Both the Amazon Prime Rewards Card and the Alliant Visa Signature are strong contenders in the cash back category, with no annual fees and Visa's signature benefits. However, the Amazon Prime Rewards Card edges ahead for frequent Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers due to its higher unlimited cash back rate of 5%. The Alliant Visa Signature Card is still a solid choice offering up to 2.5% cash back on spending up to $10,000 each billing cycle; it is also helpful for those who may not have a good to excellent credit score.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
vs. Alliant Visa Signature Card
Updated: June 4, 2024
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Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Alliant Visa Signature Card
Which Card Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Alliant Visa Signature if you're looking for a card that offers a high cash back rate on all purchases without the need for a specific membership. This card is particularly beneficial if you can meet the Tier One Rewards qualifications, maximizing your cash back on the first $10,000 spent each billing cycle.
You might prefer the Amazon Prime Rewards Card if you frequently shop at Amazon or Whole Foods Market and have an Amazon Prime membership. The 5% cash back on these purchases, along with the $50 gift card, can provide significant value, especially if these retailers are a large part of your monthly spending.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features
Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements and rewards will illuminate which card aligns with your financial habits. For example, frequent Amazon shoppers may lean towards the Amazon Prime Rewards Card for its 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods, while those seeking a flat-rate cash back on all purchases might prefer the Alliant Visa Signature. Analyze the specifics here to discern which card best suits your needs.
Regular APR: Alliant Visa Signature
The Alliant Visa Signature offers a lower starting APR, making it the better choice for Regular APR rates.
Annual Fee: Tie
Both the Alliant Visa Signature and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card do not charge an annual fee, making them equally appealing.
Introductory 0% APRs: Tie
Neither the Alliant Visa Signature nor the Amazon Prime Rewards Card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers.
Rewards: Amazon Prime Rewards Card
For frequent Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers, the Amazon Prime Rewards Card is better due to its higher rewards rates in these categories and additional co-branded benefits. It offers 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, among other benefits. The Alliant Visa Signature Card offers up to 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying purchases but without the specific co-branded advantages.
Welcome Offers: Amazon Prime Rewards Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Card offers a better welcome bonus, providing a $50 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval. The Alliant Visa Signature offers Tier One rewards for the first 100 days, lacking the immediate tangible value of the Amazon card's offer.
Recommended Credit Score: Alliant Visa Signature
The Alliant Visa Signature Card may be more accessible to a broader range of credit scores, as it does not specify a recommended credit range, unlike the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, which targets those with Good–Excellent credit.
Penalties and Fees: Alliant Visa Signature
The Alliant Visa Signature offers more favorable terms for penalties and fees, with a lower late fee of up to $27 and a cash advance fee of either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees.
Issuer Satisfaction: Amazon Prime Rewards Card
Amazon, the issuer of the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card outperforms the Alliant Visa Signature Card in issuer satisfaction, with a rating of 4.1 compared to 0 for Alliant.
Other Features & Perks: Tie
Both cards offer unique perks. Alliant Visa Signature includes no annual and foreign transaction fees, cash back rewards and mobile payment compatibility. Amazon Prime Rewards offers a $100 welcome bonus, high cash back at Amazon.com and comprehensive travel and purchase protections.
Rewards Comparison
The Alliant Visa Signature card may lead the race with up to 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of eligible purchases, helpful for those seeking a high flat-rate cash back on general spending. However, the Amazon Prime Rewards Card pulls ahead in specific categories, offering an impressive 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods for Prime members and 2% back on dining, gas and transit.
For those who aren't heavy Amazon patrons, the Alliant card's 2.5% cash back on everyday purchases can be more beneficial, especially if you consistently meet the Tier One Rewards criteria. On the other hand, the Amazon Prime Rewards Card shines with its higher cash back rates for Amazon and dining, making it a clear winner for Amazon loyalists.
Following this section, you'll find a table of bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs of both cards.
Category | Amazon Prime Rewards | Alliant Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|
Gas Stations | 2% | 2.5% for the first $10,000 annually/1.5% thereafter |
Restaurants | 2% | 2.5% for the first $10,000 annually/1.5% thereafter |
Local Transit and Commuting | 2% | 2.5% for the first $10,000 annually/1.5% thereafter |
Amazon and Whole Foods | 5% with Prime membership/3% without | 2.5% for the first $10,000 annually/1.5% thereafter |
All Other Purchases | 1% | 2.5% for the first $10,000 annually/1.5% thereafter |
Redeeming Rewards
The Alliant Visa Signature and Amazon Prime Rewards Cards offer non-expiring rewards, ensuring long-term value. The Alliant card provides a simple cash back redemption process, likely as statement credits or similar cash-equivalent options. Amazon Prime Rewards Card allows for instant redemption on Amazon.com or as a statement credit, catering to frequent Amazon customers.
Methodology
MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Amazon Prime Rewards Card and Alliant Visa Signature based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, we focus on the area where each card scores highest, which is cash back rewards. The largest factors in determining these scores are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for the card's offers.
These factors, among others, contribute to a comprehensive score that reflects the card's value in specific scenarios. For a deeper understanding of our scoring process, you can review our ranking methodology.
FAQ: Amazon Prime Rewards Card vs. Alliant Visa Signature
What are the cash back rates for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card?
Earn 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.
Does the Alliant Visa Signature Card have an annual fee?
The Alliant Visa Signature Card has no annual fee.
Can I earn a welcome bonus with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card?
Yes, you receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Prime Rewards Card.
What is the APR range for the Alliant Visa Signature Card?
The APR for the Alliant Visa Signature Card ranges from 17.49% to 27.49%.
Are there foreign transaction fees for either card?
Both cards offer a card with no foreign transaction fees.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.