program.

You'll still be able to use your card to make purchases and earn rewards, but the benefits and rewards structure will change.

The Prime Visa card is only for Amazon Prime members, so canceling your Prime membership is the only way to lose the card's benefits.

If you're a small-business owner, Amazon offers two American Express credit cards that can help you save money and earn rewards on your purchases. The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is great for small-business owners who are Amazon Prime members.

You can earn 5% back on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon and Whole Foods, up to $120,000 annually, which can add up to $6,000 in rewards per year. If you hit this cap, you can earn up to $6,000 in cash back per year.

Alternatively, you can choose to take advantage of 90-day financing on your Amazon business purchases. Purchases that you choose to finance don't count toward the $120,000 cap. The card features bonus rewards in several other useful categories, plus a welcome offer of a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the card.

The Amazon Business American Express Card is suitable for business owners who don’t have a Prime membership. It offers 3% back on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon and Whole Foods, up to $120,000 annually, or the option of 60-day financing.

Both cards have a $0 annual fee, but the Prime version requires a $139 Prime membership. The cards offer bonus rewards in several other categories, including 2% back on U.S. restaurant, gas station, and wireless telephone services purchases, and 1% back on other purchases.

Here's a comparison of the two cards:

Ultimately, the choice between these two cards will depend on whether you have an Amazon Prime membership and your business's spending habits.

American Express offers a range of credit cards with rewards programs that can help you earn points or miles on your purchases.

With the American Express Platinum card, you can earn 5x points on air travel booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.

The American Express Gold card offers 4x points at U.S. restaurants and 4x points at U.S. supermarkets.

You can redeem your points for travel, gift cards, or other rewards through the American Express Membership Rewards program.

The program offers a wide range of redemption options, including flights, hotel stays, and merchandise.

In addition to earning points on your purchases, some American Express cards also offer additional rewards benefits, such as travel insurance and concierge services.