What Are Amazon Points and How Do They Work?

Amazon Points are a loyalty currency that rewards shoppers for purchases within the Amazon ecosystem. These points function as a digital currency, accumulated and used to offset the cost of future Amazon purchases. This system benefits frequent shoppers by reducing their out-of-pocket expenses on the platform.

Understanding Amazon Points

Amazon points are a rewards currency primarily issued through co-branded credit cards, allowing cardholders to earn rewards on eligible purchases. These points are distinct from Amazon gift card balances or other Amazon-specific payment methods, though they hold a similar monetary value when redeemed. The main programs that generate these points include the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Store Card.

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, issued by Chase, provides points on a wide range of purchases both on and off Amazon. The Amazon Store Card, typically issued by Synchrony Bank, focuses its rewards exclusively on Amazon.com purchases. Additionally, Amazon may offer specific promotions that allow customers to earn bonus points.

Earning Amazon Points

Accumulating Amazon points primarily occurs through the use of Amazon-branded credit cards, each offering distinct earning structures. For instance, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card allows eligible Prime members to earn 5% back on purchases made at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases. This card also provides 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on local transit and commuting, including rideshares, while all other purchases earn 1% back.

For Prime members, the Amazon Store Card offers a direct 5% back on purchases made at Amazon.com. Occasional promotional opportunities may also arise, providing bonus points for specific product categories or during limited-time sales events.

Redeeming Amazon Points

Amazon points are generally redeemed directly at checkout when making purchases on Amazon.com. The process for applying points typically involves selecting them as a payment method during the checkout flow. After choosing to use points, customers can enter the desired amount they wish to apply to their order.

These points can usually be used for most physical products sold by Amazon or by third-party sellers fulfilled by Amazon. Common restrictions on redemption include certain digital content, subscriptions, gift cards, or specific third-party seller items not fulfilled by Amazon. If the total points available do not cover the entire purchase amount, the remaining balance can be paid using another accepted payment method.

Managing Your Amazon Points

Monitoring your Amazon points balance is straightforward, usually accessible through your credit card issuer’s online account portal or directly on Amazon’s “Shop with Points” section. Understanding the monetary value of these points is also simple: 1 Amazon point is equivalent to 1 cent, meaning 100 points hold a value of $1.00.

Points earned from Amazon-branded credit cards generally do not expire as long as the associated account remains open and in good standing. A transaction history of points earned and redeemed is typically available within the cardholder’s online account.