Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I NEVER go for credit offers and have excellent credit. Imagine my surprise when I got a message saying something like "we're sorry we are unable to process this... your application has been submitted for review" and saying it could take up to thirty days to render a decision. No I didn't miss any information on the form. I was left feeling disappointed, wondering if the whole rewards ad with $50 instant credit offer (which could be used on your current cart items) was nothing but a big sucking scam. An inquiry for nothing? Angry, I found my way to these reviews and what did I find? A slew of similar complaints. Some received a decision in a few minutes, some a day & some much later. Among these I found a few that said to call up and gave the number to Amazon Rewards Card Customer Service (Chase). The reviewers said that if you call Chase can verify whatever information they needed and can approve you once that is done. I called and though it took a little while to tell the story and get transferred to the correct department, that is exactly what happened. I was approved (after answering some questions verifying my identity). About an hour later the $50 showed up and I was able to shop right away. They tell you 48hrs so it may vary--mine just showed up sooner so go by what the person tells you but know it may be sooner. After going through the verification I was actually pleased to know that that step was required. So why did I give Chase (and Amazon) four stars? Well extra security in this day and age is a plus imo so I have no problem with them making sure it's the correct person. However, there should be a note in the ad that says "five minute verification process may be required" AND a number to call to complete verification (or it won't be only five minutes). It isn't that hard to be upfront about your product Chase--why not take my suggestion and save yourself the trouble of angry phone calls or cancelled applications from people who feel they've been tricked? If it hadn't been for the review section this would have been one of those cancellations so thank your customers for the helpful feedback Amazon/Chase. Thanks to all of the reviewers who warned about the problem as well as those who provided the solution. In keeping with that here is the number to call should you not get the 30 second decision: Amazon.com Rewards Visa Card: 888-247-4080 Web site: Chase Card Member Services: (web address snipped by Amazon, which is slightly confusing to me since it can only help their customers...go figure). I'll update the rating and this post on how good the rewards are, etc., after I've been in the program for a while. ************* Update: Upgraded to five stars This card is awesome and is my go to card for shopping now. They clearly lay out the point system so no surprises there. They also allow you to adjust payment due dates so if you call right away you can be sure to pick one that would be more suitable for you particular budget. A few things you can do to make using this card a breeze: 1. Call in advance about the billing cycle. For those that don't know the interest-free grace period is good based on the billing cycle--not the due date. The cycle date i.e., the date the bill is generated, is what you need to be aware of when you want to avoid interest charges AND when you are making a payment. If you don't know your date you may have a problem as a payment you make later in the month(that you assumed would be applied as next month's payment)credits the card but only counts for the current month. In this case you would get a late penalty thinking you've paid on time. 2. Change the due date. If you know the cycle date it's much easier to pick a payment date that is closer to it to avoid the above issue. It's also good so that you can pick a date that allows more pay periods beforehand or around bonus structures, etc. You can call and any Chase rep will gladly assist you with all of this info or you can make the changes yourself. 3. Also be aware that any left over amounts due will carry the interest to all billing cycles so bye bye grace period. This is something most cards do so no big surprises there either. Just don't think if you pay off the bulk of the amount spent last month that the tiny balance left on the card is the only thing drawing interest when you add $$ to it the next month. Even if only $50 is left the grace period for new purchases is nulled. If your assigned apr is low that may not be a problem but it's still good to be aware of it. Again this info is for those that may not know. 4. Use the number above if you had any trouble signing up or didn't get your promised rewards. One last thing, although it will sound like a commercial. Use the card for all Amazon purchases for the best rewards. No I'm not saying run up large debts--if you normally shop with amazon for monthly household items buy with the card & just pay the amount you would have used anyway to the card. Then you're only spending budgeted household money and earning big rewards. Pros: Great online service Good security Good rewards: 3% cash back shopping on Amazon 2% for restaurants, gas & office supply stores (it'd be nice if they add supermarkets to that list) !% for everything else It seemed pretty clear when I applied so maybe they've started explaining it better recently as older reviews note some confusion with the rewards. Cons: Better info about application process as I mentioned above along with a number to call if this applies to a particular customer. Instant correction of rewards credit may take jumping through a few hoops--as I said I received but it took lengthy transfers and scanning through tons of reward complaints to get it done. This should be readily offered information. Phoning may lead to a maze of transfers before getting to the right rep. It did get better after a while or maybe I just got used to the system. I'll add changing the card to your default shopping card (after approval) to the list since I feel that that's a choice you should be able to make yourself. They may have changed that (I wouldn't know) but remember to check before finalizing your first purchase after approval so you don't get surprised. *Other downsides I see in reviews aren't really "cons" but seem to stem from not understanding 1-4 above. Enjoy!