Choosing the right credit card for your Amazon purchases can significantly enhance your shopping experience, offering rewards, discounts, and other benefits that can save you money and provide added value. With numerous options available, understanding the nuances of each card is crucial to making an informed decision. This article will guide you through the best credit card choices for Amazon purchases in 2024, focusing on maximizing your rewards and benefits.
Comprehensive Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Rewards on Amazon Purchases | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5% Cash Back | 2% at restaurants and gas stations, 1% on all other purchases, No annual fee (with Prime membership) |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5% Cash Back | 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases, $0 annual fee |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 2x Points | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, online groceries (excluding Target and Walmart), and select streaming services, $95 annual fee |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3x Points | 10x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 10x points on dining through Chase Dining, $550 annual fee |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% Rotating Categories | 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year!, $0 annual fee |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit, 1% on other purchases, $95 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) | |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 2x Miles on Every Purchase | Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, $95 annual fee |
| Citi Double Cash Card | 2% Cash Back on All Purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay) | No annual fee |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | 3% cash back in a category of your choice (Amazon.com being an option) | 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, 1% cash back on all other purchases, $0 annual fee |
Detailed Explanations
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: This card is tailored for Amazon Prime members, offering a generous 5% cash back on all Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases. It also provides 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on all other purchases. The absence of an annual fee (for Prime members) makes it a compelling choice for frequent Amazon shoppers. This card is issued by Chase.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: A versatile card offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including Amazon. While it doesn't offer a specific bonus for Amazon purchases, its flat-rate rewards and rotating bonus categories make it a valuable addition to any wallet. It also features 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and drugstores. There's also no annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card is aimed at travelers and diners, offering 2x points on all purchases, including Amazon. The points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at a higher value (1.25 cents per point), making it a great option if you also spend on travel. Benefits include 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, online groceries (excluding Target and Walmart), and select streaming services. It has a $95 annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: This premium travel card offers 3x points on all travel and dining purchases, including Amazon if those purchases are categorized as travel or dining (rare). The points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at an even higher value (1.5 cents per point). It features 10x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 10x points on dining through Chase Dining. It has a high annual fee of $550, but the benefits, including travel credits and airport lounge access, can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Discover it® Cash Back: This card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, which sometimes include Amazon. If Amazon is a bonus category during a quarter, this card provides exceptional value. It also offers 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! The card has no annual fee.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: While not specifically for Amazon, this card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit. If you spend heavily in these categories, the rewards can offset the $95 annual fee. You could potentially use the cash back earned to offset Amazon purchases.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a simple 2x miles on every purchase, including Amazon. Miles can be redeemed for travel or as a statement credit. It also offers a generous sign-up bonus. It has a $95 annual fee.
Citi Double Cash Card: This card offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), including Amazon. Its simplicity and lack of an annual fee make it a solid choice for those who prefer a flat-rate rewards structure.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: This card allows you to choose a 3% cash back category, and Amazon.com is often an option. It also offers 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It has no annual fee. The 3% category can be changed each month, giving you flexibility to maximize your rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for Amazon purchases if I'm a Prime member? The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is generally the best option, offering 5% cash back on all Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases. This is a significant reward for frequent Amazon shoppers.
What if I'm not a Prime member? Consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Citi Double Cash Card, which offer a flat rate of 1.5% or 2% cash back on all purchases, including Amazon. These are great options without the Prime membership requirement.
Can I use my credit card rewards to pay for Amazon purchases? Yes, many credit cards allow you to redeem your rewards as a statement credit, which can then be used to pay for your Amazon purchases. Some cards even allow direct point redemption on Amazon.com.
Are there any credit cards that offer bonus rewards on specific Amazon products? Occasionally, certain credit card promotions may offer bonus rewards on specific Amazon products or categories, but these are typically limited-time offers. Always check the terms and conditions for details.
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a credit card that offers high rewards on Amazon? It depends on your spending habits. Calculate how much you spend on Amazon annually and determine if the rewards earned will offset the annual fee. If you spend a significant amount, the high rewards may make the annual fee worthwhile.
How do I choose between cash back and travel rewards for Amazon purchases? Consider your overall spending habits and financial goals. If you prefer flexibility and immediate savings, cash back is a good option. If you travel frequently and want to maximize the value of your rewards, travel rewards may be more beneficial.
What are rotating category cards and how do they work for Amazon purchases? Rotating category cards like the Discover it® Cash Back offer bonus rewards in different categories each quarter. If Amazon is a bonus category, you'll earn the higher reward rate on all Amazon purchases during that quarter.
Can I use multiple credit cards for Amazon purchases? Yes, you can use multiple credit cards for different types of purchases to maximize your rewards. For example, you could use the Amazon Prime Rewards card for Amazon purchases and another card for dining or travel.
How do I apply for an Amazon credit card? You can apply for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card directly on Amazon.com or through Chase's website. The application process is straightforward and typically requires basic personal and financial information.
What credit score is needed to get approved for an Amazon credit card? Generally, a good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) is recommended for approval for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and other rewards credit cards.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for your Amazon purchases depends largely on your individual spending habits and preferences. For Prime members, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is the clear winner, offering unmatched rewards on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. However, other cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Citi Double Cash Card, and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offer valuable alternatives depending on your wider spending patterns and whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards. Carefully consider your options and select the card that best aligns with your needs to maximize your savings and benefits.