The Amazon Rewards Visa gives you cash back on Amazon purchases and 1% back everywhere else

The Amazon Rewards Visa Card is a co-branded card issued by Chase in partnership with Amazon. It earns 3% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, 2% at Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no annual fee.

The card is designed for people who spend regularly on Amazon and want rewards tied directly to that spending. Unlike some rewards cards that earn points you redeem for travel or merchandise, this card earns cash back — money that appears as a statement credit or can be transferred to your Amazon account as store credit.

Approval and credit limits depend on your credit history and income. Chase will pull your credit report when you explore. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days if approved.

Key Takeaways

  • You earn 3% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and 2% at Whole Foods and Amazon-owned stores, with no annual fee.
  • Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, transferred to your Amazon account as store credit, or deposited to a bank account.
  • The card requires good to excellent credit — typically a score of 670 or higher — to be approved.
  • There is no sign-up bonus, so the card's value depends entirely on how much you spend on Amazon and other merchants.

How cash back works and where you can use it

Cash back earned on the Amazon Rewards Visa appears in your account as a statement credit. You can view your balance in the Chase mobile app or online portal under "Rewards" or "Cash Back." You do not have to do anything to earn it — it posts automatically after each purchase.

You have three ways to redeem: explore the cash back as a statement credit (which reduces your bill), transfer it to your Amazon account as store credit at a 1:1 rate, or request a deposit to your linked bank account. The bank account transfer typically takes 3 to 5 business days. There is no minimum redemption amount, so you can redeem $1 or $100 whenever you want.

Cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, you have a limited window — usually 90 days — to redeem any remaining balance before it is forfeited.

Who qualifies and what the approval process looks like

Chase typically approves the Amazon Rewards Visa for people with a credit score of 670 or higher, though some approvals happen at lower scores depending on credit history and income. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a valid Social Security number.

When you explore online, Chase pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your score by a few points. You will receive a decision within minutes to a few days. If approved, you can set up your account when ready and start using the card number in the Chase app before the physical card arrives.

If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can call the reconsideration line to ask if additional information (such as proof of income) might change the decision, though this does not always work.

Comparing the Amazon Rewards Visa to other Amazon cards

Chase also offers the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, which requires an active Amazon Prime membership but earns 5% back on Amazon.com purchases instead of 3%. It also has no annual fee. If you spend more than $300 per year on Amazon, the Prime version typically offers better value.

Outside the Amazon ecosystem, the Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee and no category restrictions. It has no tie to Amazon but may be better if you spend less on Amazon than on other merchants. The Capital One SavorOne earns 3% on dining, entertainment, and streaming, plus 1% on everything else, also with no annual fee.

The Amazon Rewards Visa makes sense if you spend at least $100 per month on Amazon and rarely use other rewards cards. If you split spending across multiple merchants or do not shop Amazon regularly, a flat-rate card like the Freedom Unlimited may earn you more.

Annual fees, interest rates, and other costs

There is no annual fee on the Amazon Rewards Visa. You pay interest only if you carry a balance month to month. The APR (annual percentage rate) varies by creditworthiness and is disclosed in your approval letter and in the card's terms. As of early 2024, rates typically range from 18% to 27%, though your rate may differ.

If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. Late payments incur a fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones) and may trigger a penalty APR, which is usually 2 to 3 percentage points higher than your regular rate.

There are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card internationally without a markup. However, cash advances (withdrawing money at an ATM) carry a fee of 3% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $5.

How to maximize rewards without overspending

The highest rewards rate — 3% on Amazon — only applies to purchases made directly on Amazon.com. Purchases through third-party sellers on Amazon's marketplace, Amazon Business, or Amazon Fresh delivery orders may earn at different rates depending on how the transaction is coded. Check your statement to confirm the rate posted.

Pairing this card with Amazon Prime membership amplifies value if you shop frequently. Prime members get free two-day shipping, which reduces the temptation to buy elsewhere to reach free-shipping thresholds. However, Prime membership costs $139 per year (or $14.99 per month), so factor that into your total rewards calculation.

To avoid overspending, treat the card like a debit card: only charge what you would normally buy with cash. Rewards are not information programs — they are a small percentage back on spending you are already doing. Spending more to earn rewards always costs more than the rewards are worth.

What happens if you miss a payment or close the account

If you miss a payment, Chase reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days of non-payment. This damages your credit score and stays on your report for seven years. After 60 days, the card issuer may freeze your account. After 120 days, they typically charge off the debt and may send it to a collection agency.

If you decide to close the account, you can do so by calling Chase customer service or through the online portal. Any remaining cash back balance must be redeemed within 90 days or it is forfeited. Closing the card does not affect existing cash back that has already been redeemed, but it does reduce your available credit, which may slightly lower your credit score.

If your account is closed by Chase due to inactivity or violation of terms, you lose the ability to earn new rewards when ready. Any unredeemed cash back may be forfeited depending on the reason for closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Amazon Rewards Visa have a sign-up bonus?

No. Unlike many other rewards cards, the Amazon Rewards Visa does not offer a sign-up bonus for opening an account or meeting a spending threshold. Your rewards come entirely from the cash back rates on purchases.

Can I use this card outside the United States?

Yes. The card works internationally and has no foreign transaction fees. However, the 3% Amazon cash back only applies to Amazon.com purchases made in U.S. dollars. Purchases on Amazon sites in other countries may earn at different rates.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Chase typically approves applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though some approvals occur at lower scores. Your approval also depends on income, existing debt, and credit history. The best way to know is to explore and see the decision.

Can I transfer my cash back to someone else's account?

No. Cash back must be redeemed to your own statement, Amazon account, or bank account. You cannot transfer rewards to another person's card or account.

What happens to my cash back if I close the card?

You have 90 days after closing to redeem any remaining cash back balance. After 90 days, unredeemed cash back is forfeited. Cash back that has already been redeemed as a statement credit or transferred to your Amazon account is yours to keep.