Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
The Amazon
Amazon Prime Visa Card Review: Is the It Best Credit Card for You?
Chase recently rolled out changes to its Amazon credit cards, including new names, bonuses, earning categories, and benefits. Formerly known as the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, the newly renamed
If you're an Amazon Prime member and spend a lot at Amazon, Whole Foods, or both, the
There's no annual fee for Amazon Prime members, and because it's a Visa Signature card, it offers solid benefits including extended warranty, purchase protection, and car rental insurance.
The card also offers a unique pay-over-time feature that can be useful if you want to avoid interest charges, but if you take advantage of this option, you won't earn rewards for your purchase.
While this is a great card if you do the bulk of your spending at Amazon and/or Whole Foods, there are other credit cards that earn bonus cash back in a wider variety of categories that might be a better fit. Depending on your spending habits, a card with a flat earning rate everywhere, like the
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Amazon Prime Visa Card Rewards
Welcome bonus
The
Plus, with the addition of earning 5% back on up to $2,500 in purchases for three months after account opening, the value of this bonus is potentially higher than what you'll find on competing no-annual-fee cash back credit cards.
How to earn points with the Amazon Prime credit card
The
Cardholders earn:
- 5% cash back at Amazon, Whole Foods, and on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 2% cash back at restaurants (including takeout and delivery services if they're classified as a restaurant merchant)
- 2% cash back at gas stations (paid for either at the pump or inside the station)
- 2% cash back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare, passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages)
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
For a limited time, you can earn 10% cash back or more on select Amazon items marked as "Prime Card Offers" when using your card.
With the
How to use points from the Prime Visa
The simplest way to use rewards from the
Another positive change with the recent refresh to the card is that the rewards you earn on purchases will post daily and you can immediately use them. Previously, your earned rewards would only post to your account once per month.
Amazon Prime Visa Card Benefits and Features
For a no-annual-fee card, the
Interest-free equal monthly payments
At Amazon checkout, you'll have the option to select equal monthly payments (from six to 12 months) with a 0% APR on eligible purchases over $50 (then a
You can set up monthly payments as follows:
- Purchases of $50 or more: Six equal monthly payments
- Purchases of $250 or more: 12 equal monthly payments
You won't earn rewards if you go this route, but it's a handy feature if you have a large Amazon purchase you want to pay for over time without incurring interest charges. Note that the full price will be charged to your card at the time of purchase; you'll be responsible for the monthly payment amount which will appear on each statement.
Car rental insurance
When you decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card, you're covered for theft and collision damage on most cars. In the US, coverage is secondary to your personal insurance — otherwise, it's primary car rental insurance.
Lost luggage reimbursement
When you pay for your fare with the
Baggage delay insurance
Credit card travel insurance like baggage delay insurance can give you peace of mind on a trip. If your bags are delayed for six hours or more, you could be reimbursed for essential purchases (like clothing and toiletries) up to $100 per day for up to three days.
Purchase protection
If an eligible item you've bought with your card is damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase, the card's purchase protection could make you eligible for up to $500 in reimbursement per claim, and up to $50,000 per account.
Extended warranty
Eligible items you purchase with the
Visa Signature concierge
The Visa Signature concierge can help you arrange things like hard-to-get restaurant reservations or theater tickets. It doesn't cost anything to use the service, but any third-party costs are your responsibility.
Travel and emergency assistance services
Suppose you're away from home and run into trouble. In that case, you'll have access to a travel and emergency assistance hotline that can help arrange legal and medical referrals, prescriptions, translation services, and more. Keep in mind any third-party costs are your responsibility.
Roadside dispatch
Cardholders have access to a 24/7 roadside dispatch hotline which can help you arrange services like towing, winching, or jump-starting. The dispatch service itself is free, but you'll be charged for any services rendered.
Travel accident insurance
When you pay for your air, bus, cruise, or train transportation with the card, you're eligible for accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000. Be sure to read the terms and conditions for details on what's covered.
Amazon Prime Visa Card Annual Fee and Other Costs
The
Like most cards, it adds fees for other types of transactions, including:
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Late payment fee: Up to $39
- Returned payment fee: Up to $39
How the Amazon Prime Visa Card Compares
Prime Visa vs other Chase credit cards
Annual fee | |||
Rewards rate | 10% back or more on select products* 5% cash back at Amazon*** 5% cash back at Whole Foods*** 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare) 1% cash back on everything else | 5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards 5% cash back (5x points) on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories when you activate 3% cash back (3x points) on dining and drugstore purchases 1% cash back (1x points) on everything else | 5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards 3% cash back (3x points) on dining and drugstore purchases 1.5% cash back (1.5x points) on everything else |
Welcome bonus offer |
| ||
Card benefits | Secondary car rental insurance Baggage delay insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Travel accident insurance Extended warranty Purchase protection Travel and emergency assistance Roadside dispatch Access to Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection Visa Signature Concierge Cardholders can choose a 0% APR on purchases of $50 or more for six to 12 months (then a No foreign transaction fees | Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise) Trip cancellation/interruption insurance Purchase protection Extended warranty Travel and emergency assistance services | Extended warranty Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise) Trip interruption/cancellation insurance Travel and emergency assistance services |
Review |
*limited-time offer
***5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods requires a Prime Membership and that your card is loaded to your eligible Amazon account; otherwise earn 3% back on these purchases
Prime Visa vs other cash-back credit cards
Annual fee | |||
Rewards rate | 10% back or more on select products* 5% cash back at Amazon*** 5% cash back at Whole Foods*** 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare) 1% cash back on everything else | 2% cash rewards on purchases | 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets**** 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations**** 3% cash back on online retail purchases**** 1% back on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus offer | |||
Card benefits | Secondary car rental insurance Baggage delay insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Travel accident insurance Extended warranty Purchase protection Travel and emergency assistance Roadside dispatch Access to Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection Visa Signature Concierge Cardholders can choose a 0% APR on purchases of $50 or more for six to 12 months (then a No foreign transaction fees | Cell phone protection Visa Signature Concierge Roadside dispatch Travel and emergency assistance services Emergency cash disbursement and card replacement Access to the Visa Signature Hotel Collection | Secondary car rental insurance Purchase protection Global Assist Hotline Access to discounts and bonuses with Amex Offers** |
Review |
*limited-time offer
***5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods requires a Prime Membership and that your card is loaded to your eligible Amazon account; otherwise earn 3% back on these purchases
****3% back on up to $6,000 spent at US supermarkets in a calendar year, then 1% back
Amazon Prime Visa Card Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score is needed for the Amazon Prime Visa card?
To qualify for the
Is the Amazon Prime credit card worth it?
If you're a big Amazon (or Whole Foods) shopper, the 5% cash back earning rate on the
Do I need an Amazon Prime membership to apply for the Amazon Prime Visa?
Yes, you'll need an eligible Prime membership to open the
Can I use the Amazon Prime Visa credit card anywhere?
You can use the
How do I pay my Amazon Prime credit card?
The easiest way to pay your Amazon Prime card bill is to log in online through Chase or its mobile app. You can also pay your bill by calling the number on the back of your card, by mail, or at a Chase branch.
What bank is the Amazon Prime Visa card?
The
Methodology: How we reviewed the Amazon Prime Visa Card
The
Thanks to an unparalleled return with Amazon and Whole Foods — as well as the ability to choose interest-free financing on many purchases — this card earned a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
You can read a full rundown of how we rate credit cards at Insider.