Merchants · Amazon
What category is Amazon for credit card rewards?
· Category rules checked against issuer terms
Online shopping, on cards that have that category. Amazon doesn't publish its merchant code, but American Express names Amazon.com as an eligible online retailer, and Amazon Fresh orders are reported to post as Amazon, not as groceries.
- U.S. online retail on American Express (Amazon.com is a named example)
- Amazon-specific bonuses, such as the Prime Visa
- Rotating categories when the issuer names Amazon that quarter
- Grocery, for Amazon Fresh orders on most cards (reported)
- Purchases at other merchants paid with Amazon Pay, for the Prime Visa's Amazon rate
How Amazon is coded
Amazon doesn't publish its merchant category code, and cardholder reports vary. What matters more is how issuers treat it: Amazon.com usually earns online shopping bonuses where a card has one, and Amazon-branded cards reward it directly.
| MCC | Category | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| — | Amazon.com purchases | Not published by Amazon or the card networks. Cardholders report codes like 5942 Book Stores and 5999 Miscellaneous Retail, but we couldn't confirm either. |
| — | Amazon Fresh, Prime membership, digital purchases | Not published. Amazon Fresh is reported to post as an Amazon purchase. |
How card issuers treat it
- American Express. Lists "Major retailers (e.g., Amazon.com, Walmart.com)" as examples of eligible U.S. online retail purchases.
- Chase. The Prime Visa pays 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods with an eligible Prime membership (3% without). Amazon Pay purchases at other merchants and international Amazon sites are excluded.
- Rotating categories. Some issuers name Amazon as a bonus category for a quarter. These change every quarter and usually need to be activated.
Good to know before you pay
- Whole Foods is owned by Amazon but codes as a grocery store in-store. See the Whole Foods page.
Getting the most from Amazon purchases
- Check whether your card has an online shopping category; Amazon.com purchases often qualify.
- Don't assume Amazon Fresh earns a grocery bonus.
- Gift card reloads and digital purchases can post differently from regular orders.
- Look at how a recent purchase posted on your statement or in your card app. That shows the category your issuer actually assigned.
Common questions
What is Amazon's merchant category code?
Amazon doesn't publish it. Cardholders report codes such as 5942 Book Stores or 5999 Miscellaneous Retail, but neither is confirmed.
Does Amazon Fresh count as groceries?
Usually not. Amazon Fresh orders are reported to post as Amazon purchases rather than grocery. The Prime Visa rewards Amazon Fresh at its Amazon rate.
Does Amazon count as online shopping on American Express?
Yes. American Express names Amazon.com as an example of an eligible U.S. online retail purchase.