Top Benefits of Amazon Prime: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Membership This Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers may find themselves scrambling for last-minute gifts for loved ones. If you’ve forgotten to pick up a present for your great aunt who is coming to dinner this weekend, Amazon Prime may have the solutions you need. With its promise of free two-day shipping and exclusive access to sales events like Prime Day, Prime membership offers much more than just expedited shipping. Here’s a rundown of some exceptional benefits that may surprise you this holiday season.
1. Access Premium TV Channels Without Cable
While most Amazon Prime members are familiar with Prime Video, they might not know that they can also access a range of premium channels without the hassle of traditional cable services. Subscribers can enjoy hit TV shows and movies through Prime Video, as well as an extensive library of music through Amazon Music Prime, featuring over 2 million songs. Furthermore, if a specific title isn’t included in the standard Prime offering, members can subscribe to channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz for an additional fee ranging from $5 to $15 per month, avoiding the need for a traditional cable package.
2. Earn Rewards With No-Rush Shipping
For those who don’t need their items immediately, opting for ‘no-rush shipping’ can lead to unexpected rewards. This option allows you to receive your order in approximately six days, and in return, Amazon rewards you with various discounts and credits that can be applied to future purchases. Common rewards include credits for digital services, coupons for grocery items, and discounts on home furnishings, potentially offsetting your total costs in exchange for a delayed delivery.
3. Discounts at Whole Foods
If you’re a regular shopper at Whole Foods, your Prime membership can result in significant savings. Prime members enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 20% on selected items, often marked with blue Amazon stickers in-store. Additionally, members can access special online deals, making grocery shopping more budget-friendly during the holiday rush.
4. Exclusive NFL Thursday Night Football Access
Sports fans looking to catch every play this season are in luck, as Amazon Prime continues to stream Thursday Night Football exclusively. Subscribers can enjoy NFL games through Prime Video, NFL+, Amazon.com, or on Twitch. With a strong team of commentators and experts, fans can immerse themselves in the action without needing a cable subscription.
5. Free Same-Day Delivery with Amazon Fresh
Beyond Whole Foods, Amazon Prime members can take advantage of Amazon Fresh, which offers free same-day grocery delivery in select areas. Unlike Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh provides a wider variety of grocery products, often at lower prices, making it a convenient option for busy holiday shoppers.
6. Try Before You Buy on Clothing
Amazon introduces a solution to the quandary of online clothing shopping with its ‘Try Before You Buy’ feature. Prime members can select clothes, shoes, and accessories to try at home for up to seven days before deciding what to keep, alleviating concerns about size and fit.
7. Unlimited Access to Books, Magazines, and Comics
Amazon Prime offers an impressive reading experience through Prime Reading, allowing members to borrow an unlimited number of books, magazines, and comics. This service includes popular titles and special early releases, perfect for those looking to unwind during the holiday season.
8. Year-Round Prime-Exclusive Deals
Throughout the year, Amazon offers exclusive deals on a variety of coveted products. During major shopping events such as Black Friday, Prime Day, and other seasonal sales, members enjoy specially priced items and early access to limited-time offers.
9. Zappos Discounts and Faster Shipping
As part of Amazon’s acquisition of Zappos, Prime members now enjoy quicker shipping, bonus rewards, and exclusive offers on shoes and apparel. Members can also participate in Runlimited, allowing a trial period for running shoes.
10. Prescription Drug Savings
Amazon Prime provides an invaluable service with its Rx Savings program, offering discounts on prescriptions at participating pharmacies. Members can expect to save as much as 80% on commonly prescribed medications, making health management more affordable, particularly in these pandemic times.
11. Gaming Benefits with Prime Gaming
For gamers, Prime membership includes access to Prime Gaming, which offers free downloadable game content and exclusive in-game loot for favorite titles. This feature adds another layer of entertainment without any additional costs.
12. Discounts on Health Services with One Medical
Amazon’s recent acquisition of One Medical allows Prime members to enjoy substantial discounts on membership fees, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable.
13. Unlimited Photo Storage with Amazon Photos
With an Amazon Prime subscription, members receive unlimited photo storage and 5GB for videos through Amazon Photos. This feature is ideal for preserving memories as the holiday season unfolds.
14. Shutterfly Discounts and Free Shipping
Through a partnership with Shutterfly, Prime members can save 45% on regular-priced products and enjoy free shipping on orders over $35, facilitating seamless sharing of holiday memories.
15. Free Grubhub Plus Membership
Another appealing perk of Prime membership is the inclusion of Grubhub Plus, which allows for unlimited free delivery on eligible orders. This convenient option is perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much work.
16. Savings on Children’s Content
Prime families can benefit from discounted access to Amazon Kids Plus, featuring a host of ad-free content through engaging videos, books, and games designed for children aged 3 to 12.
17. Use Amazon Day for Customized Package Scheduling
With Amazon Day, Prime members can choose a specific delivery date that aligns with their schedule. This option not only provides convenience but also helps reduce clutter from multiple package deliveries.
18. Fuel Savings at Gas Stations
Amazon Prime members can save at the gas pump with discounts at BP, Amoco, and AM/PM gas stations. This offer translates into potential savings of nearly $70 a year, helping to ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs.
Conclusion
As you prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Amazon Prime’s extensive benefits can save you both time and money. From shopping and entertainment to health care and grocery savings, your membership provides a valuable array of features that might just make this holiday season a little less stressful. Whether you’re sending gifts, ordering groceries, or attempting to catch that crucial last-minute gift, unlocking the full potential of Amazon Prime will ensure your holidays go smoothly.
