Thinking of ditching AMEX after this Amazon mess… what card should I get?

I’ve had the Business Prime card (5% Amazon rewards) for years and it’s been great. Out of nowhere, AMEX emailed me in November saying my card was downgraded to the non-Prime version (only 3% back). Called AMEX and they said Amazon is the one that updates them when Prime status changes… but I never lost Prime.

AMEX says it’s on Amazon. Amazon says it’s on AMEX. Called both multiple times—AMEX reps were nice but couldn’t do anything, Amazon reps were frustrating. Even argued with a supervisor who insisted nothing changed on their end. I even tried downgrading and reinstating Prime, hoping it would reset… nothing.

So now I either close the card and reapply or switch to a different one. I don’t really spend much on travel, gas, or food—mostly business stuff and Amazon. I liked the 5% back and AMEX perks, but at this point, I’m over it. I spend about $10k a year.

What card should I go for?

Why not just get the Chase Prime Visa?

Conley said:
Why not just get the Chase Prime Visa?

Yeah, using an AMEX slot for a card that Chase also offers doesn’t make much sense.

Francis said:

Conley said:
Why not just get the Chase Prime Visa?

Yeah, using an AMEX slot for a card that Chase also offers doesn’t make much sense.

The AMEX version is a business card, so it won’t count towards 5/24.

It also has perks like return protection, which is hard to find on no-fee cards now. Chase Prime Visa is probably better for most people, but the AMEX one has its advantages.

@MissNicklaus
True, it won’t count towards 5/24 with Chase, but it does count towards AMEX’s 5-card limit.

Francis said:
@MissNicklaus
True, it won’t count towards 5/24 with Chase, but it does count towards AMEX’s 5-card limit.

Oh, I misread. Yeah, if you’re planning on getting more AMEX cards, this could be a problem.

Didn’t even know AMEX had an Amazon card. Just go with Chase!

Sorrell said:
Didn’t even know AMEX had an Amazon card. Just go with Chase!

The AMEX version is a business card, so it doesn’t show up on your credit report. Also has AMEX purchase protections and they had an awesome 5% on everything promo a few years back.

@Tegan
And you get 5% back on AWS (only with AMEX, not Chase).

Hey, OP—did you check your card’s expiration date? This almost happened to me because I forgot to update my new card details on Amazon. They said I was losing Prime, which messed with the card status.

Neve said:
Hey, OP—did you check your card’s expiration date? This almost happened to me because I forgot to update my new card details on Amazon. They said I was losing Prime, which messed with the card status.

Yeah, I checked, and my card is up to date. Calling AMEX one last time tomorrow, but I think I’m stuck in some glitch.

Didn’t know Amazon sent these ‘pings’ to AMEX. Thanks for the heads-up! No advice here, but hope you get it sorted.

Besides the 5%, what else do you lose?

Lexi said:
Besides the 5%, what else do you lose?

Purchase protection, some nice discounts, travel insurance, and customer service is way better—no wait times, all US-based reps.

Kemper said:

Lexi said:
Besides the 5%, what else do you lose?

Purchase protection, some nice discounts, travel insurance, and customer service is way better—no wait times, all US-based reps.

So the non-Prime 3% version doesn’t have any of those perks?

@Lexi
Not sure. My account still looks the same, but I’m definitely only earning 3% now. Something weird is going on.

Why was a manager yelling at you over their own system’s mistake? Seems like an issue Amazon should fix and they should at least offer you something for the hassle.

Dax said:
Why was a manager yelling at you over their own system’s mistake? Seems like an issue Amazon should fix and they should at least offer you something for the hassle.

I mean, I hate to say it, but their call center is in India, and it was clear the rep didn’t understand the issue. AMEX reps (all in the US) understood right away.

Heads up—Chase Amazon card charged me for Prime three times even though I never signed up. Amazon kept saying I wasn’t a member. Never figured out if it was Amazon or Chase’s fault.

Want a new card? Here’s what to include in your request:

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  • Credit score
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  • Are you open to business cards?
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