If you shop regularly on Amazon or buy your weekly grocery haul at Whole Foods, a credit card with higher rewards rate for this online retail giant can stretch a long way. And you don’t even need an Amazon Prime membership.
Although online shopping isn’t a common credit card rewards category, there are a few cards out there that will reward you when you shop at online retailers like Amazon -- and a few others that earn Amazon-specific rewards. But, you may need to strategize if you’re using a rotating rewards category card to maximize your savings at Amazon.com.
Here are the best credit cards for shopping on Amazon that will help you earn the best rewards rates and welcome bonuses.
Best credit cards for shopping on Amazon
- Intro Offer
-
Earn up to $275 Earn up to $275 with this limited-time offer. Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval and earn 5% back everywhere on up to $2,500 in spending for the first 3 months after account opening ($125 value). Eligible Prime membership required.
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 18.99% – 26.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1% – 5% Earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.; Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).; 1% back on all other purchases
The Prime Visa* is a solid choice for earning cash back. New cardholders can receive up to a $150 Amazon gift card when their application is approved. And for a limited time you can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,500 in purchases made within your first three months of account opening (worth up to $125). You’ll earn 5% cash back on any Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or Amazon purchase the rest of the year, along with the other rewards categories. You must have an Amazon Prime membership ($139 annually) to apply for this card.
Additionally, you can earn up to 5% back on travel booked through Chase’s travel portal, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and rideshare services, then 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
Check out more details in our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 18.99% – 26.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Prime Visa* is a solid choice for earning cash back. New cardholders can receive up to a $150 Amazon gift card when their application is approved. And for a limited time you can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,500 in purchases made within your first three months of account opening (worth up to $125). You’ll earn 5% cash back on any Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or Amazon purchase the rest of the year, along with the other rewards categories. You must have an Amazon Prime membership ($139 annually) to apply for this card.
Additionally, you can earn up to 5% back on travel booked through Chase’s travel portal, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and rideshare services, then 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
Check out more details in our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 18.99% – 26.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Intro Offer
-
$200 cash rewards Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
While this card doesn’t feature any Amazon-specific perks, we’re a big fan of its flat 2% cash-rewards offer on purchases, which makes it easy for you to earn rewards no matter where you shop. It’s a great all-around cash-rewards card that offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable APR thereafter) and an intro bonus. If you don’t want to think about rewards categories and various cash-rewards rates, this card will take you far, whether on Amazon or beyond.
See more details in our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%; min: $5
While this card doesn’t feature any Amazon-specific perks, we’re a big fan of its flat 2% cash-rewards offer on purchases, which makes it easy for you to earn rewards no matter where you shop. It’s a great all-around cash-rewards card that offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable APR thereafter) and an intro bonus. If you don’t want to think about rewards categories and various cash-rewards rates, this card will take you far, whether on Amazon or beyond.
See more details in our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%; min: $5
- Intro Offer
-
$250 Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- APR
- 18.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1% – 6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations; 1% Cash Back on other purchases
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great option for anyone who shops at Whole Foods for groceries. It earns you 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%). While Whole Foods is included, groceries from Amazon Fresh and other Amazon stores are not.
You’ll also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions including Amazon Prime Video. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. New members can earn a $250 statement credit welcome offer by spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
Check out our full review for more details about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
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.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great option for anyone who shops at Whole Foods for groceries. It earns you 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%). While Whole Foods is included, groceries from Amazon Fresh and other Amazon stores are not.
You’ll also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions including Amazon Prime Video. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. New members can earn a $250 statement credit welcome offer by spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
Check out our full review for more details about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
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.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Intro Offer
-
$200 Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 18.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1% – 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.; 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.; 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.; 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers the rare bonus category of U.S. online retail purchases, including at Amazon.com. You’re able to use it with other retailers as well if you like to shop around. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Cardholders can take advantage of up to $84 in statement credits annually for the Disney Bundle -- a rare feature for a card without an annual fee. The bundle includes access to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for those who don’t prefer streaming with Amazon Prime Video.
You can read more about it in our Blue Cash Everyday review.
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.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers the rare bonus category of U.S. online retail purchases, including at Amazon.com. You’re able to use it with other retailers as well if you like to shop around. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Cardholders can take advantage of up to $84 in statement credits annually for the Disney Bundle -- a rare feature for a card without an annual fee. The bundle includes access to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for those who don’t prefer streaming with Amazon Prime Video.
You can read more about it in our Blue Cash Everyday review.
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.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Intro Offer
-
$200 $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 17.74% – 27.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1% – 3% Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).; Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).; Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card allows you to choose your own bonus category: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement/furnishings. If you select online shopping as your rewards category, you’ll be eligible to earn 3% cash back at Amazon.com, plus many other online retailers. It’s worth noting that you only earn 3% on your selected category and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, your cash-back rate goes down to 1%.
For more details see our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 17.74% – 27.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card allows you to choose your own bonus category: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement/furnishings. If you select online shopping as your rewards category, you’ll be eligible to earn 3% cash back at Amazon.com, plus many other online retailers. It’s worth noting that you only earn 3% on your selected category and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, your cash-back rate goes down to 1%.
For more details see our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 17.74% – 27.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
- Intro Offer
-
$60 Amazon Gift Card Get a $60 Amazon Gift Card
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 29.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
5% Get 5% back at Amazon with an eligible Prime membership.
The Amazon Prime Store Card* offers 5% back on Amazon purchases with a Prime membership just like the Prime Visa -- though it doesn’t offer the same cash-back rates for other categories. Still, this card has its place if you intend to make a large purchase on Amazon that you would be best off financing for six, 12 or 24 months. You can enjoy equal monthly payments with 0% APR for purchases of at least $150, $600 and select qualifying purchases, respectively. There are also other special financing options available. You can receive an Amazon gift card of up to $60 upon account approval. For a limited time, you’ll also earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in purchases during your first three months of account ownership (a $45 value).
Note: If you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, you would apply for the non-Prime equivalent, the Amazon Store Card.
For more details, see our full review of the Amazon Prime Store Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Amazon Prime Store Card* offers 5% back on Amazon purchases with a Prime membership just like the Prime Visa -- though it doesn’t offer the same cash-back rates for other categories. Still, this card has its place if you intend to make a large purchase on Amazon that you would be best off financing for six, 12 or 24 months. You can enjoy equal monthly payments with 0% APR for purchases of at least $150, $600 and select qualifying purchases, respectively. There are also other special financing options available. You can receive an Amazon gift card of up to $60 upon account approval. For a limited time, you’ll also earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in purchases during your first three months of account ownership (a $45 value).
Note: If you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, you would apply for the non-Prime equivalent, the Amazon Store Card.
For more details, see our full review of the Amazon Prime Store Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
How many credit cards does Amazon offer?
Though only a few made the top cut for the best credit cards for shopping on Amazon, Amazon offers a handful of other credit cards, all with different benefits and limitations. Each credit card comes in a Prime and non-Prime version. If you don’t have Amazon Prime but are still shopping for the best Amazon credit cards, you can substitute the non-Prime counterpart of our picks above.
Prime Visa: This is the closest offering to a traditional credit card. You can earn competitive rewards both inside and outside of the Amazon ecosystem.
Amazon Visa*: This card is for people who don’t have Prime membership. You’ll earn less back than you would with the Prime version, but it’s still got decent rewards for a card with no annual fee.
Amazon Prime Store Card: This card is only useful within the Amazon ecosystem -- it’s more like a retailer credit card than a traditional credit card. It’s the only Amazon card that offers additional Prime Day incentives.
Amazon Store Card*: This is the non-Prime version of the Amazon Prime Store Card. Unlike its Prime counterpart, you don’t earn cash-back rewards with this card. The 0% APR financing on Amazon purchases is the main draw.
Amazon Prime Secured Card*: Secured credit cards are typically designed for people with fair credit or bad credit. To compensate for the risk, this card charges a security deposit to maintain the account. You’ll earn cash-back rewards and Prime Day promotions with this card, though they’re less than with the unsecured version’s offer.
Amazon Secured Card*: For non-Prime members, the Amazon Secured Card won’t net you any cash back. The benefit of this card rests strongly on its credit-building capabilities. Use it responsibly and you can upgrade to the Amazon Store Card in as little as 12 months.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card*: Designed for businesses with a Business Prime account (starting at $69 per year), this card and its rewards are not limited to Amazon. It does give you the flexibility of opting for special financing instead of rewards on Amazon purchases, though.
Amazon Business American Express Card*: This card is for businesses that don’t have Business Prime. You’ll earn fewer rewards and financing options than with the Prime version, but you’ll still be able to earn the same rewards rates on other purchases.
How to maximize Amazon rewards
Be sure you’re using your credit card for the right purchases. For instance, if you have a credit card that earns rewards for online retailers, make sure that Amazon is accepted for that category.
Redeem your rewards in the most lucrative way. Generally speaking, if your card earns cash back, redeeming it for statement credits or depositing it directly into your bank account will be the best route.If your card earns points, redeeming them for travel, gift cards or other options may provide a higher per-point value.
Some cards provide the option to use points to pay for purchases with specific merchants. And while Amazon is often included in the eligible merchants, more often than not this route will yield a lower per-point value.
Using your rewards to cover all or part of an online purchase will also take away from the number of rewards you earn for that purchase. You don’t earn rewards on the part of the purchase price that is covered by rewards. It’s better to pay for the full purchase, then use statement credits to lower your overall credit card balance to cover it.
How to choose the best card for shopping on Amazon.com
Consider the card features and compare them to your habits and needs.
Welcome bonus
A card’s welcome bonus could provide significant value, but you’ll want to make sure that you can qualify for it without spending in ways you normally would have. If you have to spend extra to reach a bonus, you’ll take away from the value that it gives you. If you can reach a welcome bonus through normal spending, you’ll get a reward that you can typically put toward your next Amazon purchase.
Rewards
Choose the card that earns the most for how you spend, but try not to let the rewards encourage you to make unnecessary purchases. If the credit card has an annual fee, look at your budget to see if your normal spending will generate enough rewards to cover the annual fee.
Consider which redemption options the credit card features, and make sure you know which one provides the greatest return.
Annual fee
An annual fee will cut into your rewards, so you’ll need to make sure that your normal spending habits are able to compensate for it.
Credit requirements
Your credit score will determine if you can qualify for the card you’re looking for. If you’re unsure if you’ll be approved, some credit cards offer preapproval so you can check your odds.
Unfortunately, the best credit cards require a reputable credit history. The options above are all cards for people with good credit, meaning a credit score of at least 670.
If you need to improve your credit, consider a secured credit card or a credit card designed for limited credit. Once your scores have improved, you’ll be able to apply for credit cards that offer higher rewards and better perks.
FAQs
Amazon offers cash back through its Chase-issued rewards cards, the Prime Visa and Amazon Visa. Otherwise, you won’t earn cash back for your Amazon purchases just by being a Prime member.
No, but there are credit cards that offer annual statement credits or welcome bonuses which could go toward covering the $139 annual cost of a Prime membership.
For our picks of Amazon-backed credit cards, you need to have a Prime membership to open an account. For our other recommendations, you do not need to have a Prime membership to enjoy the cash-back rewards. A Prime membership ($139 annually) is not necessary to shop at Amazon.com, but if you use Amazon frequently enough it will save you money and time via two-day shipping and other perks.
Amazon Prime Day is an annual online shopping event for Amazon Prime customers that typically takes place in the summer months. Popular items like electronics, clothing, appliances, furniture and office supplies are marked with significant discounts. In 2017, the event started lasting for two days rather than one. You won’t be able to take advantage of any of the deals if you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 annually.
Cash-back credit cards offer cardholders rewards on their spending in the form of statement credits or cash. A statement credit is a reduction in the amount due to the credit card company on your monthly bill. Note that rewards are not always available the month you earn them -- they are usually applied to your balance by credit card issuers after one or two billing cycles.
The redemption process for cash-back credit cards is either automatic or very simple. Some cards automatically apply cash rewards to your statement balance each month. Others require you to log in and redeem available rewards points for statement credits. Most points don’t expire, but you will lose them if you close the account before redeeming them.
Depending on your spending habits, you may find other types of credit cards helpful. There are a handful of top picks for the best cash-back credit cards, best grocery store credit cards, best gas credit cards, best travel credit cards and other types of card. Some people choose to have multiple credit cards so they can maximize their rewards and cash back.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Prime Visa, Amazon Visa, Amazon Prime Store Card, Amazon Store Card, Amazon Prime Secured Card, Amazon Secured Card, Amazon Business Prime American Express Card and Amazon Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
