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Amazon Prime Visa Review: Is This Rewards Card Worth It?
What Is the Prime Visa?
The Prime Visa, also known as the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, is a credit card offered by Chase in partnership with Amazon. This visa credit card is designed specifically for Amazon Prime members, providing elevated rewards on Amazon purchases and other everyday spending categories. As a prime visa card, it offers a range of benefits tailored to frequent Amazon shoppers and Prime subscribers.
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Prime Visa Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No annual credit card fee (with eligible Prime membership)
- High rewards rate on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Visa Signature benefits including travel accident insurance and lost luggage reimbursement
- Instant approval and card access for immediate use on Amazon
- Flexible redemption options including cash back and Amazon credit
Cons:
- Requires an Amazon Prime membership, which has its own annual fee
- Lower rewards rate on non-Amazon purchases compared to some other cards
- Best value limited to those who frequently shop at Amazon and Whole Foods
For a limited time, you can get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members. That's 50% more than the standard offer. Hurry though! We don't know how long this offer will last.
Who Is the Prime Visa For?
The Prime Visa is ideal for:
- Frequent Amazon shoppers: If you make regular Amazon purchases, the 5% cash back can lead to significant savings over time.
- Whole Foods Market customers: The same 5% rate applies to Whole Foods purchases, benefiting health-conscious consumers.
- Prime members seeking additional value: If you're already paying for Prime, this card adds extra benefits at no additional cost.
- Online shoppers: With no foreign transaction fees and strong purchase protection, it's suitable for diverse online shopping needs.
- Those seeking a no-annual-fee rewards card: While it requires Prime membership, the card itself doesn't have an annual fee.
Comparing Prime Visa with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Prime Visa, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cash back credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Standout feature: 0% Intro APR period of 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (18.74% - 29.74% variable APR after)
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. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Prime Visa is best for frequent Amazon shoppers
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One SavorOne rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
Consider Using Kudos
While the Prime Visa offers excellent rewards for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, it's important to remember that maximizing credit card rewards often involves using different cards for different types of purchases. This is where Kudos comes in.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards whenever you shop online. It works with over 15,000 stores and automatically suggests the best credit card to use for each purchase, ensuring you earn the most rewards, points, or cash back based on your spending patterns.
By using Kudos alongside your Amazon Prime Visa, you can ensure you're always using the optimal card for each purchase, potentially earning even more rewards than you would with the Amazon Prime Visa alone. Plus, Kudos offers exclusive "Flash Boost" events where you can multiply your rewards up to 5X, unlocking even more savings.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Prime Visa is a strong contender for Amazon Prime members who frequently shop on Amazon.com or at Whole Foods Market. Its 5% cash back rate on these purchases is hard to beat, and the lack of an additional annual fee (beyond the Prime membership) makes it an attractive option.
However, its value diminishes for those who don't shop frequently at Amazon or Whole Foods, or for those who aren't already Prime members. In these cases, a flat-rate cash back card or a card with rotating bonus categories might provide better overall value.
Remember, to truly maximize your rewards, consider using a tool like Kudos to ensure you're always using the best card for each purchase. This strategy can help you earn even more rewards across all your spending categories.
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Amazon Prime Visa FAQ
Is there an annual fee for the Amazon Prime Visa?
There's no annual credit card fee, but you must have an eligible Amazon Prime membership, which has its own annual fee.
What are the foreign transaction fees for the Amazon Prime Visa?
The Amazon Prime Visa has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international purchases.
How does the rewards program work?
You earn 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases.
Can I use the Amazon Prime Visa instantly upon approval?
Yes, you can use the card instantly upon approval for Amazon purchases.
What are some of the travel benefits of the Amazon Prime Visa?
The card offers travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and no foreign transaction fees.
Do I need to be a Prime member to get this card?
Yes, an eligible Prime membership is required to apply for and maintain the Amazon Prime Visa.
How can I redeem my rewards?
Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel through Chase, or directly on Amazon purchases.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.