What Credit Score You Need for an Amazon Credit Card

Amazon's credit card does not have a published minimum credit score requirement, but most people approved have scores of 670 or higher

Amazon offers two main credit cards through Chase: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Prime Store Card. Neither one lists a specific credit score floor on their website or application. However, based on how people actually get approved, you generally need a score in the "good" range — typically 670 to 739 — to have a reasonable chance.

The reason Amazon does not publish a minimum is that credit card companies use many factors beyond your score to decide. They look at your income, how much debt you already carry, your payment history, and how long you have had credit accounts open. A score of 650 with a clean payment record and low debt might work. A score of 700 with missed payments might not. The score is one piece of the picture, not the whole decision.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon's credit cards do not state a minimum score requirement, but approval typically happens for people with scores of 670 or above.
• Your credit score is only one factor — Chase also looks at your income, existing debt, and payment history before deciding.
• The Amazon Prime Store Card (for Amazon purchases only) may be easier to get approved for than the Visa Signature Card (which works everywhere).
• Checking your own score before you apply does not hurt your credit, but submitting an application will create a small, temporary dip.
• If you are denied, you can reapply after improving your score or waiting a few months for your credit profile to strengthen.

How Amazon's two credit cards differ in approval odds

Amazon offers the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card through Chase's regular credit card program. This card works at any store, not just Amazon. Because it is a general-purpose card, Chase tends to be stricter about who gets approved. You typically need a score of 700 or higher and a solid income to pass.

The Amazon Prime Store Card is different — it only works on Amazon.com and at Whole Foods. Store cards are often easier to get approved for because the issuer (Synchrony Bank, in this case) takes on less risk. You may have a shot with a score as low as 650 to 660, though approval is still not may provide. The tradeoff is that you cannot use it anywhere else.

If you have been denied for the Visa card, trying the Store Card is worth considering. Both cards require an Amazon Prime membership to use the rewards benefits, though you can still carry the card without Prime.

What happens when you apply and how it affects your credit

When you submit an application for either card, Chase or Synchrony will pull your credit report. This is called a hard inquiry, and it causes a small, temporary drop in your score — usually 5 to 10 points. The dip fades after a few months, and multiple applications for credit within 14 to 45 days typically count as a single inquiry, so do not be afraid to apply to both cards in the same window if you want to.

Checking your own credit score beforehand does not hurt you at all. That is called a soft inquiry and does not show up to lenders. You can check your score free through your bank, your credit card issuer, or sites like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com before you apply, so you have a realistic sense of your odds.

If you are approved, the new card will lower your score slightly at first because it adds a new account and increases your total available credit. Over time, as you use the card responsibly and pay on time, it will help your score recover and then improve.

Steps to take before you apply

Start by checking your own credit score and report. You can get your score free from your bank or credit card company, or from Credit Karma, which updates monthly. Pull your full credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com (the official site run by the three credit bureaus) to look for errors or accounts you do not recognize. If you find mistakes, dispute them before you apply — fixing errors can raise your score.

Next, look at your debt-to-income ratio. Add up all your monthly debt payments (car loans, student loans, credit cards, rent if you count it) and divide by your gross monthly income. Lenders like to see this number below 43 percent. If yours is higher, paying down debt before you apply will improve your odds.

Finally, make sure your payment history is clean for at least the last few months. A single late payment from years ago will not disqualify you, but recent missed payments are a red flag. If you have had late payments in the last six months, wait until they age before applying.

What to do if you are denied

If your application is denied, Chase or Synchrony will send you a letter explaining why. The reason is usually one of these: insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, too much existing debt, or recent late payments. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to a free copy of the credit report they used to make the decision.

Request that report and review it carefully. If there are errors, dispute them. If the reason was high debt, focus on paying down balances over the next two to three months, then reapply. If the reason was recent late payments, wait at least six months from the date of the missed payment before trying again. Each month that passes without a new missed payment strengthens your profile.

You can also ask Chase or Synchrony if you are may be able to access for a reconsideration. Sometimes calling the reconsideration line and explaining your situation — a recent raise, a paid-off debt, or an error on your report — can flip a denial to an approval without another hard inquiry.

How the Amazon credit cards reward you

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card gives you 5 percent cash back on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods, 2 percent at gas stations and restaurants, and 1 percent everywhere else. You need an active Prime membership to earn the 5 percent rate; without it, you get 3 percent on Amazon and Whole Foods and 1 percent elsewhere.

The Amazon Prime Store Card gives you 5 percent back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, but only 1 percent on everything else (and you can only use it at those two places). It also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees if you travel.

Both cards have no annual fee. The Visa card comes with purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and travel benefits. The Store Card is simpler but more limited in scope. Neither card charges interest during a promotional period if you carry a balance, though the terms vary — check the offer when you apply.

Alternatives if you cannot get approved right now

If your score is below 650 or you have recent credit problems, you may not be ready for either Amazon card yet. A secured credit card is a good stepping stone. You put down a cash deposit (usually $200 to $2,500), and the card issuer gives you a credit line equal to that deposit. Use it for small purchases and pay the full balance every month. After six to twelve months of perfect payments, many issuers will convert it to a regular card and return your deposit.

Another option is to become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account. If a family member or friend with good credit adds you to their account, their payment history and credit limit can show up on your report and boost your score. You do not even have to use the card — just being on the account helps.

You can also wait. If you have had recent late payments or high debt, simply letting time pass and continuing to pay on time will improve your score. Most negative marks fade in impact after six months and fall off your report entirely after seven years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get approved for an Amazon credit card with a 600 credit score?

It is unlikely but not impossible. A score of 600 is in the "fair" range, and most people approved for Amazon cards score higher. However, if you have a high income, low debt, and a long history of on-time payments, Chase or Synchrony might approve you. The only way to know is to apply, but be aware that the application will create a hard inquiry on your credit report.

Does Amazon offer a credit card for people with bad credit?

No. Amazon's cards are designed for people with established credit. If your score is below 650, look into a secured credit card from a bank like Capital One or Discover instead. These are much easier to get approved for and can help you build credit toward an Amazon card later.

How long does it take to hear back after I apply?

Most decisions come within minutes or hours if you apply online. You may get an instant decision, or you may see a message saying your application is under review. If it is under review, you will receive a letter or email within one to two weeks. Do not apply multiple times while waiting — each application creates another hard inquiry.

Will applying for an Amazon credit card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. The hard inquiry will drop your score by 5 to 10 points, and the dip usually fades within a few months. If you are approved, the new account will lower your score a bit more at first, but responsible use will help it recover and improve over time.

What is the difference between the Prime Rewards Visa and the Prime Store Card?

The Visa works everywhere and earns rewards at any store. The Store Card only works at Amazon and Whole Foods but may be easier to get approved for. Choose the Visa if you want a general-purpose card; choose the Store Card if you spend most of your money at Amazon and Whole Foods.