Amazon has become one of the largest and most popular online retailers globally, offering a wide variety of products from electronics to groceries, and everything in between. As a way to further enhance the shopping experience, Amazon has partnered with major financial institutions to offer a selection of credit cards tailored to different customer needs. These Amazon credit cards provide a range of benefits, from cashback rewards to exclusive financing offers. But with several options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your spending habits.
In this article, we’ll break down the different Amazon credit card options, their benefits, and how to choose the right one based on your lifestyle and purchasing patterns.
Overview of Amazon Credit Cards
Amazon offers two main credit card options: the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Store Card. Both are designed to reward customers for making purchases on Amazon.com, but they come with different features and reward structures. Additionally, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers additional benefits for Prime members, making it an attractive option for those who regularly shop with Amazon.
To determine which Amazon credit card is right for you, it’s important to understand the specifics of each card and how they compare.
1. Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is a general-purpose credit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. This means you can earn rewards not just on Amazon purchases, but also on any other eligible spending.
Key Features of the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card:
- Rewards Structure:
- 3% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases (if you are an Amazon Prime member).
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus:
- New cardholders can earn a $100 Amazon gift card after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- No Annual Fee:
- This card doesn’t carry an annual fee, which makes it a cost-effective option for those who want to earn rewards without paying an upfront cost.
- Visa Signature Benefits:
- As a Visa Signature cardholder, you’ll have access to exclusive benefits such as extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and travel perks like rental car insurance.
- APR:
- The card typically has a variable APR ranging from 17.24% to 25.24% depending on your creditworthiness.
Pros of the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card:
- Earns high rewards rates on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, making it ideal for regular Amazon shoppers.
- No annual fee makes it an affordable option for those who want rewards without extra costs.
- The card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, offering flexibility.
- Offers a solid sign-up bonus of $100 in Amazon credit.
Cons of the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card:
- To maximize rewards on Amazon and Whole Foods, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.
- The higher APR can be a disadvantage for those who carry balances on their credit cards.
2. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is essentially a version of the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card designed exclusively for Amazon Prime members. It offers a more generous rewards rate for customers who pay for Amazon Prime, which can make it an attractive option for frequent Amazon shoppers.
Key Features of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card:
- Rewards Structure:
- 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases (for Amazon Prime members).
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus:
- New cardholders can earn a $150 Amazon gift card after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months.
- No Annual Fee:
- The card has no annual fee, but you must have an active Amazon Prime membership (currently priced at $139 per year) to qualify.
- Visa Signature Benefits:
- Similar to the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, this card also offers Visa Signature benefits like extended warranty protection and travel-related perks.
- APR:
- The card offers a variable APR that ranges from 17.24% to 25.24%, depending on your creditworthiness.
Pros of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card:
- Offers an incredible 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, making it an ideal choice for Amazon Prime members who shop regularly on the platform.
- The higher sign-up bonus of $150 makes it more rewarding for new cardholders.
- No annual fee, but only if you’re already an Amazon Prime member, so it’s a good option for those who have or plan to get Prime.
Cons of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card:
- You must be an Amazon Prime member to access the best rewards rate. This means you’ll need to factor in the $139 annual Prime membership fee.
- The higher APR is not ideal for carrying balances over time.
3. Amazon Store Card
The Amazon Store Card is a more niche option compared to the Visa Signature cards, as it can only be used on Amazon.com. This card is often appealing to customers who want to make large purchases on Amazon and are looking for financing options.
Key Features of the Amazon Store Card:
- Rewards Structure:
- 5% back on Amazon.com purchases for eligible cardholders (available for Amazon Prime members).
- The Amazon Store Card is primarily a store card, meaning it only provides rewards for purchases made directly with Amazon.
- Special Financing:
- Offers special financing options for purchases over $150, including no interest if the balance is paid in full within six months. This can be a great option for larger purchases, as it provides flexibility in how payments are made.
- No Annual Fee:
- Like the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, there is no annual fee for the Amazon Store Card.
- APR:
- A 25.99% variable APR applies to the card, which is high compared to other cards.
Pros of the Amazon Store Card:
- Offers 5% back for Amazon Prime members, which can be ideal for regular Amazon shoppers.
- Special financing options make it easier to manage large purchases on Amazon.
Cons of the Amazon Store Card:
- Only usable on Amazon.com, which limits its flexibility compared to Visa Signature cards.
- High APR rate makes it costly if you carry a balance.
- The best benefits are reserved for Prime members, meaning you need to pay for a Prime membership to access the most significant rewards.
How to Choose the Right Amazon Credit Card
When choosing between the Amazon credit cards, it ultimately comes down to your shopping habits and whether you’re an Amazon Prime member. Here are a few key considerations to help guide your decision:
- Do you have an Amazon Prime membership?
If you already have an Amazon Prime membership, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers the best rewards rate at 5% back on Amazon purchases. If you’re not a Prime member, the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card provides decent rewards but at a slightly lower rate. - Do you want flexibility with where you can use the card?
If you prefer a credit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card are better options. The Amazon Store Card, on the other hand, can only be used on Amazon.com. - Are you making a large purchase on Amazon?
If you plan on making a large purchase on Amazon, the Amazon Store Card offers special financing options, making it an excellent choice for managing large purchases. - Are you looking for a simple rewards structure?
The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card and Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offer clear and easy-to-understand rewards systems. If you want rewards for a broad range of purchases (beyond Amazon), the Visa Signature cards are more versatile.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Amazon credit card depends largely on your purchasing habits and whether you’re already a Prime member. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is the best choice for frequent Amazon shoppers who want to maximize rewards, while the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is ideal for non-Prime members who still want to earn solid cashback. The Amazon Store Card can be a great option for those seeking special financing for larger Amazon purchases.
By understanding the features of each card and matching them with your shopping preferences, you can find the Amazon credit card that works best for you.
