Since LBBW Bank stopped issuing the Amazon credit card in September 2023, online shoppers had waited for a successor until a new card was finally presented in August 2024. I reviewed the terms and conditions thoroughly.
In my opinion, the Amazon Visa Credit Card offers some intriguing benefits, particularly for those who enjoy shopping on Amazon.de. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution; not everyone will be happy with the card, depending on individual habits.
I have summarized the pros and cons in the table below to give you a clear picture. Whether you are an Amazon Prime loyalist or simply looking for a no-annual-fee card, my review should help you decide if this card aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. I will break down all the key features, from fees and perks to customer service and application requirements.
Amazon Visa Credit Card: Product Review in a Nutshell
PROS
CONS
- No annual fee
- Cashback rewards between 0.5% and 2%
- Integration with Amazon ecosystem
- Easy account management via the dedicated mobile app
- Choice between a partial and automated full monthly bill repayment
- Can be connected to your existing German bank account
- Fees for cash withdrawals and non-Euro transactions
- Points are redeemable only on Amazon.de
- High interest rates for partial payments (over 20%)
- No Apple Pay support
- Customer service and online banking only in German
Who Stands Behind the Amazon Visa Credit Card?
When you hear “Amazon,” you probably immediately think of the world’s largest online retailer. Amazon has become synonymous with convenience, offering everything from electronics and clothing to groceries and entertainment.
Germany is Amazon’s second-largest market worldwide. Amazon.de is a household name widely used by locals and expats alike. However, it is not a bank. So, who is the issuer behind the Amazon Visa Credit Card?
The Amazon card is now issued under the brand Zinia by Openbank, a fully digital bank and a subsidiary of Santander Group. Santander is an established player and one of the largest financial institutions in the world. Openbank’s presence has been growing quickly across Europe, with a focus on technology-driven banking solutions. Hence, the name should sound especially familiar to a lot of expats. I believe this partnership brings together two digital players – one from retail and another from finance.
What Does the Amazon Visa Credit Card Cost?
The no-annual fee structure stands out, especially for expats looking to keep costs low while enjoying the convenience of a credit card. However, there are additional cost to consider. The foreign transaction and cash withdrawal fees make it less suitable for those who travel frequently or prefer a card for international use. Here are the details:
Annual Fee
One of the most attractive features of the Amazon Visa is that it has no annual fee – this applies to all users, whether or not they are Amazon Prime members. It is a significant improvement compared to the previous version of the card, in which non-Prime users had to pay an annual fee.
Foreign Transaction Fees
For transactions made in currencies other than Euros, the card charges a fee of 1.5%. While this is not the highest fee on the market, frequent travelers might find it less competitive compared to cards like the TF Bank Mastercard Gold, which eliminates such fees.
Cash Withdrawal Fees
If you do not have a bank account, including free domestic and international cash withdrawals such as N26, it is also worth noting that Openbank asks for 3.9% of the withdrawal amount (with a minimum charge of 1.50 Euros per transaction) within the Eurozone. In other currencies, the fees are 5.4%. It makes the card less appealing for those who frequently rely on cash withdrawals.
Interest Rates
The card allows you to carry a balance through partial payments, but this comes with a hefty interest rate of over 20%. While this feature offers flexibility, I recommend paying off the entire monthly balance to avoid these high charges. You can select the “full payment” option so that the outstanding balance is automatically deducted from your bank account each month.
What Perks and Rewards Does the Amazon Visa Credit Card Offer?
The Amazon Visa Credit Card is designed with Amazon shoppers in mind; apart from the cashback system, the card does not offer many perks.
Cashback Rewards and Welcome Bonus
The highlight of this card is its cashback system, which rewards you with Amazon points for every Euro you spend:
- 0.5% cashback on all purchases, regardless of where you shop.
- 1% cashback (double points) on purchases made on Amazon.de.
- Up to 2% cashback during special promotional events for Amazon Prime members.
These points are automatically added to your Amazon.de account and can be redeemed for purchases. New cardholders also receive a welcome credit of 10 Euros on their Amazon.de account.
Are the Perks Worth It?
The perks of the Amazon Visa Credit Card are best suited for those who shop on Amazon.de frequently. For users like me, who prefer cash or flexible rewards, they might feel limiting. Other rewards credit cards like American Express or Barclays Eurowings include more options for point or mile collection and flexible redemption. Some of them also come with insurance packages, or other amenities.
How Easy Is It to Manage the Amazon Visa Credit Card?
The credit card is managed digitally via the dedicated Amazon Visa app, part of the Openbank platform. Managing the Amazon Visa Credit Card through the app is simple and intuitive:
- Spending tracking: The app provides a real-time overview of your spending and collected points.
- Statements and billing: Monthly statements are available directly in the app, so you can review your expenses and ensure accuracy.
- Card administration: You can temporarily block the card or request a limit increase. The card comes with an initial limit of 2,000 Euros.
- Repayment options: Users can pay off their balance in full automatically or make partial payments. While partial payments offer flexibility, I recommend avoiding them due to the high interest rates.
- Mobile payment: One downside is the lack of support for Apple Pay. For Android users, Google Pay is available.
Customer service is provided through Openbank and Zinia. The app and support are primarily available in German. It is very typical, and there are almost no credit card options with multi-language support. Assistance is given through WhatsApp, e-mail, or the user account.
How to Apply for the Amazon Visa Credit Card in Germany
The credit card application process follows the regular steps:
Application Process for Amazon Visa Credit Card
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure that you meet the following essential eligibility criteria:
- German Residence: You must be a German resident with a valid German address.
- German Bank Account: A German bank account is necessary for receiving payments and making transactions.
- Proof of Identity and Address: Be prepared to provide identification documents such as your passport or national ID card, as well as proof of address (e.g., a utility bill or a registration certificate from your local authorities).
- Schufa Check: Like most credit card applications in Germany, a Schufa creditworthiness check will be performed to assess your financial standing. Schufa is a credit bureau that collects information about your financial history, including loan payments, existing credit cards, and any debts. A good credit score will increase your chances of approval.
- Your application will likely be approved without issues if you have a solid credit history.
- However, if your Schufa score is low (e.g., due to missed payments or limited credit history), you might face difficulties getting approved for the card.
The Schufa check might be the biggest hurdle for expats new to the country. In this case, expat-friendly credit cards can be a good alternative.
Conclusion: Is the Amazon Visa Credit Card Right for You?
In conclusion, the Amazon Visa Credit Card is an excellent option for those who shop regularly on Amazon.de. Like most free German credit cards without annual fees, the Amazon Visa Credit Card does not offer a lot of perks. However, the cashback on purchases and the seamless integration with Amazon’s ecosystem sets it apart from its competitors. However, the card does also have have some drawbacks:
- Limited cashback options: If you do not shop on Amazon regularly, the 0.5% cashback on other purchases and the exclusive redemption through Amazon.de might not satisfy you.
- High interest rates: The high APR for carrying a balance (over 20%) makes it less attractive if you tend to carry debt month to month.
- Foreign transaction and cash withdrawal fees: These charges could add up if you travel often or need to use the card for cash withdrawals.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you are considering alternatives to the Amazon Visa Credit Card, here are a few options that might be a better fit depending on your needs:
- If you are new to the country, an expat-friendly option like TF Bank Mastercard Gold or even an N26 Debit Card might suit you better.
- If you want a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees and free cash withdrawals, check the awa7 Kreditkarte or Hanseatic Bank GenialCard.
- American Express, Hilton Honors, or Eurowings are attractive solutions if you are looking for a credit card with many perks and cashback options.
Ultimately, the best credit card fits your lifestyle and spending habits. Check out my article on Best Credit Cards in Germany for more options.
