Unlocking Hidden Benefits: What You Didn’t Know About Your Amazon Prime Membership

As the holiday season approaches, many find themselves scrambling for last-minute gifts. If you’ve completely forgotten to purchase something special for a family member, such as your great aunt coming for dinner this weekend, you might want to turn to Amazon Prime. While most people are familiar with its signature perks—like free two-day shipping—there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known benefits associated with a Prime membership that could enhance your shopping experience.

Explore the Broader Benefits of Amazon Prime

Beyond the basics of rapid delivery and exclusive access to events like Prime Day, here are some of the most notable features of your Amazon Prime subscription that you might not have fully utilized.

1. Cable-Free Premium Entertainment

In addition to offering Prime Video and Amazon Music Prime, Amazon Prime grants access to a plethora of feature films and acclaimed original series, including popular titles like The Boys and The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. Subscribers can also enhance their viewing experience by opting for premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz for a monthly fee ranging between $5 and $15, eliminating the need for traditional cable service.

2. Get Paid for Patience with No-Rush Shipping

If you can wait a little longer for your delivery, choosing no-rush shipping can provide rewards in return for your patience. With this option, you could receive discounts on future purchases, including credits for digital services and coupons, potentially saving you money during your next shopping spree.

3. Discounts at Whole Foods

Frequent Whole Foods shoppers can reap significant rewards from their Prime membership. With Prime Member Deals, discounts of 10% to 20% are available on select items. Scanning the Whole Foods app or Amazon app at checkout offers an extra 10% off storewide sales, providing substantial savings for those who love healthy, organic groceries.

4. Stream NFL Games

For the sports enthusiasts, Amazon Prime offers exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football. Subscribers can access live games on Prime Video, NFL+, Amazon.com, or even Twitch, providing a thrilling way to enjoy the action every week during the football season.

5. Free Same-Day Grocery Delivery

In addition to Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh offers Prime members the convenience of free same-day grocery delivery. With a diverse selection of products and competitive pricing, this service expands your grocery shopping options without the additional cost of delivery.

6. Try Before You Buy

Wary of online clothing sizes? The ‘Try Before You Buy’ feature allows Prime members to order fashion items, keep them for a week, and only pay for what they decide to keep. This convenient option alleviates the challenges of online shopping, especially when it comes to sizing.

7. Unlimited Reading Options

Prime Reading provides subscribers with access to a wide range of ebooks, magazines, and comics without any additional cost. Many selections even include audible narration, allowing you to switch between reading and listening. Prime members also benefit from one free Kindle book each month, along with discounts on other titles.

8. Prime-Exclusive Deals & Promotions

Take advantage of exclusive deals available only to Prime members throughout the year. During major shopping events like Black Friday or Prime Day, you can access significant savings, making the cost of your membership worthwhile.

9. Zappos Discounts and Faster Shipping

Linking your Amazon account to Zappos offers Prime members faster shipping options, exclusive deals, and bonus rewards. Plus, participating in the Runlimited program allows you to try running shoes for 30 days before committing to a purchase.

10. Prescription Drug Savings

The Amazon Prime Rx Savings program allows Prime members to save on prescription medications, whether purchased online or at local pharmacies. This program offers substantial discounts but does not work with health insurance, so be sure to compare savings.

11. Access to Prime Gaming

For gamers, Prime Gaming enhances the gaming experience with free monthly Twitch subscriptions, downloadable in-game content, and free games, providing solid added value to your membership.

12. One Medical Membership Discounts

By using your Prime membership, you can access One Medical’s premium health care services at a reduced price of $99 per year, significantly less than the standard $199 fee.

13. Unlimited Photo Storage with Amazon Photos

Store all your memories with confidence! Amazon Prime offers unlimited photo storage and 5GB of video storage on Amazon Photos, allowing you to protect your cherished memories easily.

14. Shutterfly Discounts

Linking your Amazon account to Shutterfly grants you access to 45% off most regular-price products, along with free shipping on orders of $35 or more, making it easier to create personalized photo gifts for the holidays.

15. Free Grubhub Plus Membership

For those nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind, Amazon Prime now includes a free Grubhub Plus membership, offering unlimited free delivery on orders over $12 in thousands of cities nationwide.

16. Discounts on Amazon Kids Plus

Parents can save on Amazon Kids Plus, an ad-free service offering books, games, and videos for children. The annual subscription for Prime members is reduced to $48, making it a more accessible resource for parents.

17. Schedule Your Deliveries with Amazon Day

With Amazon Day, Prime members can select a specific day for package deliveries, allowing for more flexibility and preventing package theft when you’re not home.

18. Save on Gas

Active Prime members in the U.S. can take advantage of discounts on gas at BP, Amoco, and AM/PM gas stations, potentially saving around $70 annually as they start their day.

Conclusion

An Amazon Prime membership offers far more than just quick shipping. From exclusive entertainment access to grocery discounts and gaming options, it’s a value-packed subscription ideal for savvy holiday shoppers and everyday users alike. As the holidays approach, making the most of these benefits can ensure you maximize your savings while still finding the perfect gift for every family member.