If you’re already filling your shopping cart in anticipation of Amazon’s six-day Big Spring Sale, which starts March 20, you might want a credit card that can help you save on your purchase.
Before you reach for a different card to use for an Amazon purchase, consider one of the great co-branded credit card Amazon offers. The best has a lucrative welcome offer you can use instantly upon approval to save some money on your next purchase. But there are more options from other brands to consider too. Take a look at some of the best credit cards to use on Amazon.
Best credit cards for shopping on Amazon
The Prime Visa is a solid choice for earning cash back. New cardholders can receive a $100 Amazon gift card when their application is approved. You’ll earn 5% cash back on any Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or Amazon purchases, along with the other rewards categories. You must have an Amazon Prime membership ($139 annually) to apply for this card.
Additionally, you can earn 5% back on travel booked through Chase’s travel portal, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and rideshare services, then 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
Check out more details in our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Prime Visa is a solid choice for earning cash back. New cardholders can receive a $100 Amazon gift card when their application is approved. You’ll earn 5% cash back on any Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or Amazon purchases, along with the other rewards categories. You must have an Amazon Prime membership ($139 annually) to apply for this card.
Additionally, you can earn 5% back on travel booked through Chase’s travel portal, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and rideshare services, then 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
Check out more details in our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
While this card doesn’t feature any Amazon-specific perks, we’re a big fan of its flat 2% cash rewards offer on purchases, which makes it easy for you to earn rewards no matter where you shop. It’s a great all-around cash rewards card that offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR thereafter) and an intro bonus. If you don’t want to think about rewards categories and various cash rewards rates, this card will take you far, whether on Amazon or beyond.
See more details in our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
While this card doesn’t feature any Amazon-specific perks, we’re a big fan of its flat 2% cash rewards offer on purchases, which makes it easy for you to earn rewards no matter where you shop. It’s a great all-around cash rewards card that offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR thereafter) and an intro bonus. If you don’t want to think about rewards categories and various cash rewards rates, this card will take you far, whether on Amazon or beyond.
See more details in our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express* is a great option for anyone who shops at Whole Foods for groceries. It earns you 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%). While Whole Foods is included, groceries from Amazon Fresh and other Amazon stores are not.
You’ll also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, including Amazon Prime Video. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. New members can earn a $250 statement credit welcome offer by spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
Check out our full review for more details about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express* is a great option for anyone who shops at Whole Foods for groceries. It earns you 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%). While Whole Foods is included, groceries from Amazon Fresh and other Amazon stores are not.
You’ll also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, including Amazon Prime Video. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. New members can earn a $250 statement credit welcome offer by spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
Check out our full review for more details about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card* offers the rare bonus category of U.S. online retail purchases, including at Amazon.com. You’re able to use it with other retailers as well if you like to shop around. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Cardholders can take advantage of up to $84 in statement credits annually for the Disney Bundle ($7 a month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription; subject to auto renewal) -- a rare feature for a card without an annual fee. The bundle includes access to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for those who prefer streaming services besides Amazon Prime Video.
You can read more about it in our Blue Cash Everyday review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card* offers the rare bonus category of U.S. online retail purchases, including at Amazon.com. You’re able to use it with other retailers as well if you like to shop around. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Cardholders can take advantage of up to $84 in statement credits annually for the Disney Bundle ($7 a month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription; subject to auto renewal) -- a rare feature for a card without an annual fee. The bundle includes access to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for those who prefer streaming services besides Amazon Prime Video.
You can read more about it in our Blue Cash Everyday review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Amazon Prime Store Card* offers 5% back on Amazon purchases with a Prime membership just like the Prime Visa -- though it doesn’t offer the same cash back rates for other categories. Still, this card has its place if you intend to make a large purchase on Amazon that you would be best off financing for six, 12 or 24 months. You can enjoy equal monthly payments with 0% APR for purchases of at least $150, $600 and select qualifying purchases, respectively (then 29.99% variable APR thereafter). There are also other special financing options available. You can receive an Amazon gift card of up to $60 upon account approval.
Note: If you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, you would apply for the non-Prime equivalent, the Amazon Store Card.
For more details, see our full review of the Amazon Prime Store Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Amazon Prime Store Card* offers 5% back on Amazon purchases with a Prime membership just like the Prime Visa -- though it doesn’t offer the same cash back rates for other categories. Still, this card has its place if you intend to make a large purchase on Amazon that you would be best off financing for six, 12 or 24 months. You can enjoy equal monthly payments with 0% APR for purchases of at least $150, $600 and select qualifying purchases, respectively (then 29.99% variable APR thereafter). There are also other special financing options available. You can receive an Amazon gift card of up to $60 upon account approval.
Note: If you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, you would apply for the non-Prime equivalent, the Amazon Store Card.
For more details, see our full review of the Amazon Prime Store Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card* allows you to choose your own bonus category: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement/furnishings. If you select online shopping as your rewards category, you’ll be eligible to earn 3% cash back at Amazon.com, plus many other online retailers. It’s worth noting that you only earn 3% on your selected category and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, your cash-back rate goes down to 1%.
For more details see our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card* allows you to choose your own bonus category: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement/furnishings. If you select online shopping as your rewards category, you’ll be eligible to earn 3% cash back at Amazon.com, plus many other online retailers. It’s worth noting that you only earn 3% on your selected category and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, your cash-back rate goes down to 1%.
For more details see our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%
What is an Amazon credit card?
Amazon offers a number of co-branded credit cards meant to offer rewards and benefits to its shoppers. The idea is to earn rewards by shopping with Amazon and then turn those rewards into merchandise sold by the retail giant.
Pros and cons of an Amazon credit card
Pros
Earn rewards on everyday items and a range of purchases from Whole Foods and Amazon.
New purchases could be insured by purchase protection for up to 120 days.
Gain access to Buy Now, Pay Later plans, layaway or other special financing options.
Cons
Could encourage you to overspend if not careful.
Carrying a monthly balance can lead to costly interest charges.
How many credit cards does Amazon offer?
Though only a few made the top cut for the best credit cards for shopping on Amazon, the company offers a handful of other credit cards, all with different benefits and limitations. Each credit card comes in a Prime and non-Prime version. If you don’t have Amazon Prime but are still shopping for the best Amazon credit cards, you can substitute the non-Prime counterpart of our picks above.
Prime Visa: This is the closest offering to a traditional credit card. You can earn competitive rewards both inside and outside the Amazon ecosystem. Cardholders earn 5% cash back at Amazon brands and 2% at gas stations and on local transit and commuting.
Amazon Visa*: This card is for people who don’t have a Prime membership. You’ll earn less back than you would with the Prime version, but it’s still got decent rewards for a card with no annual fee.
Amazon Prime Store Card: This card is only useful within the Amazon ecosystem -- it’s more like a retailer credit card than a traditional credit card, meaning it can’t be used with other retailers.
Amazon Store Card*: This is the non-Prime version of the Amazon Prime Store Card. Unlike its Prime counterpart, you don’t earn cash-back rewards with this card. The introductory APR financing for six, 12 or 24 months on Amazon purchases is the main draw.
Amazon Prime Secured Card*: Secured credit cards are typically designed for people with fair credit or bad credit. To compensate for the risk, this card charges a security deposit to maintain the account. You’ll earn cash back rewards and Prime Day promotions with this card, though they’re less than with the unsecured version’s offer.
Amazon Secured Card*: For non-Prime members, the Amazon Secured Card won’t net you any cash back. The benefit of this card rests strongly on its credit-building capabilities. Use it responsibly and you can upgrade to the Amazon Store Card in as little as 12 months.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card*: Designed for businesses with a Business Prime account (starting at $69 per year), this card and its rewards are not limited to Amazon. It does give you the flexibility of opting for special financing instead of rewards on Amazon purchases though.
Amazon Business American Express Card*: This card is for businesses that don’t have Business Prime. You’ll earn fewer rewards and financing options than with the Prime version, but you’ll still be able to earn the same rewards rates on other purchases.
How to maximize Amazon rewards
Be sure you’re using your credit card for the right purchases. For instance, if you have a credit card that earns rewards for online retailers, make sure that Amazon is accepted for that category.
Paying attention to how the value of your points can change depending on how they’re redeemed is important. Generally speaking, if your card earns cash back, redeeming it for statement credits or depositing it directly into your bank account will be the best way to ensure value. If your card earns points, redeeming them for travel or gift cards may provide a higher per-point value.
Some cards provide the option to use points to pay for purchases with specific merchants. And while Amazon is often included in the eligible merchants, more often than not this route will yield a lower per-point value.
Using your rewards to cover all or part of an online purchase will also take away from the number of rewards you earn for that purchase. You don’t earn rewards on the part of the purchase price that is covered by rewards. It’s better to pay for the full purchase, and then use statement credits to lower your overall credit card balance to cover it.
How to choose the best card for shopping on Amazon.com
Consider the card features and compare them to your habits and needs.
Welcome bonus
A card’s welcome bonus could provide significant value, but you’ll want to make sure that you can qualify for it without spending in ways you normally would have. If you have to spend extra to reach a bonus, you’ll take away from the value that it gives you. If you can reach a welcome bonus through normal spending, you’ll get a reward that you can typically put toward your next Amazon purchase.
Rewards
Choose the card that earns the most for how you spend, but try not to let the rewards encourage you to make unnecessary purchases. If the credit card has an annual fee, look at your budget to see if your normal spending will generate enough rewards to cover the annual fee.
Consider which redemption options the credit card features, and make sure you know which one provides the greatest return.
Annual fee
An annual fee will cut into your rewards, so you’ll need to make sure that your normal spending habits are able to compensate for it.
Credit requirements
Your credit score will determine if you can qualify for the card you’re looking for. If you’re unsure if you’ll be approved, some credit cards offer preapproval so you can check your odds.
Unfortunately, the best credit cards require a reputable credit history. The options above are all cards for people with good credit, meaning a credit score of at least 670.
If you need to improve your credit, consider a secured credit card or a credit card designed for limited credit. Once your scores have improved, you’ll be able to apply for credit cards that offer higher rewards and better perks.
Alternatives to Amazon credit cards
If you’re not interested in an Amazon co-branded credit card, consider a flat-rate credit card or a rewards credit card featuring bonus categories or rotating rewards.
For example, credit cards like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card feature a reward category for shopping with all online retailers, Amazon included.
A flat-rate credit card offers rewards for all purchases regardless of where they’re made, while certain tiered rewards cards may feature online retailers as a bonus category. There are rotating reward credit cards too -- like the Discover it® Cash Back* or the Chase Freedom Flex℠* -- that occasionally feature rewards for Amazon.
How to apply for an Amazon credit card
Applying for a credit card is simple:
- Find a credit card that suits your needs. Make sure its rewards are worth using.
- Apply securely on the card issuer’s website. You’ll need to provide personal and financial information including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income and monthly rent or mortgage payment.
- You should hear back instantly with a decision, or the card issuer may reach out for clarification or more information.
FAQs
Amazon offers cash back through its Chase-issued rewards cards, the Prime Visa and Amazon Visa. Otherwise, you won’t earn cash back for your Amazon purchases just by being a Prime member.
No, but there are credit cards that offer annual statement credits or welcome bonuses which could go toward covering the $139 annual cost of a Prime membership.
For our picks of Amazon-backed credit cards, you need to have a Prime membership to open an account. For our other recommendations, you do not need to have a Prime membership to enjoy the cash back rewards. A Prime membership ($139 annually) is not necessary to shop at Amazon.com, but if you use Amazon frequently enough it will save you money and time via two-day shipping and other perks.
Amazon Prime Day is an annual online shopping event for Amazon Prime customers that typically takes place in the summer months. This year it took place on July 11 and 12, with another event running Oct. 10 to 11. Popular items like electronics, clothing, appliances, furniture and office supplies are marked with significant discounts. You won’t be able to take advantage of any of the deals if you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $15 a month or $139 annually.
Cash back credit cards offer cardholders rewards on their spending in the form of statement credits or cash. A statement credit is a reduction in the amount due to the credit card company on your monthly bill. Note that rewards are not always available the month you earn them -- they are usually applied to your balance by credit card issuers after one or two billing cycles.
The redemption process for cash back credit cards is either automatic or very simple. Some cards automatically apply cash rewards to your statement balance each month. Others require you to log in and redeem available rewards points for statement credits. Most points don’t expire, but you will lose them if you close the account before redeeming them.
Depending on your spending habits, you may find other types of credit cards helpful. There are a handful of top picks for the best cash back credit cards, best grocery store credit cards, best gas credit cards, best travel credit cards and other types of cards. Some people choose to have multiple credit cards so they can maximize their rewards and cash back.
Recommended Articles
Other credit cards we researched
- Discover it® Cash Back
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
- Apple Card
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, Amazon Visa, Amazon Prime Store Card, Amazon Store Card, Amazon Prime Secured Card, Amazon Secured Card, the Discover it® Cash Back, the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Amazon Business Prime American Express Card, Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card and Amazon Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
