How to Earn Points and Miles on Amazon (Even When It’s Not Prime Day)
Amazon has become one of those places where we all end up spending money, whether we plan to or not.
For our family, Amazon purchases add up quickly. Between everyday essentials, items for our dogs, travel gear, and baby & toddler items, there are plenty of days where multiple Amazon packages show up on our porch.
The thing about Amazon is that it makes shopping incredibly convenient, but convenience can also mean missing out on rewards. Unlike grocery stores, restaurants/dining, or travel purchases, Amazon usually isn’t an elevated earning category on most credit cards. If you simply use whatever card is already saved to your account, you may only earn 1 point per dollar, maybe 2 points maximum depending on your card of choice.
That might not seem like a big deal on a single purchase, but over the course of a year, those missed points can add up and cost you a flight or hotel night.
The good news is that you don’t need to completely change your shopping habits to earn more points and miles from Amazon. With a little planning, you can turn your Amazon purchases into airline miles, hotel points, and transferable rewards that can help pay for your next trip.
Use the Right Credit Card for Amazon Purchases
The easiest way to earn more points on Amazon is to start with the right credit card.
For many people, the default is simply using the card already saved in their Amazon account. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s worth taking a minute to make sure you’re earning the most valuable rewards possible.
For us, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is usually our default card for Amazon purchases because earns 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points on every purchase that doesn’t fall into an elevated category.
Is 1.5x the absolute maximum you can earn? No, but it’s better than earning 1 point per dollar, and because Chase Ultimate Rewards points are our preferred flexible points currency, we’d rather earn some points there over other cards.
That said, the best Amazon strategy usually isn’t buying directly from Amazon with your credit card. The biggest opportunities typically come from purchasing Amazon gift cards through retailers where you can earn bonus points.
Buy Amazon Gift Cards in Bonus Categories
One of the easiest ways to maximize Amazon purchases is to separate the purchase from the payment method. Instead of going directly to Amazon and paying with your credit card, purchase an Amazon gift card from a retailer where you can earn additional points.
This strategy works because gift cards are widely available at a variety of retailers, and you’re likely to find one aligned with where you like to earn your points. Grocery stores, office supply stores, drugstores, and even some gas stations sell Amazon gift cards.
American Express Gold Card: Earn 4x at Grocery Stores
The American Express Gold Card is not a great card to use directly at Amazon because Amazon purchases only earn 1x Membership Rewards points.
However, the Amex Gold earns 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to the annual spending limit), and many grocery stores sell Amazon gift cards.
If you know you will be spending $200 on Amazon over the next few months, purchase a $200 Amazon gift card at your grocery store instead so that $200 purchase earns 800 Membership Rewards points instead of just 200 points.
This is one of my favorite strategies because it doesn’t require changing your spending. There’s also a good chance you’re already going to the grocery store to get groceries, so you’re not having to go out of your way just to get more points for travel. Just grab a gift card while you’re filling up your shopping cart.
Ink Business Cash: Earn 5x at Office Supply Stores
Another great option is the Chase Ink Business Cash. This card earns 5x Chase Ultimate Rewards points at office supply stores, including Staples and Office Depot.
Both stores sell Amazon gift cards. A $100 Amazon gift card purchased at an office supply store earns 500 Chase Ultimate Rewards points instead of 100 points.
If you also have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, those points become even more valuable because you can transfer them to Chase travel partners.
One thing that surprises people is that you don’t necessarily need a traditional business to qualify for a business credit card. A side hustle, freelance work, selling items online, consulting, photography, or other small business activities may qualify. Many people are eligible for business cards without realizing it.
Use Drugstores to Earn More Points
Drugstores are another easy place to pick up Amazon gift cards. Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points at drugstores.
So instead of buying something directly from Amazon and earning 1.5x, you can stop at CVS or Walgreens, pick up an Amazon gift card, and earn 3x points. If you’re picking up a prescription or something else, just grab a gift card. There’s no need to make a special trip just to earn more points.
Take Advantage of Chase Freedom Categories
If you have a Chase Freedom Flex or the original Chase Freedom card, pay attention to the quarterly bonus categories.
When Amazon is included as a 5x category (and it has been the last few years), the strategy is simple: use your card directly on Amazon and earn 5x Ultimate Rewards points. We like to load our Amazon account with the full amount ($1,500 per card for a total of 7,500 Chase UR points) when its a quarterly category because we know we’ll use it in future quarters. So why not earn 5x on those purchases in advance?
But even when Amazon isn’t a 5x category, there may still be opportunities. For example, if gas stations, grocery stores, or wholesale clubs are part of a quarterly category, check whether those retailers sell Amazon gift cards.
Check for Targeted Offers Before Checking Out
Before making a larger Amazon purchase, take a quick look through your credit card apps. American Express, Chase, and other issuers regularly offer targeted promotions that can stack with your normal rewards.
These offers change throughout the year, but examples we’ve seen include:
- Spend $100 at Amazon, get $20 back
- Earn additional Membership Rewards points
- Save money on your first Amazon purchase with a linked card
Amazon also occasionally offers promotions where you can use just one credit card point and receive a discount.
For example, Amazon may offer: “Use 1 Chase point, receive 50% off up to $15.”
Before checking out, click through your available payment options and see if you have any targeted offers available.
Use Amazon Purchases to Help Meet Minimum Spending Requirements
If you’re working toward a credit card welcome bonus, Amazon purchases can be a great way to help meet your minimum spending requirement.
Think about how often you purchase from Amazon. Between household items, pet supplies, gifts, electronics, travel gear, and everyday essentials, many people are already spending hundreds of dollars at Amazon throughout the year.
If you recently opened a new travel credit card with a $4,000 minimum spending requirement, those planned purchases can help you get closer to earning the welcome bonus.
Or if you were already planning to purchase a new laptop, stroller, luggage, or other larger item, see if it’s on Amazon and put that purchase toward your minimum spend can make a lot of sense.
If you’re a little bit short on your sign-up bonus, maybe stock up on things that don’t expire and you know you’ll use like cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.
The difference between earning 1x, 1.5x, or even 5x points on that purchase is usually much smaller than the value of a welcome bonus worth tens of thousands of points.
When I’m working toward a new credit card bonus, my priority is always meeting the spending requirement. The extra points are nice, but the welcome bonus is where the biggest value comes from.
Stack Multiple Rewards on the Same Amazon Purchase
One of the best ways to maximize Amazon purchases is to stop thinking about rewards as an either/or decision. You don’t have to choose between earning points, saving money, and taking advantage of promotions.
For example, let’s say you’re buying $200 worth of items on Amazon.
A basic approach would be to open Amazon, check out, and earn whatever your credit card gives you.
A better approach might look like this:
- Purchase an Amazon gift card at a grocery store using a card that earns a bonus category.
- Load the gift card to your Amazon account.
- Use an Amazon promotion that offers a discount for using a linked credit card point.
- Submit the receipt through a rewards app.
This is really the best way to travel hack. You’re not trying to spend more money. You’re making the ways you already spend money work for you.
Should You Use the Amazon Prime Visa?
Whenever people ask about the best credit card for Amazon purchases, the Amazon Prime Visa is usually part of the conversation. And for many Amazon shoppers, it can be a good option.
The Amazon Prime Visa earns 5% back on eligible Amazon and Whole Foods purchases for Prime members. If Amazon makes up a large portion of your annual spending, earning 5% back can add up quickly.
Personally, though, I prefer earning transferable points because they give me more flexibility. Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and other flexible points currencies can be used with various airline and hotel partners, which is what helps us turn everyday purchases into travel.
A $500 Amazon purchase earning 5% cash back gives you $25 back. But a $500 purchase earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points can go towards a flight or hotel stay depending on how you redeem those points.
The Amazon Prime Visa isn’t a bad card, but whether it’s right for you depends on your goals. If you primarily shop at Amazon and want a simple cash-back setup, it may be a great fit. But since you’re visiting my points and miles blog, that probably isn’t the case. If your goal is earning free flights and hotel stays, I’d recommend cards that earn transferable points.
Amazon Prime Day: A Great Time to Maximize Purchases You Were Already Planning
While these strategies work throughout the year, Amazon’s biggest sales events are when many people start thinking about maximizing their Amazon purchases.
Most people are familiar with Prime Day, Amazon’s annual summer sale. Amazon has also introduced Prime Big Deal Days, a fall shopping event that typically kicks off holiday shopping season.
These events can be a great opportunity to save money on purchases you were already planning to make while earning additional points and miles.
Prime Day is great for replacing things you need, upgrading items you’ve been considering, or finally purchasing something you’ve been putting off. It is not a reason to spend money just because something is discounted.
Don’t Assume Every Amazon Deal Is Actually a Deal
One of the biggest mistakes people make during Amazon sales events is assuming every discounted item is a great deal.
Amazon discounts thousands of products during Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days, but not every deal is worth buying. Some products have their prices increased before a sale so the discount appears larger than it actually is. Others are items that are inexpensive because the quality isn’t great.
Before making a larger purchase, check the price history.
Tools like CamelCamelCamel and Keepa can help you see whether the current price is actually lower than it has been in the past.
I recommend checking for:
- Electronics
- Luggage
- Travel gear
- Appliances
- Higher-priced household items
It Isn’t Just Amazon During Prime Day
While Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days are Amazon events, other retailers often compete with their own sales.
Stores like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers frequently offer similar discounts during these shopping events.
Before making a large purchase, compare prices. Sometimes another retailer will have the same item at a lower price. Other times, another store may offer a better credit card promotion or reward opportunity.
Use Receipt Apps to Earn a Little Extra
Receipt apps aren’t going to earn you airline miles or free hotel nights, but they’re an easy way to get a little more value from purchases you’re already making.
I personally use Fetch and ReceiptPal, both of which allow you to earn points from Amazon purchases. You can connect your Amazon account or submit digital receipts, depending on the app, and build points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
This isn’t a way to accelerate your travel hacking, but it only takes a few seconds and is another example of stacking rewards whenever possible. And, you get gift cards for things you need, so that leaves more money for travel, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for Amazon purchases?
It depends. If you want the simplest option and spend a lot at Amazon, the Amazon Prime Visa may be worth considering because it earns 5% back on eligible Amazon purchases for Prime members.
If your goal is earning points and miles for travel, it’s better to use cards that earn transferable currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards. Even if they don’t earn bonus points directly at Amazon, you can often earn more by purchasing Amazon gift cards through bonus categories.
Can you earn airline miles on Amazon purchases?
Not directly in most cases, but you can absolutely earn points and miles from Amazon purchases.
Using the right credit card, purchasing Amazon gift cards through bonus category retailers, taking advantage of Chase Freedom quarterly categories, and stacking targeted offers are all easy ways to earn more rewards from your Amazon spending.
Can I buy Amazon gift cards to earn bonus points?
Yes, and this is one of my favorite strategies.
If your credit card earns bonus points at grocery stores, office supply stores, drugstores, or gas stations that sell Amazon gift cards, you can earn significantly more points than you would by shopping directly on Amazon.
Is Prime Day the best time to shop on Amazon?
Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days can be excellent times to save money, especially if you’ve been waiting to make a larger purchase.
That said, don’t assume every deal is the lowest price of the year. Before buying expensive items, I always recommend checking the price history using a tool like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa.
More importantly, stick to items you were already planning to buy. Saving money on something you didn’t need isn’t really saving money.
Final Thoughts
Amazon is one of those retailers where it’s easy to spend money without thinking much about it. You order paper towels one week, dog food the next, birthday gifts a few days later, and before long you’ve spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the course of the year.
Whether you’re buying Amazon gift cards at stores that earn bonus points, taking advantage of Chase Freedom quarterly categories, checking for targeted offers, or simply using the right credit card, those small decisions can add up to thousands of points and miles for travel every year.
If you shop at Amazon regularly, a few simple changes can turn everyday purchases into your next flight, hotel stay, or weekend getaway.
How do you maximize your Amazon purchases? Do you have another strategy that works well for you? Let me know in the comments, I’m always looking for new ideas.