Amazon is introducing two new credit cards aimed at small businesses, a move that could reshape how entrepreneurs handle spending, rewards and cash flow.
New cards promise higher rewards for everyday purchases
Both the Prime Business Card and the Amazon Business Card carry no annual fee. For Prime members, the Prime Business Card returns 5% on U.S. purchases made at Amazon Business, Amazon.com, Amazon Web Services and Whole Foods Market, up to a $150,000 annual limit. Non‑Prime users who opt for the standard Amazon Business Card receive 3% back on the same categories.
Rewards extend beyond Amazon‑related spending. Cardholders earn 2% back on their top three spending categories each statement cycle and 1% on all other eligible purchases. Travel booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Center yields 5% back for Prime Business users and 3% for the standard card.
Features designed to ease cash‑flow pressures
Amazon says the cards let owners split eligible Amazon purchases into equal monthly payments with 0% APR for up to 12 months. The financing option is presented as short‑term flexibility for businesses that need to manage cash flow without incurring interest.
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According to a statement from Courtney Kelso, senior executive vice president at U.S. Bank, the program is meant to be a broader financial toolkit for small firms. “We’re looking at a suite of tools that help businesses keep spending under control while still offering a competitive rewards structure,” he said.
The cards are issued on the Mastercard network, giving merchants worldwide access at more than 100 million locations. They also feature AI‑driven fraud monitoring and Zero Liability protection, plus World Elite Mastercard perks such as rebates on gasoline, dining and travel.
Spend‑management tools built into the platform
Amazon highlights several control features: real‑time tracking of transactions, itemized reporting that pulls directly from Amazon purchase data, customizable spending limits and virtual card controls for team members. These tools are intended to give business owners a clearer view of where dollars are going.
Existing Amazon Business American Express cardholders will be switched over to the new cards. Replacement cards are slated to arrive by August 14, according to transition guidance released by the company.
Applications can be submitted at the Amazon website. The offering targets small businesses seeking better cash management.
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Industry observers note that the cards enter a crowded market of business credit products, many of which already offer travel credits and expense‑management software. A senior analyst at a financial research firm said the combination of high‑percentage rewards on Amazon‑related spend and the 0% financing option could appeal to merchants heavily invested in the platform, but “the broader value will depend on how the spend‑control tools compare to dedicated expense‑management solutions.”
For firms that rely on Amazon for inventory and cloud services, the new cards may provide a more seamless way to capture rewards and monitor expenses. For those whose purchases are more diversified, the modest 2% back on top categories could still be attractive, especially when coupled with the no‑fee structure.
One minor quirk in the rollout is that the application portal still uses the older “businesscard‑apply” URL, which some users find confusing given the updated branding. The company has not announced whether a new web address will replace it.
Overall, the launch reflects Amazon’s ongoing effort to embed financial services into its broader ecosystem. Whether the cards will gain traction depends on how effectively they balance rewards, cash‑flow flexibility and the practical needs of small‑business owners.
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