Amazon’s Credit Cards Just Got a Major Revamp

Ashlyn Brooks

May 10, 2023 at 10:14 AM·4 min read

Amazon’s credit cards have undergone an incredible transformation. With new names, designs, bonus categories and welcome offers, there’s a lot to unpack.

Let’s dive into this exciting world of revamped rewards and cash back opportunities that’ll make your Amazon shopping experience even more rewarding.

New and Improved Welcome Bonuses

If you’re looking to pick up an Amazon credit card in the near future, you’re in for a treat:

Prime Visa: $150 Amazon gift card and 5% back on all purchases, up to $2,500, for three months after account opening
Amazon Visa: $60 Amazon gift card and 3% back on all purchases, up to $1,500, for three months after account opening

That’s right, not only are the welcome offers bigger and better, but they also include a percentage back on all purchases for the first three months. Previously, you could get a welcome offer of $30-$70 Amazon credit depending on which card you had, so this is about double the offer.

New Bonus Categories for Maximum Cash Back

Slickdeals

Now, let’s dive into the good stuff: bonus categories. Chase has added two new bonus categories – travel purchases made through Chase Travel and local transit/commuting (including rideshare) – to both the Prime Visa and Amazon Visa. Here’s a quick breakdown of each card’s earning rates:

Prime Visa:

5% back on purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal (with eligible Prime membership)
5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market (with eligible Prime membership)
2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
2% back at restaurants and gas stations
1% back on all other purchases

Amazon Visa:

3% back on purchases made through Chase Travel
3% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market
2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
2% back at restaurants and gas stations
1% back on all other purchases

With these new bonus categories in play, the Amazon credit cards are a force to be reckoned with – especially for those of us who love to shop (and save) on Amazon.

Receive Your Cash Back Faster: Daily Rewards Redemption

Who doesn’t love getting their rewards sooner? Chase has made it even easier to enjoy your cash back by allowing rewards to post daily. That’s right – no more waiting for your statement to close before you can redeem those hard-earned rewards.

Now you can enjoy an instant rebate on your purchases as soon as they’re made. How’s that for convenience?

About Amazon’s Credit Cards

Amazon credit cards have come a long way since their inception. Launched in 2002, the original Amazon.com Visa card was a collaboration between Amazon and Bank One. Over the years, the card underwent several changes and Chase eventually took over the management of the card.

In 2017, Chase introduced the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, an upgraded version of the original card, offering higher rewards and added benefits for Amazon Prime members.

Fast forward to the present day, Chase has streamlined the names, turning them into the Prime Visa and the Amazon Visa, and added new bonus categories, welcome offers, and daily rewards redemption to make these cards even more appealing.

Who are the Amazon Credit Cards Best For?

The Amazon credit cards are best suited for people who frequently shop at Amazon and Whole Foods Market, as well as those who value cash back on everyday purchases like travel, dining, and local transit. These cards are particularly beneficial for Amazon Prime members, who can maximize their cash back with the Prime Visa.

If you’re someone who prefers shopping online, enjoys Amazon’s vast range of products, and appreciates the convenience of Amazon Prime’s benefits (like free shipping) then the Amazon credit cards could be an excellent choice for you.

Amazon Credit Card Drawbacks

While the Amazon credit cards offer a range of benefits, they may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Limited rewards outside of Amazon: Although the cards now offer a wider range of bonus categories, the highest cash back rates are still tied to Amazon and Whole Foods Market. If you don’t shop frequently at these stores, you might find better value in a different cash back or rewards card.
Amazon Prime Membership Required for Prime Visa: The Prime Visa offers the highest rewards, but it’s only available to Amazon Prime members. If you don’t already have a Prime membership or don’t find the membership benefits valuable, Amazon Prime’s $139 annual subscription cost might outweigh the card’s benefits. After all, there are plenty of strong rewards credit cards with no annual fee.

The Bottom Line

With improved welcome offers, new bonus categories, and daily rewards redemption, these cards are primed (pun intended) to level up your Amazon shopping experience.

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