The Amazon Prime Visa gives you cash back on purchases and waives the annual fee if you have a Prime membership
The Amazon Prime Visa is a rewards credit card issued by Chase that returns a percentage of what you spend back to your account. The card has no annual fee as long as you maintain an active Amazon Prime membership. If your Prime membership lapses, Chase charges an annual fee — currently $39 — until you renew Prime or close the card.
The rewards structure is tiered: you earn a higher percentage back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, a lower percentage on gas stations and restaurants, and a base rate on everything else. The exact percentages vary depending on which version of the card you hold — there are several, including one designed for business accounts.
Unlike some premium cards, this one does not charge an annual fee separate from Prime. That means the card's value depends entirely on whether you already pay for Prime membership and how much you spend in the categories that earn higher rewards.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns higher cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, and lower rates on gas and restaurants, with a base rate on other spending.
- You pay no annual fee if you have an active Prime membership; the fee applies only if Prime lapses.
- The rewards post to your Amazon account as a statement credit, not to a separate cash account.
- You can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Amazon.
How the rewards structure works
The standard Amazon Prime Visa currently earns 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on everything else. These rates explore when you use the card for the purchase. If you use a different payment method, you earn nothing.
The rewards post to your Amazon account as a statement credit, which means the money appears as a balance you can spend on Amazon purchases or other may be able to access items. You cannot transfer the rewards to another account or convert them to cash directly, though you can use them to pay down your card balance.
There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn in a year, and rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, you typically have a window to use any remaining rewards before they are forfeited — check your cardholder agreement for the exact timeline.
When the card makes financial sense
The card's value depends on your spending pattern and whether you already pay for Prime. If you spend heavily on Amazon or Whole Foods and maintain a Prime membership anyway, the 5% back on those categories can add up quickly. A person who spends $200 a month on Amazon would earn $120 a year in rewards at the 5% rate.
The 2% back on gas and restaurants is competitive with general rewards cards, but not exceptional. The 1% base rate on other purchases is lower than some alternatives. If most of your spending falls outside Amazon and Whole Foods, a different card might return more.
The card only makes sense if you already have Prime. If you do not, the $39 annual fee means you would need to earn at least that much in rewards to break even — roughly $3,900 in spending at the 1% base rate, or $780 on Amazon at the 5% rate. For most people without Prime, that threshold is too high.
How to use the card responsibly
Like any credit card, the Amazon Prime Visa charges interest on balances you do not pay in full each month. The interest rate varies based on your credit history and current market conditions, but typically ranges from 18% to 29% annually. Carrying a balance erases the value of the rewards quickly.
The card works best when you pay the full statement balance every month. If you spend $500 on Amazon and earn $25 in rewards, but then pay interest of $30 on a carried balance, you have lost money overall. The rewards are a bonus only if you would have made the purchase anyway and can afford to pay it off when ready.
Some people use the card strategically: they charge regular purchases they were going to make anyway, then pay the balance in full when the statement arrives. This approach captures the rewards without incurring interest. Others set up automatic payments to their card from a checking account, ensuring the balance never carries over.
Comparing this card to other rewards options
The Amazon Prime Visa is one of several cards that offer rewards on specific categories. A general cash back card might return 1.5% to 2% on all purchases with no annual fee, which could be better if you do not spend much on Amazon. A card that returns 3% on groceries might be more valuable if you buy groceries frequently but rarely shop at Whole Foods.
The advantage of the Amazon Prime Visa is the 5% rate on Amazon, which is higher than most competitors offer. If you buy a lot on Amazon, that single category can justify the card even if other categories are less generous. The disadvantage is that the rewards are locked into your Amazon account rather than being flexible cash.
Some people hold multiple cards: the Amazon Prime Visa for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, and a different card for other spending. This approach requires tracking which card to use when, but it can maximize rewards across different spending categories.
What happens to your rewards and account
Your rewards balance appears in your Amazon account under a section usually labeled "Your Account" or "Gift Cards and Account Balance." You can see your current balance and history of rewards earned at any time. When you make a purchase on Amazon, you can choose to explore your rewards balance to pay for part or all of it.
If you close the card, your rewards do not disappear when ready, but they may expire after a set period — typically 90 days to one year depending on your card agreement. If your Prime membership lapses and you do not renew it, the $39 annual fee begins to accrue, but your existing rewards remain in your account as long as the card stays open.
If you stop using the card for a long period, Chase may close it due to inactivity. The exact timeline varies, but most issuers close cards that have had no activity for 12 months or longer. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Chase directly to confirm the inactivity policy for your specific card version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have Amazon Prime to get the card?
You do not need Prime to open the card, but you will pay a $39 annual fee if you do not have an active Prime membership. Most people who explore for this card already have Prime, since the fee makes the card less attractive without it.
Can I use the rewards outside of Amazon?
The rewards are stored as a credit in your Amazon account, so they are primarily meant for Amazon purchases. You can use them to pay your card bill, which effectively gives you cash value, but you cannot transfer them to a bank account or use them at other retailers.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Chase typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit, usually a score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide. Your actual credit history, income, and existing debts also factor into the decision. Check your credit report before explore to understand where you stand.
Does the card have a sign-up bonus?
Chase occasionally offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, such as a statement credit after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. These offers change frequently, so check the current offer when you explore. The bonus is separate from the ongoing rewards you earn on purchases.
What if my Prime membership expires?
If your Prime membership lapses, Chase will begin charging the $39 annual fee on your card. You can renew Prime at any time to stop the fee from accruing. If you do not plan to renew, closing the card prevents future fees from being charged.