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The 4 best Amazon credit cards: Low rates and competitive rewards
Amazon is not just about shopping with some of the best credit cards available today. It may have only been founded in 1994, but it has become a powerhouse in the time since, making a name for itself with free two-day shipping. With the launch of its credit cards, Amazon has commanded an even larger share of the market.
The best Amazon credit cards offer competitive APRs, no annual fees, and bonus rewards and protections that make Amazon credit cards an excellent fit for your shopping needs.
Now is a great time to get an Amazon credit card since Amazon Prime Day is coming up on July 12 and 13. By joining Amazon Prime, cardholders can earn 6% back during the Prime Day sales event, as well as 5% or 2% on Amazon for the rest of the year.
Which is the best Amazon credit card? ZDNet can help you decide.
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is our pick for the best Amazon credit card. It starts off strong with a $100 Amazon Gift Card that is delivered right upon approval. There is also an introductory offer giving 10% back on certain products. You receive regular rewards, too, including 5% cash back on purchases made at Amazon and Whole Foods Market.
There is also 2% back when you make purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, plus 1% back on utilities, rideshare services, and all other purchases you make. Some products give 10% back or more. When it comes time to pay, there is the option of either a 0% APR for six to 18 months when you spend $50 or more. You will need a Prime membership to benefit from this rewards card, but for many, it is well worth it given the rewards rates.
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Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
If you own a business, the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card also rewards you on your purchases. You can choose your choice of either cash back or special financing terms. If you choose rewards, you will receive 5% cash back on domestic purchases made at Amazon, Whole Foods Market, and AWS, up to $120,000 per year. There are also extra rewards, like 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and even your wireless telephone bill. All other purchases garner 1% cash back. Rewards are valid up to your first $120,000 in purchases.
If you choose 90-day terms, you receive interest-free financing for 90 days, saving you precious dollars on your purchases. Either way, there is a $100 bonus statement credit once you spend $3,000 in purchases within your first three months of having the card. However, like the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, you will need a Prime membership in order to be eligible for this card.
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Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
- Get 5% back at Amazon with an eligible Prime membership.
- Get 5% back at Amazon with an eligible Prime membership.
The Prime Store Card is the best Amazon credit card for financing options. You can swap your cash back rewards for special financing, instead. When you shop on Amazon, you can receive 0% APR based on the amount you spend.
- Purchases of $150 or more ($50 or more during the two weeks leading up to Prime Day -- June 27 to July 13): six equal monthly payments
- Purchases of $600 or more ($300 or more leading up to Prime Day): 12 equal monthly payments
- Select purchases: 24 equal monthly payments
There is 5% cash back on all of your Amazon purchases when you have a valid Prime membership. There are also rotating categories that give you anywhere from 5% to 15% in cash back. You have the option of redeeming your cash back as either cash back toward your Amazon purchases or a statement credit for better convenience. As an introductory bonus, there is a $60 gift card awarded upon approval of your card. To help you pay that bill, there is also 0% APR financing that allows you to pay over time instead of upfront.
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Prime Store Card
Amazon Prime Secured Card
Best Amazon credit card for poor credit
The Amazon Prime Secured Card gives those with poor credit a chance to still have a credit card while rebuilding their credit. This is a card made for Amazon by Amazon, giving you the opportunity to rebuild your credit while you make your regular purchases on Amazon.com, as well as its physical stores.
You will need to pay a deposit upfront, which can be anywhere from $100 to $1,000 and payable in $50 increments. Once you do that, you will receive 2% on your Amazon purchases when you have a valid Amazon Prime membership. The Amazon Prime Secured Card also gives you access to excellent credit tools, offering up free access to your credit score and credit-building tools and resources to help you along. After you rebuild your credit to satisfactory levels, you can transition to an unsecured credit card.
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What is the best Amazon credit card?
The best Amazon credit card is the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card for its generous rewards, competitive APR, and regular cash back. Plus, you receive an introductory gift card upon activation, plus elevated cash back as a welcome.
Which Amazon credit card is right for you?
It can be difficult trying to differentiate between so many options for the best Amazon credit card. These are our expert recommendations to help.
Choose this product... | If you want... |
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | A card designed to reward Prime members |
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card | Rewards for your business |
Prime Store Card | To finance your Amazon purchases |
Amazon Prime Secured Card | To build your credit |
How did we choose these Amazon credit cards?
In searching for the best Amazon credit cards, there are several factors we consider.
- APR: The APR rate is always critical because it dictates how much interest you will have to pay.
- Rewards: Whether it is a sign-up bonus or promotional APR, some Amazon credit cards offer rewards that can make a card even more enticing.
- Fees: Fees can quickly cut into your savings, adding to the interest that you pay.
What is the APR for the best Amazon credit cards?
The APRs for the best Amazon credit cards range from 10% to 26.74%, depending on which Amazon credit card you choose.
What credit score do I need for an Amazon credit card?
Amazon credit cards require a credit score ranging from poor to excellent credit, which means there is something for everyone.
Are there alternative credit cards worth considering?
Amazon has a limited number of credit cards but if you are interested in receiving rewards for your Amazon purchases, consider some of our picks for the best rewards credit card.
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: Earn 5% cash back.
- Citi® Double Cash Card: Earn 2% cash back on purchases; 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay.
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards: Choose 3% cash back on the category of your choice.
For more recommendations on credit cards, check out our expert picks for the best high-limit credit cards and the best international travel credit cards.