Is the Amazon Prime Visa Worth It? 2025 Breakeven Math

The Amazon Prime Visa sounds great on paper: 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods with no annual fee (as long as you're a Prime member). But is it actually worth it?

The Prime Visa card might be the ultimate store card for its earning multipliers and flexible rewards option. Note that although the card has no annual fee, you need an active Amazon Prime membership to qualify for the card. Don't have a Prime membership yet? Try a free 30-day trial here.

Let's break down what you get, how much you need to spend to come out ahead, and what cards might be a better fit if you're not living on Amazon.com.

Quick Overview: Prime Visa Basics

Spending Multipliers:

• Earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership.
• Earn 5% back on Chase Travel℠ purchases
• Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, local transit, and commuting (including rideshare).
• Earn 1% back on all other purchases.

Other Benefits:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Emergency Assistance
• Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection
• Lost and Delayed Baggage Protection
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Visa Signature Concierge Service
• Terms Apply

Breakeven Math: How Much Do You Need to Spend?

Here’s how much you need to spend to justify the $139/year Prime membership purely with the extra 2% cash back from the Prime Visa (compared to the non-Prime 3% version):

Rule of thumb: If you're spending at least $2,780/year at Amazon or Whole Foods, the Prime Visa is a solid value. If you’re below that, you’re likely better off with a 2% or 3% card.

Best Alternatives if You Don’t Spend Enough on Amazon

If you're under the breakeven point or don't want to be locked into Amazon's ecosystem, these cards are often more rewarding and flexible.

Terms apply to Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Rates and fees.

Review: Is The Prime Visa Card Worth It?

Verdict: The Prime Visa is only worth it if:

1. You're already paying for Amazon Prime for the shipping/streaming perks, and...
2. You spend more than $2,780/year at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, or Whole Foods.

If you're not hitting those two conditions, you might be leaving money on the table.

The Prime Visa Signature Card is an exclusive credit card for Amazon Prime members, offering generous rewards for the Amazon.com enthusiast. You must have an active Prime membership to qualify for the card.

If you have a significantly high spend at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, or Whole Foods Market and are optimizing for cash back or Amazon credits, then the card is worth considering.

Since the Prime Visa is a Visa Signature card, you have the flexibility to use the card outside of Amazon for other purchases. Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, local transit, and commuting.

However, if you want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards to redeem points at a higher value with travel partners, then I would consider the Chase Trifecta to optimize your purchase.

The biggest drawback of the Prime Visa is that points earned on the card cannot be combined with Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

How to Redeem Rewards

There are a few ways to redeem rewards earned from the Prime Visa. Although it might sound like you’re earning cash back, it’s actually points.

These points can be redeemed at a 1:1 value for cash back, travel, gift cards, or Amazon purchases when you check out. This means each point you earn through the Prime Visa card holds a consistent value of 1 cent, regardless of how you choose to redeem it. For instance, approximately 50,000 Amazon points would amount to around $50.

The good news is that no minimum rewards balance is required for cash back or Amazon purchases redemption. However, there is a downside, as an extensive list of items cannot be purchased with points. Many of these items are smaller purchases, like music, Kindle eBooks, and video downloads, which are the ones you'd probably use points on more frequently.

It's important to note that transferring points to other programs or portals, particularly the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and portal, is not possible. This limitation is especially disappointing since Chase is the issuer of the card. Consequently, you may miss out on Chase's rewards perks, except for earning cash back toward Chase travel purchases. Opting for general cash back might be the most versatile option.

Travel Benefits

The Prime Visa’s travel benefits include an auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. The Visa Signature Concierge Service can assist with restaurant reservations, event tickets, and special occasions. The card also grants access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, offering benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout at over 900 hotels worldwide.

FAQs: Amazon Prime Visa Questions Answered

Do I get a free Prime membership with the card?

No. You need an active Prime membership to even apply for the Prime Visa. The card does not give you a free subscription.

What happens if I cancel Prime?

Your Prime Visa turns into the non-Prime Amazon Visa, which earns 3% instead of 5% at Amazon and Whole Foods.

What credit score do I need?

Chase doesn’t publish a minimum, but applicants with good credit tend to have the best shot.

How do I redeem points?

You can redeem points at checkout on Amazon (1 cent per point), for statement credits, or for gift cards. There’s no minimum.

Overall Thoughts

The Prime Visa card can result in significant savings for existing Prime members who frequently shop at Amazon or Whole Foods. Although there's no annual fee, it's important to consider the Prime membership cost as part of the requirement for this card. It may not be the most suitable option for those seeking rewards on a wide range of purchases, as other cash back cards offer more versatility.

For frequent Amazon.com and Whole Foods shoppers, the Prime Visa Card is a solid choice, offering 5% cash back at these stores and 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drug stores. It also provides valuable travel and purchase protections via Visa Signature benefits.

However, a different card might be more suitable if you only shop a little at Amazon.com or Whole Foods and still want to earn rewards. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee and has multipliers on dining, entertainment, and grocery stores.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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