
Practical Guide: How to Use the Card Efficiently
To get the full value from Amazon Prime Rewards card, usage should be strategic. Here’s a breakdown of how to integrate it into your spending routine:
- Make it your default Amazon payment method – From day one, set it as the default for Amazon purchases to earn 5% back automatically.
- Buy Whole Foods gift cards for future groceries – If you’re not a regular Whole Foods shopper but want to maximize the 5%, buy their gift cards during promotional weeks.
- Pair with other cards – Use a travel or rotating-category card for flights or home improvement, and save this card for Amazon, groceries, and essentials.
- Redeem rewards wisely – While redeeming at checkout is easy, using points for statement credit can give you more flexibility if you prefer saving instead of spending.
- Track bonus categories – Watch for targeted Chase Offers or limited-time promotions that offer elevated rewards at partner retailers.
FAQ: Uncommon Questions, Expert Answers
1. Can I earn rewards on Prime membership payments?
No, the 5% does not apply to Prime subscription fees, even though they are charged by Amazon.
2. What happens if I cancel my Prime membership?
Your card remains open, but the 5% drops to 3%. All other categories remain the same.
3. Are the rewards taxable?
No. As with most personal-use credit card rewards, they are treated as rebates, not income.
4. Can I use this card on Amazon international websites?
You can, but the 5% is only valid on Amazon.com (U.S.). Purchases on Amazon UK, DE, etc., may not qualify.
5. What’s the redemption value per point?
Each point is worth 1 cent—100 points = $1. No markup, no fluctuation.
6. Can I stack this card with Amazon promotions?
Yes! If Amazon runs a 10% off promo and you use this card, you’ll get both the discount and the 5% cash back.
7. Does the card offer purchase protection?
Yes. You’re covered for eligible purchases up to 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim.
8. What are some less obvious ways to earn 2%?
Think outside the box—buy gas gift cards at drugstores or grab takeout from restaurants coded under “fast casual” or “coffee shops.”
9. What credit score is typically required?
Chase generally approves applicants with good to excellent credit (700+ FICO), though exceptions occur.
10. Can I add authorized users?
Yes, at no extra cost. Rewards from their spending also contribute to your total point balance.
Lesser-Known Hacks to Maximize Value

Here are insider strategies that most users overlook:
1. Buy discounted Amazon gift cards with the card
Use the card to purchase Amazon gift cards from secondary marketplaces or warehouse clubs. You still earn 1%, but you’re stacking discounts on top of savings.
2. Leverage Amazon’s subscription features
Earn 5% on recurring purchases like toiletries, supplements, or household items. Schedule monthly deliveries and enjoy automatic rewards.
3. Use in-store Whole Foods deals
Combine Whole Foods weekly app-based promotions with the 5% back. For example, if organic blueberries are 20% off, you’re effectively saving 25%+ after rewards.
4. Take advantage of Chase Offers
Log into your Chase dashboard regularly. You may find merchant-specific deals like “Spend $30, get $10 back” that can be stacked with your usual rewards.
5. Travel abroad? Use this card for meals and shops
No foreign transaction fees mean you can use it in Europe or Latin America without penalty. Stick to restaurants or pharmacies abroad to earn 2%.
How to Maximize Long-Term Value
Optimizing this card goes beyond racking up points. Here’s how to extract real, long-term financial benefit:
- Use it as your go-to for essentials – Think of it as your “utility” card: groceries, gas, over-the-counter meds.
- Plan seasonal bulk purchases – Holiday shopping on Amazon or back-to-school seasons are perfect opportunities to earn more.
- Redeem at the right moment – Hold off on redeeming during low-income months or when cash flow is tight—use your points to ease your budget.
- Monitor your Prime membership ROI – If you’re not using other Prime perks (video, shipping, books), reassess whether the membership still offers value for the rewards alone.
Alternatives and Complementary Cards
This card excels within the Amazon ecosystem, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider pairing it with the following for broader value:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: Earn 1.5% on everything else with no categories to track. A great complement for non-Amazon purchases.
- American Express Blue Cash Preferred: Offers 6% at U.S. supermarkets and 3% at transit. Ideal if Whole Foods isn’t your regular store.
- Discover it Cash Back: Rotating 5% categories that often include Amazon (during Q4). A smart seasonal pairing.
These combinations let you plug reward gaps and cover all types of spending with elevated returns.
Conclusion: Should You Apply?
If Amazon or Whole Foods is a cornerstone of your shopping routine, this card is a no-brainer. The consistent 5% cash back, no foreign fees, and seamless integration with your online spending make it one of the strongest category-specific cards in the U.S. market.
Even when compared to generalist cards, the math holds up: If you spend just $2,800 on Amazon annually, you’re already earning $140 in rewards—essentially covering your Prime membership and giving you added value.
But keep in mind: if you don’t subscribe to Prime, or if Amazon isn’t your main shopping destination, other flat-rate cards may serve you better.
For Amazon loyalists, this is less of a card and more of a rewards engine.