Unlocking the Benefits of Amazon Prime: More Than Just Two-Day Shipping
As the holiday season approaches, many people find themselves in a rush to snag last-minute gifts for family members and friends. For those who have forgotten to buy a present for a loved one, such as a great aunt visiting for dinner, the good news is that Amazon Prime offers a quick and efficient solution. Besides its well-known feature of free two-day shipping, Prime comes with a host of additional benefits that many subscribers may not be aware of. Here’s a breakdown of some standout perks that can enhance your shopping experience and save you money.
1. Premium Streaming Options
While many are aware of Prime Video, not all users fully explore its capabilities. Amazon Prime grants access to a diverse library of films and original series like ‘The Boys’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.’ Additionally, music enthusiasts can enjoy over 2 million songs via Amazon Music Prime. Should users desire even more content, they have the option to subscribe to premium channels like HBO and Showtime for an additional monthly fee.
2. No-Rush Shipping Rewards
If you’re not in a hurry to receive your purchases, selecting ‘no-rush shipping’ can earn you various rewards in exchange for your patience. Depending on the item, rewards can include discounts on Amazon services or coupons applicable across various categories, potentially leading to significant savings over time.
3. Whole Foods Discounts
Frequent shoppers at Whole Foods can benefit from discounted prices when shopping in-store. Amazon Prime members receive a 10% to 20% discount on select items marked with blue Amazon stickers. Moreover, scanning the app at checkout allows them to access additional savings, including discounts on already reduced items.
4. Thursday Night Football
For sports fans, Amazon Prime’s live streaming of Thursday Night Football games offers an exclusive viewing experience. With multiple platforms available to stream including NFL+, Amazon.com, and Twitch, subscribers can catch the action as it unfolds, complete with professional commentary and pregame coverage.
5. Amazon Fresh Grocery Delivery
In addition to Whole Foods, Prime members can take advantage of free same-day grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh in select locations. This service includes a wider variety of products, making it a convenient choice for those looking for both savings and convenience.
6. Try Before You Buy
One common challenge with online shopping is successfully determining clothing sizes. Thankfully, Prime members can utilize Amazon’s ‘Try Before You Buy’ service, which allows them to order items, try them on at home for a week, and only pay for what they keep.
7. Prime Reading
Book lovers will appreciate Prime Reading, which allows members to borrow an unlimited number of books, magazines, and comics. This service also includes access to exclusive early releases under Amazon First Reads and the opportunity for a free Kindle book each month.
8. Special Deals and Promotions
Being a Prime member means exclusive access to significant discounts throughout the year, particularly during shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Members often receive early access to Lightning Deals, enabling them to score low prices on popular products.
9. Zappos Benefits
Prime subscribers benefit from faster shipping and exclusive deals on Zappos, an online shoe retailer owned by Amazon. They can also participate in a special 30-day program to test running shoes risk-free, enhancing the shopping experience for athletes.
10. Prescription Discounts
Amazon Prime members can save money on prescription medications through the Amazon Prime Rx Savings program, which offers discounts at thousands of participating pharmacies. This benefit can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for common medications.
11. Prime Gaming
Gamers can enjoy Prime Gaming, a service that allows access to free in-game content for favorite titles, complimentary games, and monthly Twitch subscriptions, adding a layer of entertainment for gaming enthusiasts.
12. Exclusive Health Care Discounts
Following Amazon’s acquisition of One Medical, Prime members can avail themselves of primary care services at a reduced yearly rate, further supplementing the range of health-related benefits offered through their subscription.
13. Unlimited Photo Storage
Amazon Prime includes the added perk of unlimited photo storage via Amazon Photos, allowing members to securely store and manage their digital memories without worrying about space.
14. Discounts on Shutterfly
Amazon Prime members can take advantage of 45% off most regular-priced products from Shutterfly when they link their accounts, making it easier to create cherished keepsakes.
15. Free Grubhub Plus Membership
Tired of cooking dinner? Prime members can enjoy a complimentary Grubhub Plus membership, providing unlimited free delivery on orders over $12 in thousands of cities across the United States.
16. Savings on Amazon Kids+
For families, Prime provides discounted access to Amazon Kids+, a subscription service that offers a wide range of child-friendly content, allowing parents to monitor screen time and manage profiles easily.
17. Customized Delivery Options
Prime members can also use the Amazon Day feature to customize delivery dates, helping manage package arrivals and reduce the worry of theft when deliveries coincide with absences from home.
18. Gas Savings
U.S.-based Prime members can save 10 cents per gallon at BP, Amoco, and AM/PM stations, potentially translating to considerable savings at the pump over time.
As the holiday shopping season kicks off, these lesser-known perks of Amazon Prime can not only ease the last-minute gift shopping frenzy but also lead to savings and convenience that extend well beyond the holidays. To explore these features further and capitalize on the best Amazon offers, consider the Prime subscription—it could be a holiday gift that keeps on giving.
