Amazon Credit Card vs. Prime Store Card: What’s Better for Shoppers?
Choosing between the Amazon Credit Card and the Prime Store Card depends mainly on how you shop and your credit situation.
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If you want a card you can use anywhere and get rewards on all your purchases, the Amazon Credit Card is the better choice.
It works like a regular credit card and offers good cashback on everyday spending outside of Amazon.
On the other hand, the Prime Store Card is designed mainly for Amazon shopping and is better if you want special financing options or have fair credit.
It gives you strong rewards on Amazon purchases but can’t be used outside their stores. Knowing these differences can help you decide which card fits your needs best.
Comparing Amazon Credit Card and Prime Store Card
You have two main options for Amazon credit cards: the Amazon Prime Store Card and the Amazon Credit Card (usually called the Amazon Prime Visa). They differ in where you can use them, rewards, and how you apply. Understanding these points will help you choose the right card for your shopping habits.
Eligibility and Availability
The Amazon Prime Store Card is only available if you have an active Amazon Prime membership. It’s issued by Synchrony Bank, and it tends to approve more people, including those with fair or below-average credit.
The Amazon Prime Visa card is issued by Chase and requires a minimum credit score that is typically higher. It is available only to Prime members, but you may have better chances with stronger credit.
If you are not a Prime member, you can still apply for versions of these cards, but rewards may be lower. The Store Card is largely limited to Amazon shopping. The Visa card is a general-use credit card accepted everywhere Visa is accepted.
Core Features Overview
The Prime Store Card offers 5% back on Amazon.com purchases with your Prime membership. However, you can only use it on Amazon and affiliated sites. It has no annual fee and works like a department store card.
The Amazon Prime Visa card also offers 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. But it lets you earn rewards everywhere else you shop, usually 1-2%. It also has no annual fee and provides extra benefits like travel protections and purchase security.
Rewards with the Visa card can be more flexible because you can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted. The Store Card earns rewards only on Amazon purchases.
Application Process
To apply for the Prime Store Card, you go through Synchrony Bank, usually directly on Amazon’s site. The approval process is generally easier for people with lower credit scores.
Applying for the Amazon Prime Visa requires a credit check from Chase. This can be a bit stricter, so you need to have a decent credit history. These cards are also applied for on Amazon or Chase’s website.
Both cards do not charge an annual fee, so applying carries no cost. If you want a card just for Amazon shopping and have lower credit, the Store Card is easier to get. If you want a card to use beyond Amazon with better rewards, the Visa is often the better choice.
Rewards and Benefits Breakdown
You get different rewards and perks depending on which card you choose. Both cards offer cash back but work best for different spending habits and credit profiles. How you earn rewards, where you can use them, and extra card benefits are key factors.
Earning Rates and Bonus Categories
The Amazon Prime Visa gives you 5% back on Amazon purchases if you have an active Prime membership. Other everyday buys like gas, restaurants, and transit earn 2% back. You also get 1% back on all other purchases.
The Prime Store Card offers 5% back on Amazon orders for Prime members, but it can’t be used outside Amazon. Sometimes it has special 0% APR financing offers, which the Visa card does not.
If you don’t shop much outside Amazon or want to use financing options, Prime Store Card suits you. If you want rewards on more places like gas stations, Visa is better.
Redemption Options
The Prime Visa rewards are flexible. You can turn points into cash back, a statement credit, Amazon purchases, or travel rewards. Each 100 points equals $1, making it simple to understand the value.
With the Prime Store Card, your rewards only work as Amazon credit. You can’t convert the points into cash or use them outside Amazon. This limits flexibility but can be good if you only shop there.
Visa’s wider redemption options make it better if you want to spend rewards outside Amazon or save cash in multiple ways.
Cardholder Perks
The Prime Visa card gives you extra perks like travel and purchase protection, extended warranties, and no foreign transaction fees. These add value if you travel or use your card a lot outside Amazon.
The Prime Store Card focuses on Amazon benefits. It lets Prime members get 0% interest on purchases for a set time. It lacks travel perks or other coverage but supports Amazon-only financing.
Your choice depends on whether you want card features beyond shopping or prefer Amazon’s special financing and cashback.
Costs and Fees
Knowing the fees and charges tied to each card helps you decide which fits your spending habits best. Key costs include annual fees, interest rates, and charges for foreign transactions. Each of these can affect how much you pay beyond your Amazon purchases.
Annual Fee Differences
The Amazon Prime Store Card does not have an annual fee, but you must have an active Amazon Prime membership to qualify. The card is designed to reward Prime members with benefits like 5% back on Amazon purchases without extra yearly costs.
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card also has no annual fee. However, this card requires Prime membership to unlock its full rewards.
If you don’t have Prime, other Amazon store cards may apply fees, but the Prime versions generally keep annual fees at zero for members.
Interest Rates
Both the Amazon Prime Store Card and the Prime Rewards Visa Card come with interest rates that can be higher than some traditional credit cards, especially if you carry a balance.
The Amazon Store Card, issued by Synchrony Bank, often has variable APRs around 26%-30%, so paying the full balance each month avoids interest charges.
The Prime Visa, issued by Chase, has a similar APR range. You should aim to pay your balance monthly to avoid costly interest fees.
Foreign Transaction Fees
The Amazon Prime Store Card cannot be used outside of Amazon and Amazon-owned stores, so foreign transactions are not applicable.
The Prime Rewards Visa Card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This makes it a better choice if you travel internationally or shop from foreign websites.
Using the Prime Visa abroad lets you earn rewards without paying extra fees for currency conversions.
Shopping Experience and Card Usability
Your choice between the Amazon Credit Card and the Prime Store Card affects where you can use the card, how it fits with Amazon services, and the security features you get. These factors change your shopping ease and protection.
Acceptance Online and In-Store
The Amazon Credit Card is a Visa card, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. This means you can shop online or in physical stores beyond Amazon, like grocery stores or gas stations.
The Prime Store Card only works for Amazon purchases and is not accepted anywhere outside Amazon’s website. It is a closed-loop card tied to Amazon’s platform.
If you want flexibility to use your card anywhere, the Credit Card is better. For exclusive Amazon shopping, the Store Card still works well but limits your spending to Amazon only.
Integration with Amazon Services
The Prime Store Card is deeply linked to your Amazon Prime membership. It offers 5% back on Amazon.com purchases, which applies automatically at checkout for Prime members.
The Amazon Credit Card also rewards Prime members but combines Amazon rewards with benefits on other spending categories, such as dining or travel.
Both cards let you redeem points easily for Prime purchases or statement credits, but the Store Card’s rewards apply only on Amazon.
Choosing the card depends on whether you value Amazon-only rewards or rewards that work beyond Amazon services.
Security and Purchase Protection
Both cards offer standard Visa security features like fraud protection and zero-liability for unauthorized charges.
The Amazon Credit Card adds Visa’s purchase protection, which covers new purchases against damage or theft for a limited time.
The Prime Store Card provides similar protection but only for Amazon purchases and may have fewer protections outside Amazon’s environment.
Both cards let you monitor and manage your account online or via mobile apps, giving you control over your spending and alerts.
You get solid security from either card, but the Credit Card’s broader network makes its protections more widely useful.
Choosing the Best Card for Different Shoppers
You need to think about your shopping habits and membership status when choosing between the Amazon Credit Card and the Prime Store Card. The right card depends on how often you shop on Amazon, whether you have Prime, and what rewards matter most to you.
Best Fit for Amazon Prime Members
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, the Prime Store Card often offers the best rewards. You get 5% back on all Amazon purchases, which can add up quickly if you shop regularly.
This card also supports special financing options that can help you spread out payments on larger buys. Since it is only available to Prime members, it aligns well with those who shop on Amazon frequently and want ongoing benefits.
The Amazon Prime Visa can give you rewards outside Amazon, but it does not match the 5% cashback on Amazon purchases. So, as a Prime member, the Prime Store Card usually provides more value for Amazon shopping.
Suitability for Occasional Amazon Shoppers
If you shop on Amazon only now and then, the Amazon Prime Visa may be a better fit, especially if you are not a Prime member or buy from other places often.
This card offers rewards that work everywhere Visa is accepted, not just Amazon. It does not require a Prime subscription, so it can save you money if you shop less frequently on Amazon.
While it typically offers lower cashback on Amazon purchases than the Prime Store Card, it gives you more flexibility with general everyday spending rewards and no annual fee.
Considerations for Non-Prime Users
If you don’t have a Prime membership, your choices narrow since the Prime Store Card is only for Prime members. The basic Amazon Store Card is an option, but it usually offers fewer rewards.
For non-Prime users, the Amazon Prime Visa (without Prime perks) offers a chance to earn rewards everywhere Visa is accepted. It has no annual fee and a variety of benefits like purchase protection and extended warranties.
You should compare your spending habits and credit score because some Amazon cards require fair or better credit. Also, think about whether you want rewards for Amazon alone or spending at other retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect different benefits, rewards, and usage rules depending on which card you choose. Each card has specific eligibility rules, financing deals, and interest rates that might affect your decision.
What are the unique benefits of the Amazon Prime Store Card compared to the Amazon Credit Card?
The Prime Store Card offers 5% back on Amazon purchases for Prime members. It also includes special financing options on certain purchases.
The Amazon Credit Card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted and offers rewards on purchases beyond Amazon and Whole Foods.
How do the rewards programs differ between the Amazon Credit Card and the Prime Store Card?
The Prime Store Card gives 5% cash back on Amazon purchases if you have Prime. It rewards mainly for shopping on Amazon.
The Amazon Credit Card offers rewards on all purchases, with extra rewards for Amazon and Whole Foods. It also has points redeemable across many categories.
Can the Prime Store Card be used outside of Amazon, and how does it compare to the Amazon Credit Card?
You cannot use the Prime Store Card outside of Amazon. It is a store card meant for Amazon purchases only.
The Amazon Credit Card works anywhere Visa is accepted, giving you more flexibility for everyday spending.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Prime Store Card versus the Amazon Credit Card?
The Prime Store Card generally accepts applicants with fair or below-average credit and requires an active Prime membership.
The Amazon Credit Card is issued by Chase and may require better credit. You also must be a Prime member to qualify for the Prime version.
Are there exclusive financing offers available with the Amazon Prime Store Card not provided by the Amazon Credit Card?
Yes. The Prime Store Card includes special financing promotions, like no-interest plans on eligible Amazon purchases.
These financing offers are not typically available on the Amazon Credit Card.
How does the interest rate on the Prime Store Card compare to that of the Amazon Credit Card?
The Prime Store Card often has higher interest rates than the Amazon Credit Card.
The Credit Card usually has a more competitive APR but can vary based on creditworthiness and Chase’s terms.
