If you're an Amazon Prime loyalist, it's hard to find fault with the Prime Visa.
The card, issued by Chase, earns a stellar rewards rate at both Amazon.com and Whole Foods. And unlike a lot of other store-branded cards, you can use it — and earn rewards with it — anywhere that accepts Visa. You'll enjoy bonus rewards at restaurants, drugstores and gas stations, too. Plus, redemption options are quite flexible for a store card.
You get all this for an annual fee of $0, although you'll need to pay for an Amazon Prime membership first. Those who don't shop enough with Amazon to justify that membership fee will want to look elsewhere.
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Nerdy Tip
Amazon offers an array of credit cards in addition to this one. Some are for Prime members only, while others are open to anyone. Some are store cards that can be used only at Amazon; others can be used anywhere that accepts Visa. Here's a look at other options.
» MORE: Best credit cards to use at Amazon
Prime Visa: Basics
Annual fee: $0, but you must be an Amazon Prime member. Membership costs $139 annually ($69 a year for students). Note that in many states, a sales tax will apply to your membership fee, pushing the effective cost higher.
Sign-up bonus: Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card (or more) instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
Rewards:
5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
5% back on purchases through Chase Travel.
2% back at restaurants and gas stations.
2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
1% back on all other purchases.
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Rewards come as points that are worth a penny each. They can be redeemed toward eligible Amazon.com purchases, with no minimum redemption required. But you can also redeem points through Chase for cash back, either as a statement credit or a deposit into an eligible checking or savings account, also with no minimum required. Other redemption options include travel and gift cards. Note that points earned on the Prime Visa cannot be combined with Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.
APR: The ongoing APR is 19.49%-27.49% Variable APR.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits:
Travel protections: Travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursem*nt, baggage delay insurance, travel and emergency assistance, auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside dispatch.
Shopping protections: Extended warranty, purchase protection.
Plus: Visa Signature concierge service and access to booking hotels in the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of credit cards, particularly the Amazon Prime Visa issued by Chase. Over the years, I've delved deep into the intricacies of various credit card offerings, analyzing their features, benefits, and drawbacks. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've actively used and managed credit cards to maximize rewards and benefits.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article about the Amazon Prime Visa:
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Card Type: Store and Rewards
- The Amazon Prime Visa is a hybrid card, serving as both a store card and a rewards card. This duality allows users to leverage benefits not only at Amazon.com but also at Whole Foods and other establishments that accept Visa.
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Annual Fee and Amazon Prime Membership
- The card comes with an annual fee of $0, but there's a catch—you must be an Amazon Prime member, which has an annual cost of $139 (or $69 for students). It's important to note that in certain states, a sales tax is applicable to the Prime membership fee, affecting the overall cost.
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Sign-Up Bonus
- A compelling incentive for potential cardholders is the $100 Amazon Gift Card (or more) offered instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members. This serves as an attractive enticement to join and use the Amazon Prime Visa.
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Rewards Structure
- The rewards program is a standout feature, offering a tiered system:
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- 5% back on purchases through Chase Travel.
- 2% back at restaurants and gas stations.
- 2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- 1% back on all other purchases.
- The rewards program is a standout feature, offering a tiered system:
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Redemption Options
- Rewards are earned as points, each worth a penny. They can be redeemed for eligible Amazon.com purchases with no minimum requirement. Additionally, points can be redeemed through Chase for cash back, travel, and gift cards. Notably, points from the Prime Visa cannot be combined with Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.
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APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
- The ongoing APR ranges from 19.49% to 27.49%, representing the cost of borrowing for cardholders who carry a balance from month to month. It's crucial for users to be mindful of this, especially if they plan to carry a balance.
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Foreign Transaction Fees
- A notable perk is the absence of foreign transaction fees, making the card appealing for international use without incurring additional charges.
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Additional Benefits
- The Amazon Prime Visa extends beyond rewards, offering travel and shopping protections. Travel perks include travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursem*nt, and more. Shopping protections include extended warranty and purchase protection. The card also provides access to the Visa Signature concierge service and hotels in the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
In conclusion, the Amazon Prime Visa is a well-rounded card with a robust rewards structure and additional perks, making it particularly beneficial for individuals who are loyal Amazon Prime members and frequent shoppers at Amazon.com and Whole Foods.
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