Amazon Small Business Card: 10 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Know Before Applying

Running a small business means every dollar counts. Whether you're buying inventory, paying for shipping, or covering everyday expenses — the right business credit card can actually put money back in your pocket.

The Amazon small business card has been making waves, especially after Amazon partnered with U.S. Bancorp as its new issuer. But is it the right card for your business?

In this guide, you'll learn exactly what this card offers, who should apply, what to watch out for, and how to squeeze the most value from it. No fluff — just clear, honest information to help you make a smart decision.

1. What Is the Amazon Small Business Card?

The Amazon small business card is a co-branded business credit card designed specifically for small business owners who regularly shop on Amazon Business. It's issued in partnership with a major U.S. bank and gives cardholders a way to earn rewards on purchases they're already making.

Think of it as a loyalty card — but far more powerful. Instead of collecting points that expire or get buried in fine print, you earn straightforward cash back on Amazon purchases and other everyday spending categories.

The card is especially useful if your business already relies on Amazon for supplies, equipment, or software. In that case, you're essentially getting paid to shop where you already shop.

2. Who Is the Amazon Small Business Card Best For?

This card isn't for everyone — and that's actually a good thing. It works best for:

• E-commerce sellers who source products through Amazon
• Freelancers and consultants who use Amazon Business for office supplies
• Startups looking for a no-annual-fee option to build business credit
• Small retailers who spend heavily on Amazon each month

If your monthly Amazon Business spending is under $500, the rewards may feel underwhelming. But if you're spending $1,000+ per month on the platform, the cash back adds up fast.

On the other hand, if most of your business spending happens outside Amazon — at restaurants, gas stations, or on travel — a more general business card might serve you better.

3. Rewards and Cash Back Structure

This is where the Amazon small business card really shines. The rewards structure is tiered but easy to understand:

• 5% cash back on Amazon Business purchases (for Prime members)
• 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on wireless phone services
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Some versions of the card also offer a net 60-day payment option instead of cash back — giving businesses the flexibility to delay payment on purchases without interest. This is especially helpful for businesses managing tight cash flow cycles.

The 5% back on Amazon is genuinely competitive. For a business spending $2,000/month on Amazon, that's $100 in cash back every single month — or $1,200 per year.

4. Sign-Up Bonus — What to Expect

Most versions of the Amazon business card offer a welcome bonus for new cardholders. Typically, this looks like:

• $100–$250 Amazon gift card upon approval or after first purchase
• Some promotional offers include elevated cash back (like 10%) for the first 3 months

Sign-up bonuses change regularly, so always check the current offer directly on Amazon's website before applying. Don't assume the bonus you read about three months ago is still active.

Pro tip: Apply during Amazon's major sales events (like Prime Day or Black Friday) — they sometimes pair promotions with enhanced sign-up offers.

5. Fees and Interest Rates

One of the biggest selling points of the Amazon small business card is its no annual fee structure. For small businesses watching overhead, that's a meaningful advantage over premium cards that charge $95–$695 per year.

Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect:

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: Variable, typically ranging from 19%–29% depending on creditworthiness
• Foreign Transaction Fee: Some versions charge 3% — important if you buy from international suppliers
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40

The APR is on the higher side, so this card works best if you pay your balance in full each month. Carrying a balance will quickly cancel out any rewards you earn.

6. Credit Requirements

The Amazon small business card is generally accessible, but you'll still need decent credit to qualify:

• Recommended credit score: 670+ (Good to Excellent)
• Business history: Some issuers accept new businesses or sole proprietors
• Personal guarantee: Most small business cards require one

If your credit score is below 650, you may want to build it up first using a secured business card before applying. Applying with a low score and getting rejected can temporarily hurt your credit.

7. How It Compares to Other Business Cards

Let's be honest — there are a lot of business credit cards out there. Here's how the Amazon small business card stacks up:

If your spending is concentrated on Amazon, this card wins in that category. But if you want flexibility across all categories, the Capital One Spark or Chase Ink might be worth a look.

8. Amazon Business Prime Card vs. Regular Amazon Business Card

Amazon actually offers two versions, and the difference matters:

Amazon Business Prime Card:

• Requires an Amazon Business Prime membership
• Earns 5% cash back on Amazon Business purchases
• Offers the net 60-day pay option

Amazon Business Card (no Prime):

• No Prime membership required
• Earns 3% cash back on Amazon purchases
• Still solid, but less rewarding

If you're already paying for Amazon Business Prime, the Prime card is clearly the better choice. The upgrade from 3% to 5% cash back pays for the Prime membership cost on its own if you spend enough monthly.

9. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applying is straightforward. Here's exactly how to do it:

1. Go to Amazon Business and sign in or create a free account
2. Navigate to the credit card section (search "Amazon Business Card" on the site)
3. Click Apply Now on the card you want
4. Fill in your business details — name, address, annual revenue, number of employees
5. Enter personal information for the guarantee (Social Security number required)
6. Submit your application — approval is often instant

Once approved, you can start using the card immediately for Amazon purchases through your virtual card number, even before the physical card arrives.

10. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High cash back rate (5%) for Amazon purchases
• No annual fee
• Net 60-day payment flexibility
• Easy integration with Amazon Business account
• Good for building business credit

Cons:

• Rewards are Amazon-centric — less value for non-Amazon spending
• Higher APR if you carry a balance
• Requires Amazon Business account
• Foreign transaction fees on some versions
• Limited travel perks compared to premium cards

Expert Tips for Maximizing the Amazon Small Business Card

Use these strategies to get more out of your card:

• Stack rewards with Amazon coupons. You earn cash back on top of any Amazon discounts or coupons — double savings.
• Use the card for all Amazon vendor payments. Even small purchases add up over time.
• Automate recurring subscriptions through the card. Software, cloud storage, and business tools bought through Amazon all earn cash back.
• Pay your balance weekly, not monthly. This keeps your credit utilization low and improves your business credit score faster.
• Monitor quarterly bonus categories. Amazon occasionally runs promotions with elevated rates in specific categories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a good card can hurt you if used carelessly. Watch out for these:

• Carrying a balance. At 20%+ APR, interest charges will eat your rewards alive.
• Using it for non-Amazon spending exclusively. The 1% on general purchases is weak — use a better card for those.
• Forgetting the foreign transaction fee. If you import goods, check if your version charges this before swiping.
• Missing the sign-up bonus deadline. Most bonuses require spending a minimum amount within 60–90 days of opening the account.
• Not separating business and personal spending. Even on a business card, mixed spending complicates your accounting.

FAQs

Q1: Can a sole proprietor apply for the Amazon small business card?

Yes. Sole proprietors can apply using their personal Social Security number instead of an EIN. You don't need to be a registered LLC or corporation.

Q2: Does the Amazon small business card report to business credit bureaus?

Yes, it typically reports to Dun & Bradstreet and other business credit bureaus, which helps you build your business credit profile over time.

Q3: Is there a spending limit on the Amazon small business card?

Credit limits vary based on your creditworthiness and business financials. Limits can range from $1,000 to $50,000 or more. You can request a limit increase after several months of responsible use.

Q4: Can I add employee cards to my Amazon business card account?

Yes. You can add employee cards at no extra cost and set individual spending limits for each employee — great for managing team purchases.

Q5: What happens to my rewards if I close my account?

Unredeemed cash back is typically forfeited when you close the account. Always redeem your rewards before canceling.