Most people sign up for Amazon Prime for the speedy shipping, but you might be leaving tons of cash on the table if you're not tapping into all the hidden benefits. With Prime Big Deal Days around the corner on October 6 and 7, now's the perfect time to get the most bang for your buck.
Amazon Prime membership costs $139 per year or $15 per month, but a yearly plan saves you money. Young adults aged 18-24 can snag Prime for Young Adults at a discounted rate of $69 annually, and those receiving SNAP or other government assistance can qualify for Prime Access at just $7 per month. The trial period is 30 days, but remember to set a reminder to cancel if you don't plan to continue.
Beyond the standard free two-day and next-day shipping on millions of items, Prime members get a wealth of extras. Enjoy ad-free Amazon Music Prime with 100 million songs and podcasts, plus discounted access to Amazon Music Unlimited. Prime Video is also included, featuring popular originals like "Fallout" and "The Expanse," along with live sports like NFL Thursday Night Football. A standalone Prime Video subscription costs $9 per month, with an extra $5 for ad-free viewing.
Prime members also get early access to Lightning Deals, special discounts on Amazon devices, and the convenience of Amazon Day Delivery to consolidate packages. Plus, opt for No-Rush Shipping and sometimes snag free digital credits or instant discounts. For those who use Amazon's Alexa, the AI-powered Alexa+ is included for free, a feature that costs non-members $20 per month.
Foodies and shoppers, take note: Prime members get complimentary Grubhub+ for free delivery on select orders and discounts at various restaurants. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods offer grocery delivery and in-store discounts, including an extra 10 percent off storewide sales at Whole Foods on Tuesdays and Fridays. A separate Amazon Grocery subscription is available for $10/month or $100/year, with a 50% discount for SNAP/EBT recipients, offering unlimited free grocery delivery on orders over $25.
Other awesome perks include free access to Amazon Luna cloud gaming, monthly rewards via Prime Gaming (like in-game loot and free game downloads), and a free Twitch subscription. Gamers can also score $10 off game preorders and get free Release Day Delivery on select titles. Plus, unlock unlimited full-resolution photo storage and 5GB of video storage with Amazon Photos, and snag discounted Amazon Kids+ subscriptions for the little ones.
There are even more benefits tailored to specific needs. Link your Prime account to Earnify for 10 cents off per gallon at BP gas stations. New parents can get a free Baby Registry Welcome Box. Prime Rx offers discounts on prescription medications, and select customers can access virtual care services through OneMedical for $99/year. Eligible members can also get in-garage delivery with Amazon Key. Finally, explore three different Amazon credit cards offering rewards for Prime members, but remember to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
