Table of Contents
The long-standing partnership between tech giant Amazon and Landesbank Berlin (LBB) is coming to an end, leading to the discontinuation of the existing Amazon Visa Card at the end of September 2023. Customers were recently informed via email about the upcoming changes and the termination. Now, they have the option to switch to a new credit card. However, the successor has its complications. Here, you will find everything you need to know about the Amazon Visa Card in 2024, alternatives, the transition, and costs.
New card in sight?
Millions of customers are affected by the termination of the credit card, so the interest in a new Amazon credit card is extremely high. According to some statements, Amazon is already in the planning phase for a successor to its Visa card, but there are no specific details about this new offer yet, and more details are likely to be forthcoming. It remains unclear whether there will be a card with similar conditions to the popular predecessor. In the meantime, customers can opt for a successor card from LBB.
All about the successor - Credit card from Berliner Sparkasse
The previous cooperation between Amazon and LBB, which was responsible for issuing the Amazon Visa Credit Cards, is ending. However, there is an option to order a successor card. In Amazon’s customer communications, the Visa Card Extra from Berliner Sparkasse, a subsidiary of LBB, is suggested as a replacement. Customers who choose this option can continue to use their old Amazon card until March 26, 2024, after which the new LBB card will be ready for use.
Complicated switch?
The switch brings some changes. When switching to the new Visa Card Extra, the existing balance is not automatically transferred. Instead, the balance is transferred from the Amazon Visa Card account to the cardholder’s linked checking account. Additionally, the registration for the new card is not automatic: according to LBB, customers must request and sign the new terms and conditions by November 15. Those who do not meet this deadline will have their existing card terminated by November 30, 2023.
Worse conditions
Furthermore, the Visa Card Extra offers significantly worse conditions than its predecessor. The annual fee for the Visa Card Extra is €19.99, while the use of the Amazon card was free for Prime subscribers. Unlike the Amazon Visa Card, there is no partner card available with the successor.
Additionally, Amazon's new card is a revolving card with an active installment payment function that cannot be turned off. This means that amounts paid are not settled immediately but are billed in installments. Consequently, the high interest rates of 17% further burden customers.
What happens to bonuses and points?
Along with the Amazon card, the bonus and points programs and benefits of the Amazon card are also discontinued. Amazon states: "You can use your Amazon.de VISA card as usual until the account is closed. Unredeemed Amazon points expire with the account closure. Please redeem your Amazon points in time or load your Amazon.de account by paying with your points."
Therefore, customers who did not order a successor card will have their points expire at the end of September. If the new Visa card from LBB is ordered, the points will remain valid until March 26, 2024.
Alternatives to the Amazon card?
For customers who prefer a free credit card, there are numerous alternatives to Amazon’s Visa Card Extra. For example, the awa7 Visa Credit Card or the Bank Norwegian Visa Card can be attractive for former Amazon customers. Both cards have no fees, and worldwide free payments and withdrawals are possible. Additionally, the Bank Norwegian Visa Card includes travel insurance!
The credit cards from American Express and DKB are also recommended if you are looking for a credit card with no account management fees.
