The ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card has long been a favorite among shoppers due to its attractive cashback offers. However, recent changes in Amazon Pay Balance usage policies have led to a significant devaluation of this card. This article explores these changes in detail, how they affect cardholders, and potential alternatives for savvy shoppers.
Understanding the Changes
Manual Loading of Amazon Pay Balance: One potential workaround is manually loading Amazon Pay Balance. However, users often cannot use their credit card for this purpose, which diminishes the ease and reward of this method.
Buying Amazon Pay Gift Cards: Another alternative is purchasing Amazon Pay gift cards from third-party sites. Unfortunately, using the ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card for this transaction yields only a 1% cashback, making it a less attractive option compared to other methods.
Considering Other Credit Cards: Given the added complexity and reduced reward rate, many users might find it beneficial to switch to more versatile and rewarding credit cards. Here are a couple of strong alternatives:
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HDFC Swiggy Credit Card:
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Benefits: Offers 5% real cashback on Amazon and various other websites and apps.
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Application Link: Apply for HDFC Swiggy Credit Card
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SBI Cashback Credit Card:
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Benefits: Provides 5% real cashback on Amazon and many other platforms.
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Application Link: Apply for SBI Cashback Credit Card
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Premium Credit Card Users: For premium credit card holders who purchase Amazon gift cards through platforms like HDFC SmartBuy, Axis GiftEdge, or Amex Reward Multiplier, there is still a viable option. These users can buy “Amazon Shopping Vouchers” and load them into their Amazon account for any shopping spend on Amazon. These vouchers do not face the same restrictions as Amazon Pay Balance and can be used for partial payments.
Additionally, Amazon Pay Balance can still be used for payments on third-party sites like OLA, Uber, BookMyShow, and Zomato, ensuring it retains some value outside of Amazon’s platform.
Conclusion
The recent changes to Amazon Pay Balance usage have indeed devalued the ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card, adding complexity and reducing the overall reward rates for cardholders. However, understanding these changes and exploring alternative options can help users continue to maximize their benefits. Whether through other credit cards or strategic use of Amazon Shopping Vouchers, there are ways to adapt to these new policies effectively.
Stay informed and make sure to choose the best credit card that aligns with your spending habits and maximizes your rewards.
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