The Amazon credit card comes in two versions, and the one you can open depends on whether you have a Prime membership
Amazon offers two credit cards through Chase: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card. The Prime version requires an active Prime membership and gives higher cash back on Amazon purchases. The standard version has no membership requirement but lower rewards rates. Both are issued by Chase, not Amazon, so you explore through Chase's website or in the Amazon app.
The process itself takes about 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, current income, and employment status. Chase will pull your credit report during the process. You will get a decision within seconds to a few minutes in most cases — either approved, denied, or pending (which usually resolves within a few days).
Key Takeaways
- The Amazon Prime Rewards card requires an active Prime membership and offers 5% cash back on Amazon purchases; the standard Amazon Rewards card has no membership requirement but offers 3% cash back on Amazon purchases.
- You explore directly through Chase's website, the Amazon app, or Amazon.com — not through a separate Amazon financial services portal.
- Chase will request your Social Security number, income, and employment information, then pull your credit report as part of the decision.
- Most decisions come back within minutes, though some applications go to pending status and resolve within a few business days.
- The card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval; you can request expedited delivery in some cases.
Where to start the process
You have three entry points, and they all lead to the same Chase process. The easiest is usually the Amazon app: open it, go to your account menu, select "Login & Security," then look for the credit card offer. You will see both card options with their rewards rates side by side.
Alternatively, go directly to Chase's website (creditcards.chase.com) and search for "Amazon" in their card catalog. You can also start from Amazon.com itself — the site often displays a credit card offer banner, especially if you are logged in. All three routes take you to Chase's process form.
What information you need before you explore
Have your Social Security number ready. You will also need to provide your annual household income — Chase asks for gross income before taxes. If you are self-employed, use your net income from your tax return.
You will need your current employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or unemployed) and the name of your employer if you are employed. If you have moved in the last few years, have your previous address available; Chase sometimes asks for address history. Your driver's license or state ID number may also be requested.
How Chase decides and what affects your odds
Chase looks at your credit score, payment history, and existing debt. You do not need perfect credit to be approved — people with fair credit (typically 620 to 669 on the FICO scale) are sometimes approved, though approval is more common for those with good credit (670 and above). Chase also considers how many credit cards you have opened in the last 24 months and your total credit limits.
If you have recent late payments, high credit card balances relative to your limits, or a very short credit history, your process is more likely to be denied or moved to pending status. Pending applications usually resolve within 3 to 5 business days — Chase may request additional information or straightforward take longer to review your file.
What happens after approval
Once approved, you will see a confirmation screen with your credit limit. The card ships by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some customers can request expedited shipping (1 to 2 business days) by calling the number on the approval screen, though this is not always available.
You can use your card number to make purchases on Amazon when ready in some cases — Chase may provide a temporary card number in the app or via email while you wait for the physical card. Check your Amazon app or the Chase website after approval to see if this option is available to you.
Comparing the two Amazon cards
| Feature | Prime Rewards Card | Standard Rewards Card |
|---|---|---|
| Prime membership required | Yes | No |
| Cash back on Amazon purchases | 5% | 3% |
| Cash back at Whole Foods | 2% | 1% |
| Cash back on other purchases | 1% | 1% |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Sign-up bonus | Varies (typically $100–$150 in statement credits) | Varies (typically $50–$100 in statement credits) |
The Prime card makes sense if you have an active Prime membership and spend regularly on Amazon. The 2% difference in cash back on Amazon purchases adds up quickly — on $1,000 in annual Amazon spending, that is $20 more per year. The standard card is better if you do not have Prime or do not plan to keep it active.
Both cards carry no annual fee, so there is no cost to holding either one even if you do not use it regularly. The sign-up bonus is the same structure on both — a statement credit that appears after you meet the spending requirement, usually within one to two billing cycles.
What to do if you are denied
If your process is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually credit score, recent late payments, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can call Chase at the number on the denial letter to ask for details or to request reconsideration, though reconsideration rarely overturns a denial.
Your next step is to wait. Most people who are denied can reapply after 3 to 6 months, especially if they have paid down debt or resolved late payments in that time. You can also check your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com (the official free source) and dispute anything that is wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Amazon account to open the card?
Yes. You need an active Amazon account to see the card offer and to use the card's rewards features. You do not need to have made a purchase on Amazon before, but the account must exist and be in good standing.
What is the sign-up bonus?
Amazon and Chase change the sign-up bonus regularly. It typically ranges from $50 to $150 in statement credits, depending on which card and the current promotion. The bonus usually requires you to spend a certain amount (often $100 to $200) within the first few months. Check the offer details before you explore to see the current bonus.
Can I use the card outside of Amazon?
Yes. Both cards work anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn 1% cash back on non-Amazon purchases with either card. The higher rewards rates (5% or 3%) explore only to Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases.
How long does it take to get the card after approval?
The physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days by standard mail. Some cardholders can request expedited delivery for 1 to 2 business days. You may also receive a temporary card number when ready to use on Amazon while you wait for the physical card.
What if my Prime membership expires?
If you have the Prime Rewards card and your membership lapses, the card remains open and usable. However, you will lose the 5% cash back on Amazon purchases and the 2% at Whole Foods — you will earn only 1% on those purchases instead. You can reactivate Prime anytime to restore the higher rates.