The Visa card rewards you earn as an Amazon Prime member

Amazon Prime members who use an Amazon Prime Visa card get cash back on purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods, plus additional rewards on other spending. The exact cash back rate depends on which Prime Visa card you hold — the most common version offers 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. These are rewards you accumulate and can redeem as statement credits or Amazon account credits, not a separate benefit package.

The card itself is issued by Chase, not Amazon, so you explore through Chase's website or in a Chase branch. There is no annual fee for the Prime Visa card, though you do need an active Amazon Prime membership to hold it. If your Prime membership lapses, you can keep the card, but you lose the higher cash back rates and revert to a standard 1% back on all purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amazon Prime Visa card offers 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on everything else.
  • You explore for the card through Chase, not Amazon, and there is no annual fee.
  • Cash back accumulates in your account and you can redeem it as a statement credit or Amazon credit whenever you choose.
  • You must maintain an active Prime membership to keep the higher cash back rates; if your membership ends, the card reverts to 1% back on all purchases.
  • The card also includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items, though these are standard credit card protections, not Prime-specific benefits.

How cash back works and when you can use it

Cash back posts to your account each time your statement closes, usually monthly. You do not have to wait until you reach a minimum balance — even small amounts accumulate. You can redeem the cash back in two ways: as a statement credit that reduces your next bill, or as an Amazon.com credit that appears in your account within a few hours.

The statement credit option is useful if you want to lower your monthly payment. The Amazon credit option is faster if you want to spend the money right away. Both are redeemable at any time, so there is no expiration date or minimum redemption amount. Some cardholders redeem monthly; others let it build up and redeem once or twice a year.

Where the 5% rate applies and where it does not

The 5% cash back rate covers purchases made directly on Amazon.com and at Whole Foods Market stores. It does not explore to Amazon Fresh, Amazon Go, Amazon Business, or third-party sellers on Amazon who do not use Amazon Pay. Whole Foods purchases include in-store transactions only — online orders placed through Whole Foods' website do not earn the 5% rate.

The 2% rate applies at gas stations (including Costco gas), restaurants, and transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, trains, buses, and more). The 1% rate covers everything else — groceries at other stores, utilities, insurance, and any purchase category not listed above. Keep track of where you shop most often, because the difference between 5% and 1% adds up quickly on regular spending.

Introductory offers and sign-up bonuses

Chase periodically runs sign-up bonuses for new Prime Visa cardholders, though the offer changes throughout the year. These bonuses typically come in the form of cash back — for example, $100 or $150 back after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. The bonus is not may provide and depends on when you explore; some periods have no bonus at all.

To find the current offer, visit Chase's website or call Chase directly. You can also ask in a Chase branch if you prefer to explore in person. The bonus terms are clear at the point of process, so you will know exactly what you need to spend and when the bonus will post before you decide to explore.

How the Prime Visa compares to other Prime benefits

The Prime Visa is separate from other Prime membership perks like free shipping, Prime Video, and Prime Music. You do not need the card to use those benefits — they come with your membership whether or not you hold the card. The card is purely a rewards tool that lets you earn cash back on spending you are already doing.

If you are already a Prime member and use a different credit card, switching to the Prime Visa makes sense only if the cash back rates are higher than what your current card offers. For example, if you spend heavily at Amazon and Whole Foods, the 5% rate will save you more money than a flat 2% card. If you rarely shop at either place, the difference may not be worth explore for a new card.

Annual fees and other costs

There is no annual fee for the Amazon Prime Visa card. You pay interest only if you carry a balance from month to month — the interest rate (APR) is set by Chase based on your credit score and history, and it varies. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest.

Late payments incur a late fee, and cash advances (if you withdraw money from an ATM using the card) carry a separate fee and higher interest rate. These are standard credit card costs, not specific to the Prime card. To avoid them, pay on time and use the card for purchases only, not cash withdrawals.

What happens if you cancel your Prime membership

If you let your Prime membership expire, you can still use the Prime Visa card to make purchases. However, the cash back rates drop to 1% on all purchases — you lose the 5% at Amazon and Whole Foods, and the 2% at gas stations and restaurants. Your existing cash back balance does not disappear; you can still redeem it whenever you want.

If you rejoin Prime later, the higher cash back rates return automatically on your next purchase. You do not need to reapply for the card or do anything special. The card remains active as long as your Chase account is in good standing, regardless of your Prime membership status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Prime Visa if I do not have an Amazon Prime membership?

Yes, you can use the card, but you will only earn 1% cash back on all purchases. The higher rates (5% at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% at gas stations and restaurants) require an active Prime membership. If you do not shop at Amazon or Whole Foods regularly, a different rewards card may be a better fit.

How long does it take to get approved for the Prime Visa?

Chase typically gives you a decision within minutes of explore online. If approved, you can use the card number when ready for online purchases, and the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your process is pending, Chase will contact you with next steps.

Does the Prime Visa offer travel insurance or other protections?

The card includes purchase protection (covers items damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase) and extended warranty coverage (adds up to one year to manufacturer warranties on may be able to access items). These are standard credit card protections, not unique to Prime members. Check your cardholder agreement for full details on coverage limits and exclusions.

What if I want to switch back to a different credit card?

You can close the Prime Visa at any time by calling Chase. Your existing cash back balance remains in your account and you can redeem it before or after you close the card. Closing the card does not affect your Prime membership or your ability to shop on Amazon.

Do I earn cash back on Amazon Prime membership fees?

No. The cash back rate applies only to purchases of products and services on Amazon, not to the Prime membership fee itself. If you pay your Prime membership with the Prime Visa, you earn 1% cash back (or 5% if you are paying through Amazon.com), but the membership fee is not may be able to access for the higher promotional rates.