Unlocking the Hidden Benefits of Amazon Prime This Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls in, many consumers are scrambling to check off their gift lists, sometimes leaving them in a bind to find the perfect present at the last minute. If you find yourself in this predicament—say, forgetting a gift for your great aunt before she arrives for dinner this weekend—Amazon Prime may be your saving grace. While you might already be familiar with perks like free two-day shipping and access to exclusive shopping events such as Prime Day, there are numerous other advantages that come with Prime membership that are worth exploring.

Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the lesser-known, yet incredibly valuable benefits that Amazon Prime offers to its subscribers.

1. Stream Premium Channels Without Cable

While Prime Video and Amazon Music are familiar territory for many, subscribers can also access a wide range of premium channels. For an additional fee ranging from $5 to $15 per month, members can subscribe to networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz. This means no cable or satellite service is needed to watch your favorite shows and movies. Not to mention, Prime members can download content for offline viewing, making it easy to catch up on popular series like The Boys or The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power anytime, anywhere.

2. Earn Rewards with No-Rush Shipping

Not in a hurry for your Amazon package? Opt for ‘no-rush shipping’ to earn rewards that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. This feature allows you to receive your items in about six days while earning credits towards future Amazon digital services, snacks, or significant savings on larger purchases.

3. Discounts at Whole Foods

Frequent shoppers at Whole Foods will appreciate the benefits tied to their Amazon Prime membership. Members enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 20% on select items, clearly marked in stores. Additionally, scanning the Whole Foods app at checkout can yield extra savings on storewide sales, allowing Prime members to save even more on their grocery bills.

4. Exclusive NFL Football Coverage

This year marks the second season that Amazon Prime has exclusive streaming rights for Thursday Night Football. Subscribers can catch live games across several platforms, including Prime Video, NFL+, and Twitch—plus, there’s a Spanish-language broadcast option available. With a robust lineup of talent for commentary and analysis, sports fans are in for a treat.

5. Free Same-Day Grocery Delivery with Amazon Fresh

Amazon Prime members also get to enjoy free same-day delivery through Amazon Fresh. Offering a broader range of groceries compared to Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh caters to those looking for quick delivery. Members can shop at any of the 44 physical locations for additional exclusive deals.

6. Try Before You Buy with Clothing and Shoes

For those who dread ordering clothes online due to sizing concerns, Prime offers a ‘Try Before You Buy’ service. This allows members to order apparel and footwear and get a full week to try on items at home before committing to a purchase. Products eligible for this service are indicated by a special ‘Try Before You Buy’ icon on the Amazon site.

7. Unlimited Access to Books and Magazines

Book lovers can take advantage of Prime Reading, which allows unlimited borrowing of books, magazines, and comics—including titles with audible narration—without needing a Kindle. Members also receive early access to new releases and one free Kindle book monthly.

8. Year-Round Exclusive Deals

Amazon Prime members enjoy regular exclusive promotions on popular products, allowing savvy shoppers to make back their membership cost in savings. Big shopping seasons like Prime Day and Black Friday amplify this offering, giving early access to deals that are often limited in quantity.

9. Zappos Benefits for Shoe Lovers

Partnered with Zappos, Amazon Prime members benefit from quicker shipping options, reward points, and special deals on footwear purchases. Members can also access Runlimited, a 30-day trial program designed for running shoes.

10. Prescription Drug Discounts

Through the Amazon Prime Rx Savings program, subscribers can benefit from significant savings on prescriptions at numerous pharmacies, potentially saving them up to 80%. This discount can be especially useful for common medications and is applicable at over 60,000 participating stores.

11. Gaming Perks with Prime Gaming

Gamers can enjoy a variety of perks through Prime Gaming, including free in-game content, monthly free games, and a Twitch channel subscription. These benefits come bundled with both Amazon Prime and Prime Video memberships.

12. One Medical Membership Discounts

Thanks to Amazon’s acquisition of One Medical, Prime members can receive discounts on health services. This offer lowers the annual membership fee from $199 to just $99, making healthcare more accessible.

13. Unlimited Photo Storage

Prime members can take advantage of Amazon Photos, offering unlimited storage for photos and 5GB for videos, with full encryption for privacy. This feature helps keep your memories safe and easily accessible without worrying about storage limits.

14. Savings on Shutterfly Products

Members linking their accounts with Shutterfly can enjoy generous discounts of 45% on various photography products, alongside free shipping on orders over $35.

15. Free Grubhub Plus Membership

For members tired of cooking, a Grubhub Plus membership is now offered as a permanent benefit, providing unlimited free delivery for all orders over $12 in more than 4,000 cities.

16. Discounts on Amazon Kids Plus

Parents can access Amazon Kids Plus at a discounted rate of $48 annually (regularly $79), offering a wealth of ad-free content, games, and educational materials for children.

17. Schedule Your Deliveries with Amazon Day

For those who prefer to choose when their packages arrive, Amazon Prime offers Amazon Day, allowing members to schedule a specific delivery day that suits their needs.

18. Gas Savings at BP, Amoco, and AM/PM

Prime members can save 10 cents per gallon at numerous gas stations nationwide. This perk can add up to significant savings, potentially saving the average American nearly $70 a year on fuel costs.

Final Thoughts

With the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time to take full advantage of the range of benefits offered through an Amazon Prime membership. From exclusive entertainment options to grocery delivery and healthcare discounts, there’s something for everyone looking to maximize their shopping budget and streamline their shopping experience. Don’t miss out on these valuable perks this holiday season! Happy holidays and happy shopping!