Amazon credit cards are issued by Chase Bank, not by Amazon itself

The bank behind the Amazon credit card is Chase Bank (officially JPMorgan Chase & Co.). Amazon does not issue its own credit cards. Instead, Amazon partnered with Chase to create and manage the card program. When you use an Amazon credit card, Chase handles the account, processes payments, sets the interest rate, and decides whether to approve you. Amazon's role is to negotiate the rewards you earn — the cash back and bonus points — but the banking side belongs entirely to Chase.

This matters because it means you deal with Chase for billing questions, payment issues, fraud disputes, and account changes. If you need to call about your card, you will reach Chase customer service, not Amazon. Your monthly statement comes from Chase. If you miss a payment, Chase reports it to credit bureaus. Understanding this separation helps you know who to contact when something goes wrong and why the card works the way it does.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Bank issues and manages all Amazon credit cards, including the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa and the Amazon Business Prime Rewards card.
  • Amazon negotiated the rewards structure with Chase but does not handle the banking operations, billing, or account decisions.
  • You contact Chase customer service for account issues, payment problems, or disputes — not Amazon.
  • Chase sets the interest rate, approval requirements, and credit terms, though Amazon's partnership influences the rewards you receive.
  • The card is a Visa, which means it works anywhere Visa is accepted, not just on Amazon.

Why Chase and not Amazon

Amazon is a retail company, not a bank. To offer credit cards, a company must have a banking license and follow federal banking regulations. Chase is one of the largest banks in the United States and has the infrastructure, regulatory approval, and experience to issue credit cards at scale. Amazon partnered with Chase because Chase could handle the technical and legal side while Amazon focused on what it does best — negotiating rewards that make the card attractive to its customers.

This is common in retail. Target's credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank. Walmart's card is issued by Capital One. The store negotiates the rewards; the bank does the banking. It is a division of labor that works for both sides.

The different Amazon credit card products Chase offers

Chase issues several versions of the Amazon credit card, each with different rewards and requirements. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is the main consumer card and requires an Amazon Prime membership. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card for Business is designed for business owners and also requires Prime. There is also an Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card for people who do not have Prime membership.

Each card earns cash back on purchases, with higher rates for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases (since Amazon owns Whole Foods). The exact cash back percentages vary by card and by purchase category. All three are Visa cards, meaning they work anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Amazon. Chase manages the approval process, credit limits, and account terms for all three versions.

How to contact Chase about your Amazon card

If you have questions about your Amazon credit card account, you contact Chase directly. The phone number is usually on the back of your physical card or in your online account. You can also log into your account through the Chase website or mobile app to view your balance, make payments, and see your rewards balance.

Chase handles disputes, fraud claims, payment arrangements, credit limit increases, and changes to your account. If you have a problem with a purchase, you report it to Chase, not to Amazon. If you want to close the account, you contact Chase. The only time you would contact Amazon is if you have an issue with a product you bought — the credit card account itself is entirely Chase's responsibility.

What this means for your credit report

Because Chase issues the card, Chase reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you pay on time, that helps your credit score. If you miss a payment, Chase reports that too, and it can hurt your score. Your credit limit, how much you owe, and how long you have had the account all come from Chase's records.

This is important to know because it means your Amazon credit card activity affects your overall credit profile just like any other credit card. Building a good payment history with this card helps your credit score over time. Falling behind on payments hurts it. The card is a real credit account with real consequences, even though you use it to earn rewards on Amazon purchases.

The difference between Chase and Amazon in your account

Think of it this way: Chase is the bank, and Amazon is the customer who negotiated a special deal. Amazon said, "We want to offer our customers a card that gives them cash back on Amazon purchases." Chase said, "We can do that." Chase built the card, set the terms, and handles all the banking. Amazon gets to advertise the card to its customers and benefits when those customers spend more on Amazon using the card.

From your perspective, you have a Chase credit card that earns Amazon rewards. You do not have an Amazon bank account. You do not borrow money from Amazon. You borrow from Chase, and Chase lets you earn rewards that Amazon negotiated. Understanding this distinction helps you know where to go with questions and why the card works the way it does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Amazon credit card anywhere, or only on Amazon?

You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. The card earns higher cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, but it works at any store, restaurant, or business that takes Visa. The rewards are just better when you use it on Amazon.

If I have a problem with an Amazon purchase, do I contact Amazon or Chase?

Contact Amazon first about the product itself — if it did not arrive, is damaged, or is not what you ordered. If you need to dispute the charge on your credit card, contact Chase. Most product issues are handled by Amazon; most billing issues are handled by Chase.

Does Chase decide whether I get approved for the Amazon credit card?

Yes. Chase reviews your credit history, income, and other factors to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. Amazon does not make this decision. Chase's approval requirements are the same as for any other Chase credit card.

What happens to my rewards if I cancel my Prime membership?

If you have the Amazon Prime Rewards card and cancel Prime, you can keep the card, but it converts to the regular Amazon Rewards card with different rewards rates. Contact Chase to understand how this affects your account. Your existing rewards balance typically stays with you.

Is the Amazon credit card safe to use?

Yes. Chase is a regulated bank and follows federal security standards. Your card is protected by Visa's fraud protection. If someone uses your card without permission, report it to Chase and you are typically not responsible for unauthorized charges.