What the Amazon Secured Credit Card Is
The Amazon Secured Credit Card is a secured credit card issued by Amazon and backed by Synchrony Bank. You put down a cash deposit, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. You then use the card like any other credit card — make purchases, pay a monthly bill, and build a credit history. The card earns cash back rewards on Amazon purchases and some other categories.
This card is designed for people rebuilding credit or starting from scratch. Because your deposit secures the card, Synchrony takes less risk, which is why they approve people with limited or damaged credit history. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, so responsible use shows up on your credit report.
Key Takeaways
- Your cash deposit becomes your credit limit, ranging from $100 to $2,500, and Synchrony holds it in a separate account.
- The card earns 2% cash back on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods, 1% on gas and restaurants, and 0% elsewhere.
- There is no annual fee, but you pay interest on any balance you carry month to month.
- After responsible use — typically 7 to 12 months — you may be offered a path to convert to an unsecured card and recover your deposit.
- You need a Social Security number, a valid U.S. address, and a bank account to open the card.
How to Open an Amazon Secured Credit Card Account
Start by going to the Amazon credit card website or the Synchrony Bank site and selecting the secured card option. You will answer questions about your income, employment, and housing. Synchrony will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points.
If approved, you choose your deposit amount between $100 and $2,500. Synchrony will ask you to fund the deposit from a U.S. bank account — you authorize an electronic transfer, and the money moves within a few business days. Once the deposit clears, your card is mailed to you, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it online or by phone before you can use it.
The entire process takes about two to three weeks from process to first purchase. You do not need to visit a bank branch or mail anything in.
What Rewards and Fees to Expect
The card earns cash back in specific categories: 2% on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases, 1% on gas stations and restaurants, and 0% on everything else. Cash back is credited to your account monthly and can be used as a statement credit or redeemed for Amazon.com credit.
There is no annual fee. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you pay interest. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness but typically ranges from 18% to 24%. If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest.
Late payments trigger a late fee, and missed payments are reported to credit bureaus. Synchrony may also raise your interest rate if you pay late. To avoid these costs, set up automatic payments or calendar reminders for your due date.
How Your Deposit Works and When You Get It Back
Your deposit is held in a separate account by Synchrony and is not used to pay your monthly bill. You make regular payments from your bank account, just like with any credit card. The deposit sits untouched and earns no interest.
After you demonstrate responsible use — usually 7 to 12 months of on-time payments and low balances — Synchrony may invite you to convert to an unsecured card. At that point, your deposit is returned to your bank account, and you keep the card with a new credit limit based on your payment history. Conversion is not automatic; Synchrony reviews your account and decides whether to offer it.
If you close the card yourself, your deposit is returned within 7 to 10 business days. If Synchrony closes the account due to missed payments or fraud, the deposit may be applied to your balance first.
Building Credit With This Card
The Amazon Secured Credit Card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means your payment history, credit utilization (how much of your limit you use), and account age all show up on your credit report and factor into your credit score.
To build credit effectively, keep your balance low — ideally below 30% of your limit — and pay on time every single month. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance under $150. This shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly. After 6 to 12 months of this behavior, you should see your credit score improve by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on where you started.
Do not close the card after you convert to unsecured. Keeping it open and active helps your credit score by maintaining a longer average account age and a lower overall credit utilization ratio.
Comparing the Amazon Secured Card to Other Secured Cards
Other secured cards include the Capital One Secured MasterCard, the Discover Secured Card, and the OpenSky Secured Visa. The main differences are rewards rates, deposit ranges, and conversion policies.
| Card | Deposit Range | Annual Fee | Rewards | Conversion Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Secured | $100–$2,500 | None | 2% Amazon/Whole Foods, 1% gas/restaurants | 7–12 months typical |
| Capital One Secured | $200–$2,500 | None | 1% all purchases | 6+ months possible |
| Discover Secured | $200–$2,500 | None | 2% gas/restaurants, 1% other | 6+ months possible |
| OpenSky Secured | $200–$3,000 | $35 | None | No stated conversion |
If you shop frequently on Amazon, the Amazon card's 2% cash back makes it a stronger choice than Capital One's flat 1%. If you do not use Amazon much, the Discover Secured Card or Capital One Secured MasterCard may be better. OpenSky charges an annual fee and offers no rewards, so it is usually not the best choice unless you cannot get approved elsewhere.
What Happens if You Miss a Payment or Close the Card
If you miss a payment, Synchrony reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days. This damages your credit score and stays on your report for seven years. Synchrony may also increase your interest rate and charge a late fee (typically $25 to $35).
If you close the card, your deposit is returned, but closing an account can hurt your credit score temporarily because it lowers your average account age and increases your credit utilization ratio on other cards. If you convert to an unsecured card instead, you keep the account history and the deposit returns without closing anything.
If your account is closed by Synchrony due to fraud or repeated missed payments, your deposit may be held or applied to your balance. Contact Synchrony to find out what happened and when you will receive your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Amazon Secured Card outside of Amazon?
Yes. The card works anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and more. You earn 1% cash back on gas and restaurants, and 0% on other non-Amazon purchases. You earn the full 2% only on Amazon.com and Whole Foods.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score. The card is designed for people with limited or poor credit, so approval is possible with a score below 600. However, approval also depends on your income, employment history, and whether you have negative marks like recent late payments or collections.
How long does it take to convert to an unsecured card?
Conversion typically happens after 7 to 12 months of on-time payments and low balances, but there is no set timeline. Synchrony reviews your account periodically and sends an offer if they decide you are ready. Some cardholders convert in 6 months; others wait longer or never receive an offer.
Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?
After you convert to an unsecured card, Synchrony may increase your limit based on your payment history and income. As a secured cardholder, your limit is fixed at your deposit amount. You can increase it only by adding more money to your deposit, up to $2,500 total.
What if I need my deposit back before conversion?
You can close the card and request your deposit back at any time. It will be returned to your bank account within 7 to 10 business days. However, closing the account may lower your credit score, so this is best done only if you truly need the money or plan to stop using the card.