Amazon provides access to several branded credit cards through banking and lending partners like Chase and Synchrony Bank.
Each credit card provides unique advantages for cardholders to consider. Businesses even have a pay-by-invoice option if they prefer something traditional instead of the current credit option.
If you’re a Prime member or you want to take advantage of the different perks that these cards offer, this guide reviews all the available options for 2023.
Amazon Credit Card Reviews (2023)
Amazon credit cards feature stellar rewards, especially for Prime members. Some accounts qualify for 5% cash-back benefits on any Amazon-related purchase, including at physical store locations. Some cards work in a closed-loop system, while others are accepted anywhere that Visa or American Express is accepted.
Amazon provides six different credit options for consumers to consider, with four of them targeting consumers. The other two are business-specific options, but sole proprietors and partnerships can qualify for them while maintaining mixed finances.
Each of the Amazon credit cards has specific pros and cons to consider. Anyone can apply for a new line of credit, but there isn’t an approval guarantee. Each application is reviewed to determine eligibility, with well-qualified individuals often receiving approval in 60 seconds or less.
Here’s a closer look at the six credit lines for which you can apply through Amazon to see if one of them is right for you.
Amazon Business Pay by Invoice
This option allows businesses to buy things now on Amazon.com and pay later. There are no upfront fees or interest charges to pay for this benefit.
Your business receives a 30-day payment term for the designated purchase if approved. You’ll also receive on-demand itemized digital invoices.
Business Prime memberships can extend the payment window even further.
Anyone with an Amazon Business account is automatically assessed for receiving a Pay by Invoice credit line. If you’re the administrator, you’ll receive an email to activate this credit line at the address given on the account.
The Pay by Invoice feature only stays active for a limited time. Those who choose not to activate it will have the line of credit closed.
Key Benefits of Amazon Business Pay by Invoice
- Business Prime members can apply for 45-day terms with the small and medium plans or 60-day terms through the enterprise plan.
- Reconciliation is simplified through on-demand digital invoices with corresponding purchase orders.
- Track spending with more accuracy and simplicity by setting up multiple buyers, downloading invoices, and generating enhanced reports with included analytic tools.
Amazon allows you to pay invoices through wire transfer, checks, or ACH (automated clearing house) when the appropriate remittance information is submitted. Itemized invoices with payment terms and your due date are sent once the order ships.
Amazon Secured Card
This Amazon credit card is for those who don’t have a credit history or need to repair the one they have. Once the account is approved and the deposit submitted, you can use this card at physical Amazon stores and at Amazon.com.
Since it is a credit card, the payment activity gets reported to the three major credit report bureaus in the United States. Your account provides access to credit-building tools, credit score access, and tips to help manage your finances better.
Secured cards like this one require an upfront deposit. You’re given an opportunity to convert it to an unsecured account based on eligibility and responsible use. Amazon allows deposits in $50 increments between $100 to a maximum credit line of $1,000.
Key Benefits of the Amazon Secured Card
- After 12 months of responsible use, many people are eligible to activate the Store Card features on the account while receiving the deposit back.
- You can choose to pay off your balance at any time, close the account, and receive your security deposit.
- No annual fee is associated with this account, and you receive 2% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and other eligible locations.
- In 2023, the Amazon Secured Card uses a non-variable 10% APR.
Your credit limit with the Amazon Secured Card is based on what you choose to deposit. If you’re approved for $1,000, but deposit $650, that amount is your limit when using the card.
All deposits must be submitted to Synchrony Bank.
If you qualify to transition to an unsecured credit card, you don’t need to apply for a new credit line. Your current account will be converted to the Store Card per the terms and conditions.
Amazon Business American Express Card
This Amazon credit card provides 5% back on your first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year. Qualifying transactions include AWS, Whole Foods, Amazon.com, and Amazon Business with your Prime membership.
Once you clear the purchasing threshold, you’ll continue to receive 1% back on each purchase.
Business owners can opt for 90-day terms instead of receiving 5% rewards on their purchases. That makes it easier to focus on the bottom line and free up cash flow. You can opt to use Payment Terms on individual transactions, and those that don’t receive anything back won’t count toward the annual rewards cap.
You can use the American Express card outside of Amazon’s business chain. Your business receives 2% back when used at restaurants, gas stations, or wireless telephone services. All other purchases qualify for 1%. Merchant bonus offers are also available, and no activation is needed to receive these benefits.
Key Benefits of the Amazon AMEX Business Credit Card
- Return protections are available so that you can shop with confidence.
- You’re provided a complete suite of business tools, including employee cards, to streamline your purchasing needs.
- Travel benefits are included with this credit line, including baggage, car rental loss, and damage insurance.
- You won’t pay any foreign transaction fees for purchases made across borders or in other currencies.
You must be an authorized party for your company to apply for the Amazon American Express Card for businesses. When using on behalf of a partnership or corporation, you’ll need information on the Beneficial Owners and your tax identifier.
Small business owners might have additional requirements to meet during the application process. You can begin the application to find out what applies to your circumstances by visiting amazon.com/businesscard.
Amazon Store Card
The Amazon Store Card provides 5% back on millions of items each day through Amazon.com for those who are Prime members. Cardholders can redeem their rewards as savings on another purchase or for statement credits. Some items provide 15% back in rotating categories throughout the year.
If you have a larger item you want to purchase with this credit card, you can opt for a promotional financing offer instead of getting 5% back. You’ll pay equal monthly payments at 0% APR over the financing period.
In 2023, the following options were available for the equal monthly payments feature.
- Purchases of $150 or more qualified for six equal monthly payments.
- When the items total $600 or more, they can be split into 12 equal monthly payments.
- Select purchases qualify for 24 equal monthly payments.
Special financing is also available for purchases following the same outline. If you’re not a Prime member, you won’t receive the cash-back option.
Key Benefits of the Amazon Store Card
- 0% financing is available to all applicants, allowing them to buy now and pay later over time with equal payments.
- There is no annual fee associated with this account.
- You can choose between paper or electronic statements. You’ll receive the details on how to register and pay with your initial account documents.
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Rewards Visa Signature Card is similar to the Prime version of this line of credit. The only exception is that it doesn’t come with the Prime exclusive cash-back benefits with purchase. You still get 2% or 1%, depending on where and what you buy.
This account also delivers unlimited 3% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, but non-US Amazon sites are excluded from the benefit.
If you’re an occasional Amazon shopper or visit Whole Foods whenever you’re traveling, this credit card is a solid option when you’re not a Prime member. The cash-back feature for Amazon purchases is relatively generous, and the other benefits it offers are some of the best you’ll find for cards that don’t have an annual fee.
Key Benefits of the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Your purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft. This benefit pays up to $500 per claim, but it comes with a $50,000 lifetime benefit.
- Baggage delay reimbursements are available for apparel, toiletries, and similar items if your luggage is delayed by six hours or more. You receive $100 per day for up to three days.
- If your luggage is lost by a common carrier, you receive up to $3,000 per passenger.
You can choose to add a Prime membership to your account at any time. Your credit card is convertible to the Prime Signature account if you decide that earning higher rewards is a priority.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers significant rewards to those with an excellent credit profile. You receive exclusive rewards as Prime members that include 5% back at physical Amazon stores, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market.
Everyone receives 2% back when using this card at gas stations, restaurants, and drug stores. You’ll get 1% for utility bill payments and all other purchases.
If you like to travel, the costs of converting currencies disappear when using this card. You can also get 10% back or more with select products when using the bonus categories.
Instead of getting the money back with your purchase, you can select a 0% APR for up to 18 months on purchases of $50 or more. Equal payments are also a possibility.
It does take a relatively high credit score to qualify for this account. If your FICO score is 750 or higher, you have an excellent chance of being approved. You might be given the option to receive an Amazon Store Card instead if your financial profile doesn’t qualify for this specific credit card.
Key Benefits of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Users can travel with confidence because there are no foreign transaction fees. You also receive lost luggage reimbursement and emergency assistance automatically with the account.
- Roadside dispatch is available with this credit card, including auto rental collision damage waivers, purchase protections, and extended warranty options.
- Visa Signature Perks are included, including concierge services 24/7 to help with planning and booking accommodations.
Financial planning is what helps you achieve the most rewards from this card. Although there are other options with better rates available, you won’t find a better cash-back option specific to Amazon. Only Discover comes close, and they provide 5% back during the fourth quarter during the Christmas holiday shopping season.
Should I Apply for an Amazon Credit Card Today?
Amazon credit cards from Synchrony Bank and Chase provide some unique benefits to consider. Those who shop online with this e-commerce giant and pay off their account before the grace period expiration will experience the greatest benefits.
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been our go-to credit card for supplies and traveling over the past couple of years. We use it for most general expenses to ensure the cash-back feature gets maximized.
We have an American Express card that provides 3% back for groceries, a Discover with rotating 5% categories, and a business Mastercard that delivers 2%. Although each has benefits, we get the perks from our Amazon card without needing to jump through lots of hoops. That time-saving feature has more value than you might realize.
Investing in a Prime membership to get these rewards might not make sense in some situations. These credit cards are more for existing members that want to extend what their money can do. Businesses can experience a similar outcome.
That’s why it made sense for me to apply for an Amazon card. It’s also why it could be the right decision for you.
