You might assume that the best credit card for Amazon is the Amazon credit card, but not quite. It's true that you'll enjoy some generous earn rates with the co-branded credit card, but you can only redeem the reward points on the retail giant's site, which makes it less versatile.
Consider other credit cards that offer rewards for all your shopping, especially those on our list of top rewards credit cards. The American Express Cobalt Card is especially valuable for its well-rounded rewards and redemption options.
The guide below explores Amazon credit card alternatives, including cards with no annual fee, low interest rates, and additional benefits.
Key Takeaways
- In Canada, the Amazon credit card is a Mastercard issued by MBNA.
- The Amazon Mastercard rewards you in points that can only be spent on the site.
- The best credit card to use on Amazon is the American Express Cobalt.
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Best credit cards for Amazon purchases
If you want to maximize your Amazon savings, check out some of the best cards to use when shopping:
| Category | Credit card | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for rewards | American Express Cobalt Card | $191.88 | * 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 spent per month) * 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services * 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases |  $100 GeniusCash + Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Best for cash back | SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express | $119.88 | * 4% cash back on gas and groceries * 2% cash back on all other purchases | 10% cash back for the first 3 months + $50 (terms) | Learn more |
| Best for USD purchases | Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard | $0 | * Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Comwave, or Shaw * Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases * Earn 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars | None | Learn more |
| Best for no annual fee | SimplyCash Card from American Express | $0 | * 2% cash back on gas * 2% cash back on groceries (up to $300 cash back annually) * 1.25% cash back on all other purchases | $50 GeniusCash + 5% cash back for the first 3 months (terms) | Learn more |
| Best for no FX fees | Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $120 | * 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more * 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment * 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on gas, select streaming services, and transit * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $100 GeniusCash + Up to 45,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
| Best for low interest | RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option | $20 | None | Learn more |
Best for rewards: American Express Cobalt Card
×9 Award winner 
GC: $100
9x Award winner Why we love it: Excellent earn rate and flexible reward options
Our #1 rated overall credit card in Canada, the
You can link your Amex Membership Rewards to your Amazon account and use points to pay directly for purchases at a 0.7 cents per point value (though we'd recommend just simply paying for the purchase in full, and then redeeming the points to pay off your statement balance instead for a higher point value).
Pros:
- Up to 15,000 welcome bonus points
- Up to 5 points per $1 spent
- Four ways to redeem points for high value
- 10 types of insurance included
- No income requirements
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- $191.88 annual fee
Best for cash back: SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express
Why we love it: Straightforward cash back card with Amex perks
With the
Pros:
- 10% cash back for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in spend. Plus, earn $50 when you make a purchase on month 13
- 10 types of insurance included
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- Cash back only paid out once per year
Best for USD purchases: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
Why we love it: Extra rewards for U.S. dollar purchases
The
The redemption options are pretty straightforward: redeem points for statement credits or use them to pay for a Rogers service for bonus rewards.
Pros:
- 1.5% cash back on purchases which jumps to 2% if you have a Rogers service
- 50% bonus when you use your cash back to pay for Rogers services
- Includes 6 types of insurance coverage
- No welcome bonus
- Income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- 5% cash back for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in spend
- 2% cash back on gas
- 2% cash back on groceries (up to $300 cash back annually)
- 1.25% cash back on all other purchases
- No income requirements
- No annual fee
- Installment payment plan option
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- Limited insurance included
- Cash back only paid out once per year
- Up to 45,000 Scene+ points
- Four ways to redeem points for high value
- 12 types of insurance
- No foreign exchange fees
- Annual fee waived for the first year
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- Annual fee of $120
- $20 annual fee
- 12.99% permanent interest rate
- No rewards on purchases
- Limited insurance included
- 2.5 Amazon Rewards points per $1 spent at Amazon.ca, Whole Food Markets, any physical Amazon store, and foreign currency transactions
- 1 Amazon Reward point per $1 spent everywhere else
- 1.5 Amazon Rewards points per $1 spent at Amazon.ca, Whole Food Markets, and any physical Amazon store
- 1 Amazon Reward point per $1 spent everywhere else
- Choose a shipping option that rewards you: Sometimes, you'll see the option to get a digital credit in exchange for a longer delivery window.
- Price-check items before Amazon Prime Days: Get a sense of how much things cost in the weeks leading up to Amazon Prime Day. This way, you can tell if an item is truly at a discount during the sale or if Amazon simply raised the price in order to mark it down just for Prime Day.
- Shop Amazon's outlet for discounts: The Amazon Outlet or Warehouse offers steep discounts on items that have been returned or refurbished.
- Subscribe for items you regularly purchase: You'll usually get a nice discount on items that you add to a Subscribe and Save program. Plus, you won't have to worry about running out of toothpaste, sandwich bags, or other common items you need ever again.
- Pay attention to coupons: Not every item offers digital coupons, but keep an eye out for them. Just check the coupon box to get a percentage or flat rate off the item.
- Compare prices: Lastly, just because it's on Amazon doesn't mean you're seeing the best price. Take a minute to compare prices with other stores or sites before heading to the shopping cart.
Cons:
Best for no annual fee: SimplyCash Card from American Express
×1 Award winner GC: $50
1x Award winner Why we love it: Good earn rate for no annual fee
We're featuring another basic cash back card: the
Every year, you'll receive a statement credit for your cash back rewards. It's a great card if you don't want to think too much about earning and redemption options.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for no FX fees: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
×3 Award winner GC: $100
3x Award winner Why we love it: No foreign exchange fees and a great insurance package
The earn rate for Amazon and non-category purchases using the
If those rewards aren't enough, you'll also earn points on foreign purchases and won't be charged exchange fees. Scotiabank also throws in 12 types of insurance coverage and gives you flexible redemption options. Plus, there's a welcome bonus of up to 45,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months and $7,500 in the first year.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for low interest: RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option
Why we love it: Low interest rates and low annual fee
The
With the average credit card interest rate sitting around 20%, this card's low rate is a smart option to save money if you tend to carry a balance (which we don't recommend if it can be helped).
Pros:
Cons:
Is the Amazon.ca credit card worth it?
We've got to take a look at the
If you're a Prime member, you'll earn:
Non-Prime members will earn:
The earn rates might sound pretty good but remember: you can only use your rewards on Amazon purchases.
The card offers a generous welcome bonus of 5% back on your first $3,000 spent at Amazon, Whole Foods Markets, grocery stores, and restaurants. So, if you shop with Amazon a lot or you're planning a big purchase, this card could be worth it.
How to save on your Amazon purchases
Using the right credit card for your purchases is just one way to save money. Here are more strategies to help you save on your next Amazon purchase:
FAQ
What is the best credit card to use for Amazon?
If you're trying to maximize the rewards on your Amazon purchases (and everywhere else), we highly recommend the American Express Cobalt Card. You can also check out the other cards on our list for more tailored recommendations.
Is there an official Amazon Canada credit card?
Yes! In Canada, Amazon partners with MBNA to issue the Amazon Mastercard. You'll earn extra reward points for Amazon purchases, you can only redeem your points on Amazon, which is a bit limiting.
Is an Amazon credit card worth it in Canada?
If you're only using a credit card strictly for purchases on Amazon, the branded card might be worth it. Otherwise, you're better off with an alternative that gives you cash back, rewards, low interest, or other perks.
Which credit card gives 5% on Amazon?
Technically, the Amazon-branded card is the only one that gives you 5% back on your Amazon purchases. However, the 5% back is only offered as part of a welcome bonus that's awarded if you meet the purchase requirements, and even then it's capped at $3000 in purchases and time-limited to the first six months of you receiving the card.
Can you tell me how to remove a credit card from Amazon?
Log into your Amazon account and select "Your Account". Choose the "Your Payments" tab to see all the credit cards linked to your account. Click on the card you want to remove and select "Remove". That's it!
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GC: 
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