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Prime Card Review: Is Amazon's Credit Card Worth It?
February 6, 2025
If you're a frequent Amazon shopper, you've likely seen promotions for the Prime Card while browsing or checking out. This credit card, offered through a partnership between Amazon and JPMorgan Chase Bank, promises impressive rewards for loyal Amazon customers. But is it truly worth adding to your wallet? In this comprehensive review, we'll analyze the Prime Card's benefits, drawbacks, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
What Is the Prime Card?
The Prime Card (officially called the Amazon Prime Visa Card) is a rewards credit card exclusively available to Amazon Prime members. Issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, Member FDIC, this card functions as both an Amazon-branded payment method and a general-purpose Visa credit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
The Prime Card is designed specifically to reward Amazon Prime members for their shopping habits, offering enhanced cash back rates at Amazon.com, Whole Foods Market, and on other everyday purchases. Unlike many store cards that can only be used at specific retailers, the Prime Visa card works as a full-fledged credit card for all your shopping needs while providing special perks for Amazon-related purchases.
To qualify for the Prime Card, you need an eligible Prime membership, which includes standard Amazon Prime, Amazon Prime Student, Amazon Household members with Prime benefits, and other qualifying Amazon Prime subscriptions. The application process requires standard credit approval and documentation requirements, and new cardmembers often receive promotional offers such as an Amazon Gift Card upon approval.
Prime Card Pros and Cons
Before diving deeper into the card's features, let's examine the key advantages and disadvantages of the Prime Card:
Pros:
- Generous Rewards Structure: Earn 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- No Annual Fee: The card itself has no annual fee (though you need an Amazon Prime membership)
- Welcome Bonus: New cardmembers typically receive an Amazon Gift Card upon approval
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use the card internationally without extra banking fees
- Additional Benefits: Includes purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and travel benefits
- Instant Use Option: In many cases, you can use the card immediately after approval on Amazon purchases
- Flexible Redemption: "Shop with Points" feature allows you to apply rewards directly to Amazon purchases
Cons:
- Prime Membership Required: You must maintain an eligible Prime membership to qualify for the 5% rewards rate
- Chase Relationship: The card is managed through Chase's systems, requiring a separate login from your Amazon.com accounts
- Credit Requirements: Typically requires good to excellent credit for approval
- Limited Premium Travel Benefits: While it offers some travel protections, it lacks the premium travel perks of higher-end travel cards
- Rewards Optimization Complexity: Maximizing benefits across different rewards categories requires careful tracking
Who Is the Prime Card For?
The Prime Card is ideally suited for specific types of consumers:
Frequent Amazon Shoppers
If you regularly shop on Amazon.com or at Whole Foods Market, the Prime Card's 5% cash back rate can translate to significant savings over time. For a household that spends $500 monthly on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, the 5% reward equals $300 in annual cash back from these purchases alone.
Prime Subscription Holders
Since an eligible Prime membership is required to qualify for the card's best rewards rate, existing Prime members (including Amazon Prime Fresh, Amazon Family, or Amazon Prime Student subscribers) can add this card to enhance their membership value without paying an additional annual fee for the card itself.
Everyday Spenders Seeking Flexible Rewards
Beyond Amazon purchases, the card offers competitive rewards on daily spending categories like restaurants, gas stations, and transit. Those looking to earn rewards across various merchant categories without complicated bonus activation requirements will appreciate the straightforward earning structure.
Small Business Owners Who Use Amazon
While not specifically a business credit card, small business owners who regularly purchase supplies or equipment through Amazon can benefit from the rewards structure. Additionally, the card integrates with Chase's business resource center and merchant services for those who already use Chase for business checking or small business loans.
Comparing the Prime Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Prime Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cashback credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Standout feature: This card offers a generous intro of APR on purchases and balance transfers
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. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Prime Card excels in rewarding Amazon Prime members for their shopping habits, offering enhanced cash back rates
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
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Rewards Structure and Benefits
The Prime Card offers a tiered rewards structure based on merchant code classifications:
- 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on transit (including rideshare)
- 1% back on all other purchases
These rewards are earned as points in the rewards program agreement, with each point worth 1 cent when redeemed. Points never expire as long as your account remains open.
Additional Card Benefits
Beyond the rewards program, the Prime Card includes several valuable benefits:
- Zero Liability Protection: You won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges when reported promptly
- Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days
- Extended Warranty Protection: Extends eligible manufacturers' warranties by an additional year
- Travel Benefits: Includes travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and no foreign transaction fees
- Chase Travel Purchases: Ability to book travel through Chase's portal
- Special Promotional Periods: Occasional 0% intro APR offers for new cardmembers
- Cardmember Services: Access to Chase's dedicated team for priority service and account management
- Referral Bonus: Earn bonus rewards for referring friends who are approved
Consider Using Kudos
While the Prime Card offers excellent rewards for Amazon purchases, savvy shoppers can further optimize their credit card rewards across all online shopping with Kudos. This free AI-powered browser extension works alongside your existing credit cards, including the Prime Card, to ensure you're always using the optimal card for each purchase.
Kudos analyzes your credit card portfolio and automatically suggests which card to use for maximum rewards at over 15,000 stores. For Prime Card holders, Kudos can help identify when using your Amazon card is the best choice and when another card in your wallet might offer better benefits for a particular purchase.
The extension also features exclusive "Flash Boost" events that can multiply your rewards up to 5X, potentially exceeding even the Prime Card's generous 5% back at Amazon. By using Kudos alongside your Prime Card, you create a comprehensive rewards optimization strategy that covers both Amazon and non-Amazon shopping.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Prime Card stands out as an excellent option for dedicated Amazon shoppers who already maintain a Prime membership. With no annual fee beyond your existing Prime subscription, the card's 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods represents one of the highest consistent reward rates available for these specific retailers.
However, the card's true value depends entirely on your shopping habits. If Amazon purchases constitute a significant portion of your monthly budget, the Prime Card is nearly a must-have. For occasional Amazon shoppers, the benefits may not justify maintaining a Prime membership solely for card eligibility.
The card's security features, including zero liability protection and Chase's robust security center, provide peace of mind for online shopping. Meanwhile, the additional benefits like extended warranty protection and purchase protection add tangible value beyond the rewards program.
For optimal results, we recommend using the Prime Card primarily for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases while pairing it with a strong flat-rate cash back card for general spending or with Kudos to automatically optimize all your online shopping rewards.
Prime Card FAQ
What credit score do I need for the Prime Card?
While Chase doesn't publish specific credit score requirements, applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score (670+) to qualify for the Prime Card. Factors like income, existing debt, and credit history also impact approval decisions.
Is there an annual fee for the Prime Card?
The Prime Card itself has no annual fee. However, you must maintain an eligible Prime membership, which currently costs $139 annually (or $14.99 monthly), to qualify for the card and receive the 5% rewards rate.
Can I add an authorized user to my Prime Card?
Yes, you can add authorized users to your Prime Card account. These additional cardholders can make purchases that earn rewards for your account. However, authorized users don't need their own Prime membership to use the card.
How do I redeem my Prime Card rewards?
Prime Card rewards can be redeemed in several ways:
- As a statement credit against your card balance
- Through direct deposit to a bank account
- For Amazon purchases using the "Shop with Points" feature at checkout
- For travel, gift cards, and other options through Chase's rewards portal
What happens to my Prime Card if I cancel my Amazon Prime membership?
If you cancel your eligible Prime membership, you'll still be able to use your card, but your rewards rate at Amazon and Whole Foods will drop from 5% to 3%. All other reward rates and card benefits remain unchanged.
How does the Prime Card protect me from unauthorized charges?
The Prime Card includes zero liability protection, meaning you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges when reported promptly. Chase's security center provides additional tools for monitoring account activity and reporting potential fraud.
Can I use my Prime Card for Amazon Fresh orders?
Yes, Prime Card can be used for Amazon Fresh orders and will earn the 5% rewards rate on these purchases when you have an eligible Prime membership that includes Amazon Prime Fresh access.
Are there any special promotions for new Prime Card applicants?
New cardmembers typically receive an Amazon Gift Card upon approval, with the amount varying based on current promotional offers. Occasionally, Chase also offers 0% intro APR periods for new accounts. Check the current application page for the latest promotions.
How does the Prime Card determine which purchases qualify for category rewards?
Purchases are categorized based on the merchant code assigned by Visa/Mastercard procedures. Sometimes merchants are miscategorized, potentially affecting your earned rewards. For Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, the system directly identifies these transactions for the 5% rate.
Does the Prime Card offer purchase protection?
Yes, the Prime Card includes purchase protection that covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days (up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account). It also offers extended warranty protection that adds one year to eligible manufacturers' warranties of three years or less.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
