What the Chase Amazon Visa Card Does
The Chase Amazon Visa Card is a rewards card issued by Chase that gives you cash back on Amazon purchases and other spending. You earn a higher percentage back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, and a lower percentage on everything else. The card has no annual fee.
The card comes in two versions: the standard Amazon Visa and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa. The Prime version requires an active Prime membership and offers slightly higher rewards rates in exchange. Both cards are issued by Chase Bank and work like any other Visa card at merchants that accept Visa.
Rewards post to your account as statement credits that reduce your balance, or you can request them as a direct deposit to a bank account. You do not earn rewards on balance transfers or cash advances.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases (with Prime version) or 3% (standard version), and 1% on everything else.
- There is no annual fee, but you must have a valid Social Security number and U.S. address to open an account.
- Chase will check your credit report when you explore, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
- Rewards are issued as statement credits monthly, or you can request them as a bank deposit instead.
- The Prime version requires an active Amazon Prime membership; if your membership ends, your rewards rate drops to the standard version's rate.
Rewards Rates and How They Work
The standard Amazon Visa earns 3% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, and 1% on all other purchases. The Prime version earns 5% on Amazon.com and Whole Foods, and 1% elsewhere. Both versions cap the 5% or 3% rate at $6,000 in combined Amazon and Whole Foods purchases per year (then 1% after that).
Rewards post to your account once per month, usually between the 1st and 15th. You can see your pending rewards in your Chase account dashboard before they post. Once they post, they appear as a statement credit on your next billing cycle.
If you prefer cash instead of a statement credit, you can request a direct deposit to a linked bank account. This takes three to five business days to arrive. You cannot redeem rewards for gift cards, merchandise, or travel bookings through this card.
What You Need to Open an Account
To open a Chase Amazon Visa account, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and have a U.S. mailing address. You will need a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity during the process process.
Chase will ask for your annual income, employment status, and housing situation. You do not need to be employed or have a specific income level to open the account, but Chase uses this information to assess your creditworthiness. If you have no credit history, you may still be approved, though your credit limit may be lower.
If you are explore for the Prime version, you must have an active Amazon Prime membership at the time you open the account. If your Prime membership lapses after you open the card, your rewards rate automatically drops to the standard version's rate (3% on Amazon and Whole Foods instead of 5%).
The process and Approval Process
You can explore for the Chase Amazon Visa online through Chase.com or Amazon.com. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment details.
Chase will pull your credit report, which is called a hard inquiry. This may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. Most people receive a decision within minutes of submitting the process. If Chase needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email.
If you are approved, your card will ship to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online or by phone as soon as it arrives. If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue (such as building credit history or resolving a fraud alert).
Activating Your Card and Making Your First Purchase
When your card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up it online through your Chase account, through the Chase mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up is when ready and takes less than a minute.
Once activated, you can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted. You can add it to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) to pay with your phone. Your first purchase can be made when ready after set up.
Your rewards will start posting on your next billing cycle. If you make a purchase on the day you set up the card, that purchase will appear on your first statement, and the reward will post about 30 days later when the statement closes.
Managing Your Account and Paying Your Balance
You can manage your Chase Amazon Visa account online through Chase.com or through the Chase mobile app. You can view your balance, recent transactions, available credit, and pending rewards at any time.
Your monthly statement closes on a set date each month (Chase will tell you this date when you open the account). Your payment is due 21 days after the statement closes. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments.
If you carry a balance from month to month, Chase will charge you interest. The interest rate (called the APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates, but typically ranges from 18% to 27%. Paying your full balance each month avoids interest charges entirely.
Comparing the Standard and Prime Versions
| Feature | Standard Amazon Visa | Prime Rewards Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Amazon.com cash back | 3% | 5% |
| Whole Foods cash back | 3% | 5% |
| Other purchases | 1% | 1% |
| Prime membership required | No | Yes |
| Annual cap on 5%/3% rate | $6,000 combined | $6,000 combined |
The Prime version makes sense if you already pay for Amazon Prime and spend more than $1,200 per year on Amazon and Whole Foods combined. At that spending level, the extra 2% cash back ($24 per year on $1,200 in purchases) exceeds the $139 annual Prime membership cost only if you use Prime for other benefits like shipping and video streaming.
If you do not have Prime or do not spend much on Amazon, the standard version gives you the same 1% cash back on other purchases with no membership requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my rewards if I close the card?
Any rewards that have already posted to your account as statement credits remain on your account and can still be used. Rewards that have not yet posted will be forfeited. If you have pending rewards, request them as a bank deposit before closing the card to make sure you receive them.
Can I use this card outside the United States?
Yes, the card works internationally anywhere Visa is accepted. Chase will charge a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the U.S. This fee is added to your statement. Using the card for ATM withdrawals abroad incurs both the foreign transaction fee and an ATM fee.
What is the credit limit, and can I request a higher one?
Your starting credit limit depends on your credit score and income. Chase typically starts new cardholders between $500 and $5,000. You can request a credit limit increase after six months of account history by calling Chase or requesting it online. Hard inquiries may be required for increases above a certain amount.
Do I lose my rewards if I don't use the card for a while?
No, rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open. However, Chase may close inactive accounts after 12 months of no activity. To keep your account active, use the card at least once every few months.
What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
Call Chase when ready at the number on the back of your card or log into your account online to report it. Chase will freeze the card right away and mail you a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges reported within 60 days of the statement date.