Are you looking to build or rebuild your credit? If so, the Amazon Secured Card might be a great option for you. This card is issued by Synchrony Bank and offers a variety of benefits that can help you improve your credit score over time.
Secured Card vs Store Card: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The Amazon Secured Card is unique in that it functions as both a secured card and a store card. Let’s break down the difference:
- Secured Card Features: This option requires a security deposit to open the account. The minimum security deposit is $100, but you can put down more if you wish. The higher your deposit, the higher your credit limit will be. Once you’ve made a year of on-time payments and managed your account responsibly, Synchrony Bank may review your account and offer you graduation to an unsecured Amazon Store Card with a higher credit limit and no security deposit required.
- Store Card Features: Once you graduate to a store card, you’ll enjoy special benefits and rewards programs available only to Amazon Store Cardholders. These can include bonus points on Amazon purchases, exclusive financing offers, and more.
Benefits and Rewards
Here are some of the key benefits and rewards of the Amazon Secured Card:
- Build Credit History: By using your Amazon Secured Card responsibly and making your payments on time, you can build a positive credit history. This can help you qualify for better interest rates on loans and other forms of credit in the future.
- Rewards on Amazon Purchases: If you’re a Prime member, you’ll earn 2% back on all your Amazon purchases.
- Visa® Acceptance: The Amazon Secured Card is a Visa® card, so you can use it to make purchases anywhere Visa® is accepted.
- Security Deposit Refundable: When you close your account in good standing, you’ll get your security deposit back.
Fees to Consider
- No Annual Fee: There is no annual fee to use this card.
- Security Deposit: As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to make a security deposit to open the account. The minimum security deposit is $100 and may go up to $1000, depending on the amount you’re approved for.
- Late and Returned Payment Fees: If you make a late payment, you may be charged a late fee. Also, if a payment is returned for insufficient funds, you may be charged a returned payment fee.
