How to maximize cash back on Amazon.com

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The internet has changed the way we do almost everything, ranging from how we pay bills to how we shop. Where most of us would head to the grocery store or pharmacy to pick up food and supplies in the past, pretty much everything we want and need is now available with a few quick clicks. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, then you may even get the bulk of your purchases delivered with free two-day shipping.
Many of us spent the better part of a year in isolation, which has only increased our reliance on online shopping. These days, it’s not uncommon to rely on Amazon.com to deliver school supplies to your kids, clothing for everyone in the family and even your weekly grocery order.
With that in mind, maximizing cash back on your Amazon purchases can make a lot of sense. If you’re spending money online anyway, you may as well get some rewards in return as well as access to some important cardholder benefits.
How do I get Amazon cash back?
While you can earn cash back on all your Amazon shopping with a regular rewards credit card, the best way to earn rewards for Amazon purchases is through signing up for a co-branded credit card. With an Amazon credit card, you’ll be able to earn one of the highest rates of cash back on Amazon purchases, but you may also be able to earn rewards on all other purchases you charge to your card.
To get cash back, all you have to do is use your Amazon credit card when you shop. From there, your account will be credited with the cash back you earn, which you can use to cover more purchases with the retailer.
How do I make the most of Prime Day?
Amazon.com’s annual sale, otherwise known as “Prime Day” will take place this year from June 21 to 22. You’ll need to be a Prime Member to take advantage of Prime Day and earn additional rewards on spending. Savvy Prime Members can earn even more with the right credit card. Read on to learn more about credit cards offering the best perks for Prime Day this year.
What are the best Amazon.com credit cards?
Some Amazon.com credit cards are store cards, meaning they can be used only for purchases made with the retailer. Others are traditional credit cards you can use nearly anywhere you shop. As you look for ways to make the most of your Amazon shopping, consider adding one of these cards to your wallet.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Earn 5 percent back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2 percent back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1 percent back on other purchases.
- Get a $150 Amazon.com gift card instantly upon card approval.
- No annual fee ($119 Amazon Prime subscription required).
- Major cardholder benefits include travel and emergency assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, auto rental collision damage waiver and more.
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Earn 3 percent back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2 percent back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1 percent back on other purchases.
- Get a $50 Amazon.com gift card instantly upon card approval.
- No annual fee.
- No Amazon Prime membership required.
- Major cardholder benefits include travel and emergency assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, auto rental collision damage waiver and more.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Earn 20 percent cash back on Amazon.com purchases on your card within the first six months (up to $200 back).
- Earn 6 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1 percent cash back after that) and on select streaming services, 3 percent at U.S. gas stations and on transit and 1 percent on everything else.
- $95 annual fee.
- Receive a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Earn 20 percent cash back on Amazon.com purchases on your card within the first six months (up to $150 back).
- Earn 3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1 percent cash back after that), 2 percent at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores and 1 percent elsewhere.
- No annual fee.
- Receive a $100 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months.
Amazon.com Store Card
- Earn 5 percent back on Amazon.com purchases with an Amazon Prime membership
- Get a $100 Amazon.com gift card upon approval
- No annual fee.
- No Amazon Prime membership required.
- Choose special financing offers that let you secure 0 percent intro APR over six months for orders above $150 and 12 or 24 months on orders above $600 (25.99 percent variable thereafter).
Amazon Business American Express Card
- Choose between 5 percent back or 90-day payment terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- Earn 2 percent back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations and purchases made for wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. providers and 1 percent back on other purchases
- Get a $125 Amazon.com gift card upon card approval with an eligible Prime membership.
- No annual fee ($119 Amazon Prime subscription required).
- Major cardholder benefits include car rental loss and damage insurance, return protection, baggage insurance and more.
The information about the Amazon Rewards Visa Card, Amazon.com Store Card and Amazon Business American Express Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Does Amazon.com give 5 percent cash back?
You can earn 5 percent back on Amazon.com purchases with the credit cards we’ve outlined above, but these rewards are offered by your card and not through Amazon.com itself. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card are actually rewards credit cards from Chase, whereas the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is offered through American Express. Further, the Amazon.com Store Card is offered through Synchrony Bank.
Also, note that rewards rates among Amazon.com credit cards can vary and that cards that earn 5 percent back require an Amazon Prime membership.
How can I get free cash back?
For the rewards you earn to be “free,” you’ll need to pay your credit card balance in full every month. Note that, like all credit cards, co-branded Amazon.com credit cards charge interest on balances you carry from month to month.
These interest rates can be high, so you’ll want to make sure you don’t use your credit card to rack up long-term debt. Charge only purchases you can afford to pay off each month, pay your bill in full when you receive it and your rewards will be “free” in that sense.
How do I maximize my Amazon rewards?
If your goal is maximizing your Amazon cash back, there are steps you can take to boost your rewards or bundle your cash back other promotions. Consider these tips:
Check Amex Offers
If you have an American Express credit card that pairs up with Amex Offers, you should check these offers frequently for special Amazon.com discounts. While offers vary and may be sporadic, it’s not uncommon to qualify for discounts on Amazon.com purchases when you use your American Express credit card to pay.
Utilize shopping portals
Maximize your Amazon.com cash back with shopping portals by clicking through a portal like Rakuten before you shop. This step is easy since all you have to do is create a free shopping portal account and “click through” the portal before you make your regular online purchases.
Subscribe and save
Some purchases from Amazon.com qualify for a “subscribe and save” feature that lets you secure a lower price if you agree to purchase specific items on a regular, automatic basis. Subscribe and save to make sure you always have the stuff you need for your home—like diapers or trash bags—and to maximize your Amazon cash back.
Take advantage of Amazon.com gift card promotions
Also, keep your eye out for Amazon.com gift card promotions at local retailers like supermarkets or office supply stores. You may be able to secure a gift card at a discount and earn Amazon cash back on your purchase at the same time.
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