Mastercard and U.S. Bank’s New Amazon Business Credit Cards

Amazon announces the launch of its Prime Business card and Amazon Business Card to encourage consumers to spend on the retail website. 

The cards are issued by U.S. Bank on Mastercard’s extensive network, and are available for new customers. 

With a focus on customer benefit, the cards will allow consumers not only to access flexible financing for purchases, but also to receive rewards with no annual or foreign transaction fees. 

Prime members will be able to access 5% on purchases in the US worth up to US$150,000 with the Prime Business Card. Available annually, the benefit spans Amazon Business, Amazon.com, Amazon Web Services and Whole Foods Market. 

Non-prime members will be granted the same access, with a 3% cashback reward instead. 

More rewards include the addition of purchases beyond Amazon, namely with partner U.S. Bank. Prime Business card users booking travel through U.S. Bank’s Travel Centre will receive 5% back.

The company’s approach to flexible finance is also a new benefit, as the cards offer monthly instalments for up to a year with 0% APR in the absence of earning rewards, and without the burden of an annual fee. 

Shelley Salomon, Vice President of Amazon Business, notes: “We heard from business customers that they wanted more from their card – more rewards outside of Amazon, more flexibility in how they pay and more control over how their teams spend. 

“The new Prime Business Card and Amazon Business Card are our answer: rewards that automatically adapt to each customer's spending, interest-free instalment options, and built-in spend management tools – all with no annual fee”

Interpreting business spend 

The announcement details that the business cards are aimed at providing further support to businesses that are requiring the services of corporate expense platforms. 

Amazon notes that the cards are focusing on bringing “spend management” capabilities to businesses as part of that support, through its partnership with U.S. Bank. 

U.S. Bank Spend Management will be integrated onto the cards, providing greater flexibility for businesses as it tracks real-time spending, provides itemised reports with Amazon transaction details, offers customisable spend restrictions and approval rules in addition to the issuance of physical cards and unlimited virtual cards. 

Courtney Kelso, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Payments, Consumer & Small Business at U.S. Bank says: “U.S. Bank has spent decades building trusted relationships with America's small business owners, and this partnership allows us to extend that commitment at unprecedented scale. 

“We're not just offering a credit card – we're delivering a comprehensive financial toolkit that helps business owners manage cash flow, maximise rewards, and access the credit they need to seize opportunities when they arise. 

“And this is just the beginning – cardholders can look forward to even more value as we introduce additional U.S. Bank services designed specifically for their needs.” 

The importance of global access 

As the cards work on Mastercard’s global network, businesses will be able to operate the cards at over 100 million locations across the globe. 

Supported by Mastercard’s Zero Liability protection, an element of trust is built in as businesses can transact with “enterprise-grade protection”, Mastercard notes. 

Zero Liability allows users to be absolved of responsibility from an issuing financial institution if they have used reasonable care in protecting the card from loss and theft, and if the loss is reported swiftly to the chosen financial institution.  

Each transaction is “supported by advanced, AI-powered fraud monitoring” in addition to Zero Liability protection. 

Eimear Creaven, President of Global Partnerships at Mastercard explains: “Businesses today are digital-first and operating in an increasingly complex global marketplace – they need partners that help them run and grow their business every day. 

“With built-in security, global acceptance and automatic savings on the expenses they rely on most, these cards deliver real, everyday value – so business owners can focus less on managing payments and more on moving their business forward.”

Mastercard’s World Elite features will also be available to cardholders in addition to an automatic savings programme.