The Amazon Prime Rewards Card comes with an unbelievable percentage – you receive 5% back on all of your Whole Foods and Amazon purchases. The card comes with numerous other perks.
For Amazon Prime subscribers, this card is surely worth all the attention. It includes a high reward rate, has travel and purchase protection, and many more.
Amazon Prime membership already comes with numerous benefits by itself. The Prime Rewards card tops it off with some excellent saving opportunities.
Features
The highlight of the Prime Rewards Card is, of course, the 5% back on all Whole Foods and Amazon purchases. Furthermore, it also provides 2% for restaurants, drug stores, and gas stations, and 1% of all the other purchases you make with this card.
The APR is quite high, so you shouldn’t carry a balance. On the other hand, there is no foreign transaction fee, and it comes with travel and purchase coverage.
There is no annual fee either, but you need to be an Amazon Prime member in order to qualify for the Prime Rewards card.
Benefits
First of all, Amazon offers a sign-up bonus to new cardholders, but the amount you will receive is variable. Once you receive it, it is automatically loaded into your account, and you can use it immediately.
The main benefit of this card is the 5% back on all Whole Foods and Amazon purchases. This is because, while other cards offer the same percentage too, they also come with restrictions, such as seasonal purchases or 5% back only on the first $1,500 in purchases.
Apart from the additional 2% on restaurants, qualifying drug stores, and gas stations, and 1% on all the other purchases, this card does not incur any annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
However, you do need to be an Amazon Prime member which comes at $119 per year.
Each earned point amounts to 1 cent, and there is no minimum redemption amount, so you can use your points at any time – especially since they do not expire. Other great benefits include the following.
- Zero fraud liability – so you are not liable to pay for any unauthorized purchase
- Extended warranty for eligible warranties of up to 3 years, extending them with one more year
- Covers 120 days against theft or damage of purchases, up to a maximum of $500 per claim
- Travel accident insurance of up to $500,000 in coverage for dismemberment or accidental death when traveling
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- No foreign transaction fees
Is the Amazon Prime Rewards Card Good for Everyday Spending?
While this card shines with Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, it also works well for everyday spending. You can earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, which are common monthly expenses.
Though not the highest in the market, it provides steady value for frequent shoppers, making the card appealing not just to Amazon loyalists but also to general users.
However, other cashback cards may offer better rates if your primary spending is outside of Amazon's ecosystem. Still, the card's reliability and no-fee structure can make it a convenient everyday option.
Redemption Options for Your Rewards
Your Amazon Prime Rewards can be redeemed in multiple flexible ways. You can use them directly at checkout on Amazon.com with no minimum redemption requirement.
Alternatively, points can be applied as statement credits, gift cards, or travel through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal. This flexibility ensures you're not locked into one form of redemption.
The ability to use rewards at any time without expiration is also a key advantage. It simplifies your financial planning and lets you use rewards when they suit you best.
Comparison with Other Cashback Cards
Compared to other cashback credit cards, the Amazon Prime Rewards Card is well-suited for loyal Amazon users. For instance, the Citi Double Cash Card offers a flat 2% on everything, but it lacks the higher 5% rate for Amazon purchases.
Rotating category cards like the Chase Freedom Flex can offer 5% in limited-time categories, but those require activation and caps. The Amazon Prime Rewards Card removes these complexities with a straightforward earning model.
If your spending is focused on Amazon and Whole Foods, this card likely provides more value than general cashback competitors.
Limitations You Should Know
Despite its strengths, the card has some limitations worth noting. The 5% reward is only valid for Amazon Prime members, which requires a $119 annual fee. The card doesn’t offer an introductory 0% APR for purchases or balance transfers.
This makes it less ideal for large upfront purchases unless paid off immediately. Another limitation is the relatively high APR, which could cancel out rewards if balances are carried month to month.
In addition, it lacks premium travel perks like airport lounge access or hotel discounts that come with higher-tier cards.
Customer Support and Mobile App Experience
Cardholders can manage their account via the Chase mobile app, which is user-friendly and packed with features. The app allows you to monitor transactions, redeem points, and set up alerts.
It also includes security tools like real-time fraud notifications and the ability to lock/unlock your card. Chase handles customer service and receives generally favorable reviews for responsiveness.
A solid digital and support infrastructure adds peace of mind, especially for those managing finances on the go.
Tips to Maximize Your Amazon Prime Rewards Card
To get the most out of this card, use it for all your Amazon and Whole Foods purchases to earn the full 5% back. Consider pairing it with another cashback card for non-Amazon spending to boost your returns.
Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid high APR charges. Look for limited-time offers and promotions that may boost earnings. Finally, ensure your Prime membership is active, as the card benefits are tied to it.
Should You Get the Amazon Prime Rewards Card?
This card is ideal if you're a frequent Amazon or Whole Foods shopper with a Prime membership. It generously rewards you for your existing spending.
However, if you shop infrequently on Amazon or want a card with broader travel benefits or intro APR offers, you may want to explore other options.
Think about your spending habits before applying, as the value of this card is closely tied to your Amazon usage. For Prime members, though, this is arguably one of the best rewards cards available.
How to Apply
It’s easy to apply for the Prime Reward credit card, but you must be an existing Amazon Prime member. Then, click here to be redirected to the application page. Fill in the form and submit it.
Who is Eligible
Firstly, you must be an Amazon Prime member to apply for this credit card. Furthermore, you must be the age of majority in your country.
Chase, the credit card issuer, typically requires a minimum credit score of 640 in order to accept new applicants.
If you want to calculate what amount you qualify for, look here.
Fees and Interest
The Prime Rewards card does not have annual or foreign transaction fees. However, it does require an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $119 per year.
The APR varies, from 14.24% to 22.24%, depending on your credit history. Cash advance APR is 24.99% and is variable. The transaction fees for balance transfers are $5 or 5%, whichever is greater.
Cash advances incur a $10 or 5%, whichever is greater, for each transaction. There is a penalty fee of up to $49 for late and return payments.
Bank Contact Info
Here are the contact details for Amazon's banking department.
Address: Synchrony / Amazon, P.O. Box 960013, Orlando, FL 32896-0013.
Phone Number: 1-866-634-8379
Summary
All in all, the Prime Rewards card is one of a kind if you love shopping at Amazon and Whole Foods.
The unbeatable 5% back on all Amazon purchases and a lack of other fees make it worthwhile, especially if you already have an Amazon Prime membership. However, ensure you do not carry a balance, otherwise, you will have to pay for a high APR.
Note: There are risks involved when applying for and using credit. Consult the bank’s terms and conditions page for more information.
