Amazon Store Card review: Bonus rewards for Prime members, but lacking everywhere else
Amazon Store Card overview
The Amazon Store Card offers a solid return on Amazon purchases; however, you must have an Amazon Prime membership to earn any rewards. This card can only be used at Amazon or stores that accept Amazon Pay. Additionally, this card earns no rewards outside of Amazon and only has one redemption option, making it a poor choice for most shoppers. Card rating*: ⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
If you shop at Amazon frequently, you might be tempted to get an Amazon store card. However, if you are going to get an Amazon credit card, make sure you get the one best suited for your needs, as Amazon offers four credit cards.
We rarely recommend getting store credit cards, and the Amazon Store Card is no exception.
Two different Amazon store cards are available: the Amazon Store Card and the Amazon Prime Store Card. The one you get will depend on whether you have Amazon Prime. Those who don’t will be issued the Amazon Store Card, while those with a Prime membership will receive the Amazon Prime Store Card. Both Amazon Store cards are issued by Synchrony Bank and should not be confused with the Amazon Visa and Prime Visa issued by Chase.
The Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card have no annual fees, and a recommended credit score for these cards is at least 580.
Let’s look at the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card to see if either deserves a spot in your wallet.
The information for the Amazon Store Card, Amazon Prime Store Card and Amazon Visa has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Amazon Store Card pros and cons
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Amazon Store Card welcome offer
While both versions of this card are nearly identical, they differ slightly in terms of the welcome offer. The Amazon Store Card offers a $10 gift card instantly upon approval, and the Amazon Prime Store Card offers a $60 gift card instantly upon approval.
While something is better than nothing, this is far below the value you’ll get from the welcome offers on many other cards.
Related: The best welcome offers this month
Amazon Store Card benefits
We usually don’t expect many benefits from store-specific credit cards, and the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card are no exception.
As a cardholder, you will receive zero fraud liability and promotional financing offers. These include a 0% annual percentage rate and special financing over a period of six, 12 or 24 months. This can be useful if you need to spend a large amount at Amazon. Note, however, that you won’t earn any rewards on the purchases you finance.
Still, many cards offer an introductory 0% APR, and it’s disappointing that the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card’s list of benefits ends here.
Related: The best store credit cards
Earning and redeeming with the Amazon Store Card
It’s important to note that both versions of the card are closed-loop, meaning they can only be used at Amazon or merchants that accept Amazon Pay. You can use your card at Whole Foods via the Amazon app, but the physical card will not be accepted. This card is very limited on where you can use it, unlike the Prime Visa card, which can be used anywhere and has substantially better earning rates.
To earn rewards, you need a Prime membership and the Amazon Prime Store Card. With this card, you’ll earn 5% back on all Amazon purchases in the form of points. This is a substantial return on Amazon purchases — the only other card that offers this return is the Prime Visa.
However, keep in mind that an Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year. To recoup the Prime membership cost, you would need to spend at least $2,780 on Amazon purchases with your card.
If you don’t have a Prime membership and have the more basic Amazon Store Card, you won’t earn any rewards on any purchases. There is almost no reason to hold this card if you don’t have a Prime membership.
Even if you do have a Prime membership, you won’t earn rewards on any purchases outside of Amazon. You can technically use this card at any merchant that accepts Amazon Pay, but you’re better off using even the most basic cash-back card for non-Amazon purchases.
When it’s time to redeem, cardholders with a Prime membership can use their points toward eligible Amazon purchases at checkout.
While the Amazon Prime Store Card can offer decent Amazon earnings for Prime members, the Prime Visa offers the same Amazon earning potential and earns rewards on all other purchases. It’s the far superior choice for Prime members.
Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category
Which cards compete with the Amazon Store Card?
If you don’t have a Prime membership or want a card you can use everywhere, you’ll want to go with one of these options.
- If you want more rewards at Amazon and beyond: The Prime Visa has no annual fee but requires you to have a Prime membership. It earns 5% back at Amazon, Whole Foods and Chase Travel℠; 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and local commuting (including ride-hailing services); and 1% on all other purchases. For more details, check out our full review of the Prime Visa card.
- If you want to earn more on other online purchases: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 annually in purchases, then 1% cash back; cash back is received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit). For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.
- If you want to earn 2% back on everything: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and earns 2% cash back on all eligible purchases (1% as you buy and 1% as you pay). For more details, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
For additional options, see our full list of the best credit cards.
Related: Your guide to maximizing shopping portals for your online purchases
Is the Amazon Store Card worth it?
If you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, don’t consider this card at all. You won’t earn any rewards with it, and there are numerous no-annual-fee cards that will earn you bonus rewards on Amazon purchases. You would be better off making your Amazon purchases with any other credit card or even a debit card. We can only recommend this card to someone with less-than-stellar credit who spends heavily at Amazon.
Related: How to redeem your points and miles for Amazon purchases
Bottom line
If you have less-than-stellar credit, frequently shop at Amazon and have a Prime membership, you might consider this card. However, those with a Prime membership are better off with the Prime Visa, and those who don’t are better off with a cash-back or secured credit card.
Related: Amazon Prime Visa Review
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday, click here.
