The Amazon Barclaycard, formerly a popular co-branded credit card, offered a compelling value proposition for frequent Amazon shoppers. While the specific card is no longer available for new applications as of early 2024 (Barclays and Amazon ended their partnership), understanding its features and what made it attractive can provide valuable insight into similar co-branded retail cards and the benefits they can offer. This guide will delve into the details of the Amazon Barclaycard, its key benefits, and how it used to be a go-to choice for many.
A Look Back at the Amazon Barclaycard: What It Was
The Amazon Barclaycard was a credit card issued by Barclays in partnership with Amazon. It was designed to reward loyal Amazon customers with incentives for their purchases on the platform. The card typically came in different versions, such as the Amazon.com Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, with benefits varying slightly depending on whether the cardholder was an Amazon Prime member.
The core appeal of the Amazon Barclaycard lay in its robust rewards program, primarily focused on earning points or cashback for Amazon purchases. Beyond that, it often included additional perks that enhanced the overall shopping experience and offered financial flexibility.
Key Benefits of the Amazon Barclaycard (Historically)
While no longer available, these were the primary advantages that made the Amazon Barclaycard a popular choice:
- Exceptional Rewards on Amazon Purchases: This was the cornerstone of the card’s appeal. Cardholders typically earned a high percentage back (often 3% or even 5% for Prime members) on all purchases made at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. This accelerated earning rate significantly boosted savings for regular shoppers.
- Tiered Rewards on Other Categories: Beyond Amazon, the card usually offered bonus rewards on other everyday spending categories, such as restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores (typically 2% back). All other eligible purchases would earn a standard 1% back. This made the card a versatile option for everyday spending, not just Amazon.
- No Annual Fee (Typically): Most versions of the Amazon Barclaycard did not charge an annual fee, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking to maximize their rewards without incurring additional costs. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, while having no separate annual fee, effectively required an Amazon Prime membership, which itself carried a fee.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders were often offered a substantial welcome bonus, usually in the form of an Amazon gift card or bonus points, upon meeting a specified spending threshold within the first few months of opening the account. This provided an immediate boost to their rewards.
- 0% APR Introductory Offers: Some iterations of the card included introductory 0% APR periods on purchases or balance transfers, allowing cardholders to make large purchases and pay them off over time without incurring interest, or to consolidate debt.
- Visa Signature Benefits: As a Visa Signature card, it came with a suite of additional benefits, which often included:
- Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Access to help with medical or legal emergencies when traveling.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Coverage for lost or delayed luggage.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment during travel.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Secondary coverage for damage or theft to a rental car.
- Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases.
- Purchase Protection: Covers eligible purchases against damage or theft.
- Easy Redemption: Rewards were typically easy to redeem, often automatically applied as a statement credit towards Amazon purchases or available as cash back. This seamless redemption process was a major convenience for users.
- Prime Member Exclusivity: For Amazon Prime members, the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offered an enhanced rewards rate (usually 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases), making Prime membership even more valuable.
Who Was the Amazon Barclaycard For?
Historically, the Amazon Barclaycard was ideal for:
- Frequent Amazon Shoppers: This is the most obvious group. If you bought a significant amount of goods on Amazon, the accelerated rewards rate made this card incredibly lucrative.
- Amazon Prime Members: Prime members got the best rewards, further solidifying the card’s value proposition for them.
- Individuals Looking for a No-Annual-Fee Card: The lack of an annual fee meant you could reap the rewards without an ongoing cost.
- People Who Wanted Simple Rewards Redemption: The straightforward redemption process was a big plus for those who didn’t want to deal with complex loyalty programs.
Why It’s No Longer Available and What Replaced It
The partnership between Amazon and Barclays for the Amazon Barclaycard ended. As of early 2024, new applications for the Amazon Barclaycard are no longer being accepted. Existing cardholders may still be able to use their cards until their accounts are closed or transitioned, but the details of this transition vary.
Amazon now partners with Chase for its co-branded credit cards in the U.S., offering the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, which are very similar in terms of rewards structure and benefits to the historical Barclaycard versions. These Chase-issued cards have effectively replaced the Amazon Barclaycard as the primary co-branded Amazon credit cards.
How to Apply for an Amazon-Branded Credit Card (Today – Chase Partnership)
While you can no longer apply for The Amazon Barclaycard, you can apply for the Amazon-branded credit cards issued by Chase. The application process is typically straightforward and can be done online.
Please note: This information is for the currently available Amazon credit cards issued by Chase, as the Amazon Barclaycard is no longer accepting applications.
To apply for an Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card or an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card:
- Visit the Amazon Website: Go to Amazon.com.
- Navigate to Credit Cards Section: Look for a “Credit Cards” or “Amazon.com Rewards Visa Signature Card” link, usually found in the footer or by searching for “credit card” on Amazon.
- Review Card Details: Carefully read the terms and conditions, rewards structure, interest rates, and any introductory offers for the specific Amazon credit card you are interested in. Ensure you understand the differences between the standard card and the Prime-exclusive card if you are a Prime member.
- Click “Apply Now” or Similar: Once you’ve chosen the card, click the application button.
- Complete the Online Application Form: You will be redirected to Chase’s secure online application portal. You will need to provide personal and financial information, including:
- Personal Information: Full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), mailing address, phone number, and email address.
- Financial Information: Employment status, annual income, housing status (rent/own), and monthly housing payment.
- Amazon Account Information (Optional but Recommended): You may be asked to link your Amazon account during the application process, especially for the Prime version of the card.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all the information you’ve entered for accuracy. Read and agree to the cardholder agreement and privacy policy. Then, submit your application.
- Instant Decision (Often): Many applicants receive an instant decision. If your application requires further review, you may receive a decision within a few business days.
- Receive Your Card: If approved, your new Amazon credit card will be mailed to you, typically within 7-10 business days. You will then need to activate it before use.
Important Considerations Before Applying:
- Credit Score: A good to excellent credit score is generally required for approval for these types of rewards credit cards. Check your credit score before applying to gauge your eligibility.
- Income and Debt: Lenders assess your ability to repay. Ensure your income is sufficient and your debt-to-income ratio is reasonable.
- Existing Accounts: If you already have many credit cards or recently opened several, it might impact your approval chances.
- Terms and Conditions: Always read the fine print, including interest rates, fees, and penalty APRs, before committing to any credit card.
Conclusion
While the Amazon Barclaycard is a relic of the past, its legacy of strong Amazon-focused rewards and consumer-friendly features lives on in the current Amazon credit cards issued by Chase. Understanding the benefits that made the Barclaycard so popular provides valuable context for evaluating similar co-branded retail credit cards. For Amazon enthusiasts seeking to maximize their savings and enjoy exclusive perks, the current Amazon credit cards remain a highly attractive option, offering substantial rewards on their frequent purchases.
