Amazon credit cards are issued by Chase Bank, not by Amazon itself
The Amazon Visa card is a product of Chase Bank, one of the largest card issuers in the United States. Amazon does not issue its own credit cards — instead, it partners with Chase to offer cards under the Amazon Rewards brand. This matters because Chase sets the terms, handles billing, manages your account, and decides whether to raise your interest rate or change your rewards structure.
There are actually two main Amazon credit cards, and both come from Chase. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is designed for Prime members, while the Amazon Rewards Visa Card is available to anyone. Both cards earn rewards on Amazon purchases, but the Prime version offers higher rewards rates and additional perks.
When you use an Amazon credit card, your payments go to Chase, not to Amazon. Your billing statements come from Chase. If you have a dispute or need to report fraud, you contact Chase. Amazon handles the rewards program side — deciding how many points you earn and what you can redeem them for — but Chase controls the credit product itself.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Bank is the issuer of both the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card.
- You make payments to Chase, receive statements from Chase, and contact Chase for account issues like fraud or billing disputes.
- Amazon manages the rewards program and redemption, but Chase sets interest rates, annual fees, and credit terms.
- Both cards require you to open a credit account with Chase, which involves a credit check and approval process.
How Chase and Amazon divide responsibility
Chase handles everything related to credit: your credit limit, interest rate, minimum payment, late fees, and whether you pay an annual fee. When you miss a payment, Chase reports it to credit bureaus. When you dispute a charge, Chase investigates it. Your credit score is affected by how you use the Chase card, not by anything Amazon does.
Amazon controls the rewards side. It decides that you earn 5% back on Amazon purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, or 1% everywhere else. Amazon also runs the redemption system — you can convert points to Amazon gift cards or, on some versions, transfer them to travel partners. If Amazon changes the rewards rate or ends a partnership, that change flows through to your card, but Chase still owns the underlying credit account.
This split matters if something goes wrong. If your rewards points disappear, contact Amazon. If your card is compromised or your payment is late, contact Chase. If you want to close the account, you contact Chase. If you want to know whether you can transfer your points to an airline, you ask Amazon.
What happens when you open an Amazon credit card account
You apply through Amazon's website or in the Amazon app, but the application goes to Chase. Chase runs a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. Chase reviews your credit history, income, and existing debts to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer.
Once approved, Chase opens a credit account in your name. You receive a card in the mail, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Your first statement comes from Chase and shows a Chase account number, not an Amazon number. You can set up automatic payments through Chase's website or the Amazon app, but the money goes to a Chase account.
If you are denied, Chase sends you a letter explaining the reason — usually related to credit score, income, or existing debt levels. You can contact Chase to ask for reconsideration, but Amazon cannot override a Chase decision.
Where to find your account information and make payments
You can manage your Amazon credit card account in two places: through Chase's website (chase.com) or through the Amazon app. Both show the same account information because they are connected to the same Chase account behind the scenes. You can make payments, view statements, set up autopay, and report fraud through either platform.
Your monthly statement comes from Chase and lists all transactions, your balance, minimum payment due, and interest charges. The statement shows a Chase account number at the top. If you need a paper statement mailed to you, you can request it through Chase's website.
Payments can be made online through Chase or Amazon, by phone to Chase, or by mail to the address on your statement. Payments typically post within one business day if you pay online. If you pay by mail, allow 5 to 7 business days for the payment to reach Chase and post to your account.
Why Chase issues Amazon cards instead of Amazon doing it directly
Amazon is a retailer, not a bank. To issue credit cards, a company needs a banking license, regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the infrastructure to handle billions of dollars in customer payments. Amazon chose to partner with Chase instead of building that system itself.
This partnership benefits both companies. Amazon gets a co-branded card that drives customer loyalty and spending. Chase gets millions of new cardholders and the interest income from balances carried month to month. Customers get rewards tied to their shopping, but they also get the protections and dispute processes that come with a major bank card.
Other major retailers use the same model. Target's card is issued by Synchrony Bank. Costco's card is issued by Citi. Walmart's card is issued by Capital One. The retailer handles the rewards and marketing; the bank handles the credit.
What to do if you have a problem with your Amazon credit card
If your card is lost or stolen, contact Chase immediately. You can call the number on the back of your card, use the Chase app, or go to chase.com. Chase will cancel the card and send you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges reported within 60 days.
If you notice a transaction you did not make, report it to Chase. Chase investigates and typically issues a temporary credit while the investigation is underway. The process usually takes 30 to 60 days. If the charge is from Amazon itself — for example, an unauthorized purchase — you can also contact Amazon, but the dispute goes through Chase's system.
If you have a question about your rewards or want to redeem points, contact Amazon. If you have a question about your interest rate, credit limit, or payment options, contact Chase. Both companies have customer service phone numbers, and both offer chat and email support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Amazon credit card outside of Amazon?
Yes. The Amazon credit card is a Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn different rewards rates depending on where you shop — typically 5% on Amazon purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. The exact rates depend on which Amazon card you have.
What happens to my rewards if I close my Amazon credit card account?
Your rewards points stay in your Amazon account and do not disappear when you close the card. You can continue to redeem them for Amazon purchases or other options. However, some card-specific benefits — like bonus points on Amazon purchases — end once the card is closed.
Does applying for an Amazon credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, temporarily. Chase runs a hard inquiry, which typically lowers your score by a few points for a few months. The impact is usually small if your credit is already good. Over time, having an open credit account with a low balance can actually help your score by improving your credit mix and lowering your overall credit utilization.
Can I transfer my Amazon credit card balance to another card?
Yes. You can request a balance transfer through Chase's website or by calling the number on your statement. Chase will charge a balance transfer fee, usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. The transferred balance may have a different interest rate than new purchases, so check your terms before you transfer.
What if I want to dispute a charge that Amazon made?
Contact Chase first. Explain the charge and why you believe it is wrong. Chase will investigate and contact Amazon on your behalf. If Amazon confirms the charge was unauthorized or incorrect, Chase will issue a credit. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days.