Cash back credit cards can be a boon to consumers who like earning rewards for regular spending. Whether they’re at the mall, dining out or filling their gas tank, they can rack up rewards in a snap. Amazon, the online “everything store” founded by Jeff Bezos, offers a variety of cash back rewards cards just for spending as you normally would. In this review, we’ll focus on the Amazon credit card issued by Synchrony Bank.
Amazon technically offers two different types of plastic to loyal customers: the Amazon Store Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa credit card. The first card is issued by Synchrony Bank and can only be used on Amazon. The Amazon Store Card offers between 6 months to 24 months of 0% introductory financing (offers vary based on how much you spend/what you buy). Amazon Prime cardholders, however, may be able to upgrade to a version that lets them earn 5% cash back on all Amazon purchases. (A standard Amazon Prime membership costs $119 a year or $12.99 a month.) The Amazon.com Rewards Visa Card, which we’ve reviewed separately, is a co-branded rewards credit card that can be swiped wherever Visa is accepted.
Keep in mind, if you don’t pay off your purchases in full by the time your intro period expires, you’ll face back-dated interest. The card carries a variable 28.24% annual percentage rate (APR) and no annual fee. Here’s a closer look at the Amazon Store Card offered by Synchrony Bank. (Note: Be sure to read the card statement for its full terms.)
Rewards Details: Cardmembers receive 5% cash back as a statement credit (applied in two billing cycles). They will also receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card upon approval, though the offer may vary.
Annual Fee: None
APR: Variable 28.24%
In terms of perks, the Amazon card is sure to reward loyal shoppers. It carries no annual fee, making it ideal for earning rewards, and offers 5% cash back, which is hard to come by these days. That said, aside from the perks of shopping on Amazon, other credit cards offer comparable cash back incentives. And given the Amazon card’s steep penalty fee for late payments (up to $35), it may not be the best piece of plastic for those who have trouble paying their statements on time. Keep in mind, too, that slacking on payments can be bad for your credit score, as can racking up debt just to earn more rewards. (You can view two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com.) Considering this store card’s high APR, you won’t want to do either.
If you’re not totally sold on the Amazon Store Card, we’ve picked a potential alternative. See card agreement for full details.
Card Details +
Why We Picked It: Cardmembers earn 3% cash back on all purchases in the first year up to $20,000. After that earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Rewards Details: Every dollar equals 100 points.
Annual Fee:
APR: , thereafter.
At publishing time, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card is offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
This article last updated April 24, 2019.
