When I first started thinking about getting a credit card for my Amazon purchases, I was immediately drawn to the idea of earning rewards, but there are so many different deals and offers available that it quickly became overwhelming. What card should I choose? Should I focus on cashback, or is it better to get points? Should I get a Prime membership for added benefits, or can I make do without it?
In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon credit card deals, helping you decide which one is right for your spending habits. I’ll explore the various options, compare their benefits, and break down how each works. By the end, you should have a clear idea of which credit card is best for maximizing your Amazon rewards and making the most out of your purchases.
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Understanding Amazon Credit Cards
Amazon offers two main credit card options: the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. Both cards are backed by Chase, which means they offer solid benefits and competitive reward rates. However, the key difference between them is whether or not you have an Amazon Prime membership.
Before diving into the details, let’s go over the two main types of rewards that these cards offer: cashback and points. The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card offers cashback, while the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers points, which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including Amazon purchases. Both options are great, but one may be a better fit depending on how you like to redeem your rewards.
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card vs. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Let’s look at a side-by-side comparison of the two Amazon credit cards. I will outline the key differences between them in terms of rewards, fees, and additional perks.
| Feature | Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card | Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 (Requires Amazon Prime Membership) |
| Rewards for Amazon Purchases | 3% Cashback | 5% Back (Prime Members Only) |
| Rewards for Other Purchases | 2% Cashback (Restaurants, Gas, Drugstores) | 2% Back (Restaurants, Gas, Drugstores) |
| Rewards for Other Purchases (All Other Categories) | 1% Cashback | 1% Back (All Other Purchases) |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 3% | 3% |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $50 Amazon Gift Card | $100 Amazon Gift Card |
| APR for Purchases | 15.24% – 23.24% | 15.24% – 23.24% |
As you can see, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a better choice if you have an Amazon Prime membership because it offers 5% back on Amazon purchases. However, if you’re not a Prime member, the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is a great alternative, offering 3% cashback on Amazon purchases.
The other key difference between the two cards is the sign-up bonus. The Amazon Prime Rewards card offers a $100 Amazon gift card, while the standard Amazon Rewards card offers a $50 gift card. That extra $50 can make a big difference if you’re planning to spend a lot on Amazon in the near future.
Calculating Your Rewards
Let’s say you’re a Prime member and you spend a lot of money on Amazon. For the sake of simplicity, let’s assume you spend $1,000 per month on Amazon. Over the course of a year, that would amount to $12,000 in Amazon purchases. With the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, you would earn 5% back on these purchases. Here’s the calculation:
$12,000 x 5% = $600 in rewards for the year.
Now, let’s compare that to the non-Prime card. With the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, you would earn 3% back on Amazon purchases. Here’s that calculation:
$12,000 x 3% = $360 in rewards for the year.
In this example, being a Prime member would earn you an additional $240 in rewards annually. So, if you spend a significant amount on Amazon, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card could be the better option.
Other Benefits of Amazon Credit Cards
Beyond the rewards structure, both cards come with other useful benefits. For example, both cards offer travel benefits, such as purchase protection, extended warranties, and access to exclusive Visa Signature perks. These perks can come in handy if you’re making larger purchases, especially for electronics or other expensive items.
Both cards also offer zero fraud liability, so you don’t have to worry if your card information is stolen. Additionally, they come with access to Amazon’s “Shop with Points” program, which allows you to use your points (from the Prime Rewards card) or cashback (from the standard Rewards card) to make purchases on Amazon.
Why Should You Get the Amazon Prime Rewards Card?
If you’re an Amazon Prime member and you regularly shop on Amazon, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is the best option. Here’s why:
- 5% Back on Amazon Purchases: If you’re already spending a lot of money on Amazon, the 5% back you earn on purchases will add up quickly. This rate is one of the best available for online shopping.
- Exclusive Perks for Prime Members: Amazon Prime membership comes with several benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, and more. Having the Prime Rewards card simply enhances those benefits by offering even more ways to save.
- Big Sign-Up Bonus: The $100 Amazon gift card you receive as a sign-up bonus is a nice boost when you first get the card. You can use it to purchase anything you want on Amazon.
Why Should You Get the Amazon Rewards Card?
If you’re not a Prime member or if you’re hesitant about paying for a Prime subscription, the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card still offers solid rewards. Here’s why this card could work for you:
- 3% Cashback on Amazon: While it’s not as much as the Prime card, 3% cashback on Amazon purchases is still a good deal. You’re still earning rewards on your Amazon purchases without needing a Prime membership.
- No Annual Fee: The card comes with no annual fee, which is a big plus. Some other reward cards charge high fees, but with the Amazon Rewards card, you don’t have to worry about that.
- Great Rewards in Other Categories: Besides Amazon, the card offers 2% cashback on restaurants, gas, and drugstores. This makes it a great all-around option for people who want to earn rewards in multiple categories.
Additional Considerations
Before you apply for an Amazon credit card, it’s important to consider your spending habits and whether you would actually benefit from the rewards. If you’re not spending much on Amazon or if you don’t shop there regularly, you might not get much value out of the card.
Additionally, if you frequently travel abroad, it’s worth noting that both cards come with a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you travel internationally often, you may want to look for a credit card that doesn’t charge these fees.
Lastly, if you’re interested in building or improving your credit, both cards report to the major credit bureaus, helping you to build a positive credit history with responsible use.
Conclusion
After spending some time analyzing both options, I believe the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is the clear winner if you’re an Amazon Prime member. With its 5% cashback on Amazon purchases, it’s hard to beat the value it provides. However, if you’re not a Prime member or don’t shop on Amazon that frequently, the standard Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is still a solid choice, offering 3% cashback on Amazon purchases and a variety of rewards in other categories.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and how much you spend on Amazon. If you’re an avid Amazon shopper, the Prime Rewards card is a fantastic option that maximizes your rewards. However, if you’re looking for flexibility and don’t want to commit to a Prime membership, the Rewards card is still a great alternative.
