You want that 5% back on every Amazon purchase, but a “hard inquiry” on your credit report for a denial is a steep price. As a financial planner, I’ve seen too many people apply with high hopes only to be tripped up by the banks’ unwritten rules.
Let’s cut through the noise.
There are two Amazon cards that matter for 99% of people: the Prime Visa (from Chase) and the Store Card (from Synchrony). They are fundamentally different, with vastly different approval standards.
This is your no-fluff guide to the specific scores, income levels, and secret “Chase rules” that determine your approval odds.
The 3 Amazon Cards: Know Your Target
First, understand the ecosystem. Your choice dictates your strategy.
- The Golden Ticket (Chase Prime Visa): The main event. A real Visa you can use anywhere, offering 5% back at Amazon/Whole Foods. This is the goal for most, with the strictest rules.
- The Stepping Stone (Synchrony Store Card): A “closed-loop” card for Amazon.com only. It’s easier to get and good for building credit or using special financing.
- The Rebuilder (Amazon Prime Secured Card): The least-known option. This card requires a security deposit and is designed for those building or rebuilding their credit history.
Deep Dive: Getting Approved For The Chase Amazon Prime Visa
Getting approved for this card is about playing by Chase’s rules.
The Credit Score Reality
Let’s get more specific than just a general score. Chase often pulls your FICO Bankcard Score 8, which can be slightly different from the base FICO score you see on free monitoring sites. I had a client, Maria, get approved with a 710 score in March 2024, but she’d been a Chase banking customer for 8 years with a healthy checking account balance.
💡 Michael’s Contrarian Insight:
Chase is a risk-management company first and a rewards company second. They would rather approve a stable 710-score applicant with a long history and low utilization than a volatile 780-score applicant with five recent hard inquiries. Your entire credit profile tells a story that matters more than a single number. Are you just a score, or are you a low-risk partner for the bank?
The Unwritten Law: Chase’s 5/24 Rule
This is the automated filter that denies even high-scorers. If you have opened 5 or more new credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, you will almost certainly be auto-denied.
I saw this firsthand with a client, David, whose 805 score didn’t save him from the blunt “7-10 business day” message—a classic sign of an automated 5/24 denial. The culprit? “Harmless” store cards he’d opened at Best Buy and Home Depot just to get 10% off.
APPLY FOR AN AMAZON CREDIT CARD TODAY, WITH A LIMITED TIME BONUS – at amazon.com
My Prediction:
As banks fight for long-term profitable customers, expect this to get stricter. By late 2025, I predict even Synchrony may introduce a softer version, perhaps a “3/12 rule” for their premium cards.
The Alternative: The Synchrony Amazon Cards
If you’re building credit or locked out by 5/24, Synchrony is your path.
- Store Card:
Generally requires a “fair” credit score of 640+. It’s a great tool for accessing 0% financing on large purchases. - Secured Card:
Requires a security deposit of $100-$1,000.
This is an excellent, safe way to build a positive payment history that will eventually allow you to graduate to an unsecured card.
APPLY FOR AN AMAZON CREDIT CARD TODAY, WITH A LIMITED TIME BONUS – at amazon.com
The Michael Ryan Money 4-Step Pre-Application Protocol™
Never apply blindly. Follow this professional checklist.
- Know Your Score (for Real):
Check your FICO score.
Many banks offer it for free to customers. Don’t rely on VantageScore alone, as most lenders use FICO models. - Count Your 5/24 Status:
Open a spreadsheet and list every credit card you’ve opened in the last 24 months.
Be honest. If you’re at 5 or more, do not apply for the Chase Visa. - Use the Pre-Qualification Tool:
Both Chase and Amazon offer a pre-approval tool that uses a “soft pull” (no impact on your credit score).
This is the single best way to test the waters without risk. - Have Your Reconsideration Number Ready:
If denied, call immediately.
A human can overturn an automated decision.- Chase Reconsideration: 1-888-270-2127
- Synchrony Reconsideration: 1-866-419-4096
Frequent Questions From Readers
1. What is the easiest Amazon credit card to get approved for?
The Amazon Prime Secured Card is the easiest to get, as it’s designed for building or rebuilding credit and is secured by a deposit you provide.
For a traditional, unsecured card, the Amazon Store Card from Synchrony Bank is generally the easiest, often requiring a “fair” credit score of 640 or higher.
2. Why was I denied for the Chase Amazon Visa with a high credit score?
The most common reason for denial with a high score is the unofficial Chase 5/24 rule, which means you have likely opened 5 or more new credit cards (from any bank) in the last 24 months.
Other potential reasons include insufficient reported income for the desired credit line or high balances on your other existing credit cards.
3. Does using the Amazon pre-qualification tool hurt my credit score?
No. Using the pre-qualification tool results in a “soft pull” or “soft inquiry,” which does not affect your credit score. This allows you to check your potential approval odds without any risk.
A “hard pull,” which can temporarily lower your score by a few points, only occurs when you submit the full, final application.
Final Takeaway: Apply Like a Pro
Getting approved for a top-tier retail card isn’t about hope; it’s about strategy. By understanding the specific card you’re targeting, knowing the bank’s unwritten rules, and following a clear pre-application protocol, you shift the odds dramatically in your favor.
Know your numbers, know the rules, and apply with confidence.
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Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional advisor or accountant for personalized guidance.
