What the Amazon Credit Card Is and Who Issues It

The Amazon Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Synchrony Financial, a major credit card issuer that handles the account management, billing, and customer service. Amazon and Synchrony partnered to create a card that rewards purchases made on Amazon and at other retailers. When you use the card, Synchrony processes the transaction and manages your account—not Amazon directly.

Synchrony handles everything from your monthly statement to fraud disputes to payment processing. This matters because when you call about your account, you reach Synchrony's customer service team, not Amazon's. The card itself carries the Visa or Mastercard logo depending on which version you hold, so it works anywhere those networks are accepted.

Amazon offers two main versions: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card. Both earn cash back on purchases, but the Prime version offers higher rewards rates if you have an active Prime membership. The card is not a store card—it is a general-purpose credit card that happens to offer bonus rewards on Amazon purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Synchrony, not Amazon, issues and manages the card, handles your billing, and runs customer service.
  • The card earns cash back on Amazon purchases and other retailers, with higher rates for Prime members on the Prime version.
  • You can set up the card online through Synchrony's website or by calling their customer service number once it arrives.
  • Monthly payments go to Synchrony, and you can set up automatic payments, pay online, or mail a check to the address on your statement.
  • Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help build your credit score.

How to set up Your Amazon Credit Card

Once your card arrives in the mail, you must set up it before you can use it. Synchrony requires set up for security reasons—it confirms you received the card and are the person authorized to use it.

You can set up the card in two ways. The fastest method is to go to the Synchrony website, log into your account, and follow the set up prompts. You will need your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Alternatively, you can call Synchrony's customer service number, which appears on the set up notice that came with your card, and set up over the phone by providing the same information.

After set up, the card is ready to use when ready. You can add it to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) right away if you want to make contactless payments. Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase.

Understanding the Rewards Structure

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market purchases when you are a Prime member. It earns 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The standard Amazon Rewards Visa Card earns 3% cash back on Amazon purchases and 1% on everything else.

Cash back is not a discount applied at checkout—it accumulates in your account and appears as a statement credit or can be redeemed as Amazon.com credit. Synchrony tracks your rewards automatically; you do not need to register purchases or submit receipts. The rewards post to your account monthly.

There is no annual fee for either version of the card. There is also no limit to how much cash back you can earn. However, the 5% rate on the Prime version applies only if your Prime membership is active at the time of purchase. If your membership lapses, future purchases earn at the lower rate until you renew.

How to Make Payments to Synchrony

Your monthly payment is due to Synchrony, not to Amazon. The due date appears on your statement and is typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closing date. Paying by the due date keeps you in good standing and avoids late fees and interest charges.

You have three main payment methods. Online payment through Synchrony's website or mobile app is the fastest and most common—you can pay when ready and see the transaction post within one business day. You can also set up automatic payments so Synchrony deducts the amount from your bank account on a date you choose each month. Mailing a check to the address listed on your statement is the slowest method; allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post.

You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Paying only the minimum leaves a balance that accrues interest at your card's APR (annual percentage rate), which varies based on your creditworthiness. Paying the full balance by the due date avoids interest entirely.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on your card terms but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for a first late payment. Missing a payment also triggers interest charges on your remaining balance at your card's APR.

More importantly, a late payment is reported to the credit bureaus and appears on your credit report for seven years. Even one late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your current score. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Synchrony may raise your APR to a penalty rate, which is significantly higher than your regular rate.

If you know you will miss a payment, contact Synchrony before the due date. Some customers can negotiate a payment arrangement or a one-time extension, though this is not may provide. Synchrony's customer service number is on your statement and on the back of your card.

How the Card Affects Your Credit Score

Synchrony reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—the three major credit bureaus. This means your payment history, credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you are using), and account age all factor into your credit score.

On-time payments help your score. Late payments hurt it. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit also lowers your score, even if you pay on time. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000 and you carry a $900 balance, your utilization is 90%, which is considered high and reduces your score. Paying down the balance to $300 or less (30% utilization) improves your score.

The length of your account history also matters. Keeping the card open and using it occasionally, even after you stop using it as your primary card, helps your score because it shows a longer history of responsible credit use. Closing the account removes it from your active accounts and can lower your score.

Disputing Charges and Fraud Protection

If you see a charge on your statement that you did not make or that was processed incorrectly, you can dispute it with Synchrony. Visa and Mastercard both offer fraud protection, and Synchrony enforces these protections on your behalf.

To dispute a charge, log into your Synchrony account online or call customer service and explain the transaction. Synchrony will ask for details: the date, the merchant name, the amount, and why you believe it is fraudulent or incorrect. You do not need to provide extensive documentation when ready—Synchrony will investigate and contact you with findings.

During the dispute process, Synchrony typically removes the charge from your account temporarily while they investigate. If the merchant cannot prove the charge was valid, it remains removed. If the merchant provides proof, the charge goes back on your account. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Amazon Credit Card outside the United States?

Yes, the card works internationally because it carries a Visa or Mastercard logo. However, Synchrony charges a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the U.S. This fee is added to your statement. If you travel frequently, compare this card to travel-focused cards that waive foreign transaction fees.

What is the credit limit, and can I request an increase?

Synchrony sets your initial credit limit based on your credit score and income when you open the account. Limits typically range from $500 to $5,000 or higher for well-may have access to applicants. You can request an increase by logging into your account or calling customer service, usually after six months of responsible use. Synchrony may perform a hard inquiry on your credit report when you request an increase.

Do I lose my rewards if I close the card?

No. Any cash back you have already earned remains in your account and can be redeemed as a statement credit or Amazon.com credit. However, you cannot earn new rewards once the account is closed. Rewards typically expire if your account is inactive for an extended period, so redeem them before closing if you have a balance.

How do I check my balance and statement online?

Log into your Synchrony account on their website or read the Synchrony mobile app. You can view your current balance, recent transactions, due date, and full statement. You can also read or print statements for your records. Synchrony also sends paper statements by mail unless you opt for electronic statements only.

What should I do if I forget my Synchrony password?

Go to the Synchrony login page and click "Forgot Password." Synchrony will send a password reset link to the email address on file. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not have access to that email address, call Synchrony customer service and they can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.