31 Amazon Prime Perks to Make Your Summer Easier and Cheaper

1. Free same-day delivery with Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime launched in 2005 with the promise of free two-day shipping. Since then, the major online retailer has made a mission out of getting more stuff to its members at an even faster pace. Now, you can get free same-day delivery if you live in an eligible ZIP code (you can check whether you do right here). As long as you order before noon and choose same-day delivery at checkout, Amazon says your package should be delivered by 9 p.m. that night (even on Sundays).

Of course, there are a couple of caveats. For one, not every product on Amazon is eligible for the expedited delivery, and your order must cost at least $35. If it doesn’t come to that amount, Amazon will charge you up to $2.99 per order, but this is nothing compared to the $9.99 per same-day order you’d pay without Prime.

2. Free Amazon Prime one-day delivery

You can shrug off a lot of the specific requirements of Same-Day Delivery if you can wait a day to get your package. And why not? Free one-day delivery is available coast-to-coast, with no minimum purchase.

However, some restrictions still apply. Although more than ten million products are eligible for one-day or same-day delivery, that’s still not everything on Amazon. To check if what you’re buying is available on this plan, filter your search by the term “get it tomorrow.” Amazon’s promise? You’ll get your item by 9 p.m. the next day, although cutoff times and delivery varies by zip code.

3. Get paid for Amazon Prime No-Rush delivery

When you don't need super fast delivery, Amazon will reward you for choosing No-Rush Shipping at checkout. By selecting this option, which is free, you can receive discounts on your current order or rewards that are automatically credited to your account, to use on future purchases. The downside? Amazon chooses the freebie. You don’t.

You'll only get one type of offer per No-Rush Order, and Amazon says your products will arrive within six business days, though in our experience it’s far less than that.

4. Share your Prime benefits with Amazon Household

Want to share some of your Prime benefits with others in your household? That’s precisely what Amazon Household is for. Your Prime perks can be shared with up to one other adult, four teens (ages 13 to 17), and four children (12 and under) in the same household — as long as everyone agrees to share your payment methods. Instead of paying for up to six different Prime memberships, the whole family can share in the perks while paying just one annual fee.

Household members need their own separate Amazon accounts to be added to your Amazon Household. From there, you can share certain perks, including free two-day shipping. For parents worried about giving their kids access to Prime, there are parental restrictions in place. Teens in the Amazon Household will be able to shop and stream like an adult, but parents are informed of any activity. Meanwhile, younger children won't be able to make purchases at all. You'll also be able to set contact restrictions and time limits on streaming, games, and other apps that your children have access to.

Here's the catch: while this arrangement might suit you and your spouse, giving your roommate access to your credit or debit card might be a deal-breaker.

5. Get access to exclusive brands on Amazon Prime

Amazon has been aggressively expanding its private-label offerings in recent years, some of which are only available to Amazon Prime members. This is an area that offers huge business potential, which we pointed out in our story about 21 Kirkland Products Retirees Should Buy at Costco.

One such private brand is Amazon Elements, which is Amazon’s line of Prime-exclusive daily essentials, including vitamins and nutritional supplements. The notable thing about these products is their transparent origins — you can scan a special code somewhere on the packaging that outlines where every ingredient in the product was sourced.

6. Unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos

Snap away, as Amazon Prime members get unlimited full-resolution photo storage and 5GB video storage with Amazon Photos. Yes, that’s unlimited backup space for all your photos, and you can add up to five family members or friends to your plan.

Once backed up, your photos are accessible from any device that can access your Amazon Prime account. By comparison, non-Prime members only get 5GB of Amazon Photos storage for free. After that, they'll need to pay for larger storage plans, which range from $1.99 per month for 100GB up to $6.99 per month for 1TB.

Don’t worry about tagging your photos, either: Amazon’s servers will automatically sort your images. So, if you’re looking to free up some space on your devices, use the Amazon app to upload your snaps and delete them from your phone.

7. Amazon Prime for students

Amazon Prime Student is a big boon for any college and university student who is between the ages of 18 and 24, as it offers the same valuable Prime perks at a deeply discounted rate.

New students enrolled at two or four-year colleges can get a six-month free trial with a “.edu” email address (along with proof you’re taking at least one class). This one-time free trial includes free, two-day shipping on eligible purchases, access to Prime Video, discounts on college essentials, and additional perks like select Prime Video channels at huge discounts ($0.99 a month for things like EPIX, Showtime and more). It also includes student-specific discounts for StudentUniverse Travel, Course Hero and Calm.

After the trial period ends, students can continue to get access to these perks at a discounted rate of $69 annually.

8. Free music with Amazon Prime

This perk might be music to your ears if you don’t want to pay for Spotify or Apple Music. Along with everything we’ve mentioned so far, Amazon Music is included as a Prime benefit, bringing you more than 2 million “hand-curated” songs and thousands of playlists and stations programmed by Amazon’s music experts at no additional fee. And if you’re a podcast kind of person, you’ll find millions of podcast episodes on the platform as well.

The major drawback here is that many fans argue Amazon’s offering isn’t as deep as its competitors, and they’re not wrong. Per Amazon: "The selection of songs and albums available with Prime Music is always changing. New titles are added to the Prime Music catalog, and occasionally titles are removed."

Before you start shelling out for an ad-free listening experience elsewhere, though, give Amazon’s music app a whirl. And if you find it doesn’t quite offer everything you’re looking for, you could upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited. Just $9.99 a month for Prime members (after a 3-month free trial), this service nets you more than 100 million songs, including new releases.

9. Free books, magazines, and audiobooks on Amazon Prime Reading

With an Amazon Prime membership, users can read as much as they want from over one thousand books, magazines, comic books, Kindle singles, books with Audible narration and so much more via Prime Reading. Thanks to this benefit, you and your Amazon Household can borrow up to 10 titles at a time from a rotating selection of titles. Prime Reading can be picked up either on Amazon Fire tablets, Kindle eReaders or via the Kindle reading app.

As an extra treat, Prime members also get access to certain podcasts, audiobooks, and other series via Audible Channels. You just need to download the Audible app and log in with your Amazon Prime account to get listening. To get that same access, non-members need a full Audible subscription, which costs $7.95 a month for the Plus membership or $14.95 for a Premium Plus membership after the initial trial a period ends.

10. Binge your favorite shows with Amazon Prime

From Prime original movies, such as The Tomorrow War and My Policeman to original shows like The Peripheral, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Reacher, Prime Video is home to plenty of things to stream. The collection has only continued to grow as Prime gets older.

If you have a newer smart TV, chances are the Prime Video app is already built in or will be easy to download. As with any other streaming service, Amazon is keeping an eye on what you stream so they can serve up personalized recommendations based on your viewing history.

Along with streaming, Prime Video lets you download movies and TV shows to devices. If you purchase shows or movies, they’ll sit in your Library so you can watch them whenever you want. You can also add Prime Video Channels like Max, Showtime, Paramount Plus and MGM Plus to bolster your viewing options. While these come at an additional fee, paying for the add-on in Prime can sometimes be cheaper than paying for separate subscriptions to each of those streaming services.

11. Get the Prime Experience elsewhere with Buy with Prime

Buy with Prime allows Prime members to get the trusted shopping experience they expect from Amazon when they shop with participating online retailers. When you shop with a site that offers the option, you'll see a blue "Buy with Prime" button.

If you select it, you can check out by signing in to your Amazon account, which will prepopulate your payment and shipping details on the checkout page. You'll then get the same Prime shopping experience you'd expect — fast, free delivery, no-hassle checkout, and easy returns.

12. Snag lightning deals ahead of the crowd with Prime Early Access

If you’re looking for a way to make use of all these fast shipping options, this Prime benefit might just pique your interest: Amazon Prime members enjoy early access to “Lightning Deals.” These one-off, deeply discounted offers are available to members 30 minutes before everyone else.

Lightning Deals only stick around for a limited time (or until stocks last), so being able to get ahead of the pack is certainly a huge benefit. Just be aware that every other Prime member has early access to the same deals, too, so you'll have to act fast, as products can sell out during the early access period.

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13. Say 'Hey Alexa' to access Amazon Prime

If you own an Amazon Echo-enabled device, your Prime membership lets you make purchases via Alexa, Amazon’s digital assistant. For example, if you just realized you forgot to buy batteries for a "batteries not included" birthday gift, say "Alexa, order AA batteries," and a 20-pack of AmazonBasics will arrive on your doorstep two days later.

Shipping, naturally, is free for Prime members, and Alexa already knows your Prime status. You can also ask “Alexa, what are your deals” to learn about special Alexa-only discounts.

14. Ultra-Fast Amazon Prime grocery delivery

Hungry? Are the cupboards bare? Amazon’s got your back with Ultra-Fast Delivery on a vast array of groceries. As a Prime member, you get free same-delivery on grocery orders over $100 from Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and select local retailers. Depending on where you are, your grocery order can arrive in as little as one hour. Members also get a rotating selection of exclusive deals and coupons every week.

Once you’ve built your cart online, trained shoppers do the hard work for you. After that, you can either schedule a home delivery window or a pickup window if you’d prefer to swing by the store yourself. In addition to convenient access to Whole Foods and local retailers, Prime members can also get free delivery on pantry staples from Amazon Prime Grocery Outlet.

Speaking of Whole Foods, did you know Prime members can have Amazon orders shipped to Whole Foods stores that contain Amazon Lockers? This is a great perk for added security if you're worried about porch pirates getting to your package before you do. You can also drop off Amazon returns at Whole Foods for free, without the need of a box or label?

15. Save with Amazon Outlet

Did you know that Amazon has it's own outlet, offering up to 50% off a wide array of products, including furniture, clothing, electronics and sporting goods? Items listed on Amazon Outlet aren't used or second-hand either. Products are either overstocks, discontinued items or simply clearance items. You can also save on groceries, thanks to Amazon Grocery Outlet. While it doesn't carry produce, it does carry pantry staples and non-perishable items for an affordable price.

16. Free release-date delivery via Amazon Prime

Are you or someone in your household patiently waiting to get your hands on that hot new video game, book, movie or the latest album from your favorite band? Get it by 7 p.m. on the day of release, courtesy of Amazon Prime, when you choose Two-Day Shipping at check-out.

Whatever it is you’re looking forward to, choose “release date delivery” when you make your purchase, and it’ll be on your doorstep (or wherever else you get your Amazon orders delivered) the day it comes out.

17. Amazon Prime Day deals

For many online shoppers, it’s all about Prime Day (and the new Prime Big Deal Days). Launched in 2015 (ostensibly to celebrate its 20th anniversary), Prime Day is a Black Friday-like sale event offering a range of exclusive deals both during the event and in the days leading up to Prime Day.

Deals are available across practically every category on the site, especially on Amazon’s proprietary products. As a Prime member, you not only get early access to Prime Day sales, but also exclusive Prime Day deals that aren't available non-members.

18. In-garage Amazon Prime delivery when you’re not home

Not going to be home when your package is set to be delivered? No problem, with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, you can have Amazon packages or grocery orders delivered inside your garage, without the hassle or risk of sharing your personal lock code or open the door for the driver.

Here’s how it works: Set up the Amazon Key the retailer sends you, link it to your Amazon app, and enable In-Garage Delivery in the app. After it's set up, just choose "in-garage delivery" at checkout. Amazon will provide a one-time access code to its driver so they can open the garage, drop off your package, and go. Once they complete the delivery, drivers won't be able to open the door again. The vetted drivers are instructed to go no more than five feet inside your garage to drop off the package. You can also follow their moves via an optional in-garage camera.

A step-by-step guide on how to set everything up (and check whether you live in a supported zip code and have a garage door that's compatible with Amazon Key) is available on the In-Garage Delivery part of Amazon’s site.

19. Amazon Prime in-gate delivery when you’re not home

Similar to In-Garage Delivery, Amazon Key In-Gate Delivery allows Amazon drivers to deliver your packages even if you’re away.

The service is designed for single-family homes with gated driveways or fences with electronic locks, as well as apartment complexes. You’ll need the Ring Access Controller Pro and the Key by Amazon app to allow drivers access to your locked gate so they can safely secure your package behind the gate.

20. Make any day your Prime delivery day

You have more control over your deliveries than you might think. As a Prime member, you can select your preferred delivery day during the week. Anything you order throughout the week will be delivered on that day. Use this feature to make sure packages only arrive on days you know you'll be home to bring them inside right away.

This is especially good if you subscribe to items on Amazon for regular delivery or if you want to cut down on packaging and have everything arrive at the same time.

All you need to do is tell Amazon what your preferred Amazon Day is (you can choose up to two) and make sure to check out with “FREE Amazon Day Delivery”, and the retailer will deliver all your orders on the same day every week.

21. Prime discounts at physical Amazon stores

If you thought Amazon was just an online retailer, think again. There are two types of brick-and-mortar Amazon stores: Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh. Amazon Go is like a convenience store with ready-to-eat meals and snacks while Amazon Fresh is basically the retailer's grocery store.

While anyone can shop these brick-and-mortar locations, Prime members enjoy exclusive deals and discounts that other shoppers don't.

Amazon Go stores are true grab-and-go experiences, with no registers. Shoppers use the free Amazon Go app and scan it at the entrance to enter through a gate, then scan the QR codes of items they want, bag them, and leave. Your items are automatically charged to your Amazon account.

Amazon Fresh stores are small fresh-food markets offering produce, meats, and seafood, as well as prepared foods, made fresh in-store.

22. Game for free and score loot using Amazon Prime

Prime Gaming is the place to be if you’re a gamer and have an Amazon Prime membership. With it, you can choose from Amazon's library of free PC games and unlock extra in-game loot for the games you already play.

You also get a free monthly Twitch channel subscription which you can use to support your favorite streamers on Twitch, the live-streaming platform that Amazon owns.

23. Make Amazon your prescription drugstore

With Amazon Pharmacy, Amazon can also take over delivering your prescriptions within two days, for free. As a Prime member, you have exclusive access to Amazon's RxPass. The subscription service allows you to get all of your prescribed medications filled as often as you need for one flat fee of $5 per month.

While there's no limit to the number of medications you can fill with RxPass, the catch is that the subscription is only available for a selection of about 50 common medications. But if your medications are on the list and you currently pay more than $5 per month to refill them, this has the potential to help you save big.

For any prescriptions that aren't on RxPass, members can still save up to 80% with their Amazon Prime Rx benefit. With this perk, you can get savings and discounts on prescriptions at nearly 60,000 pharmacies, including CVS, Costco, and more. Just search for your medication on Amazon Pharmacy to find out whether it's cheaper to pay your insurance co-pay or pay the Prime member price.

24. Get VIP treatment at Zappos

Did you know Amazon also owns online shoe-shopping giant, Zappos? If you link your Amazon Prime account with your Zappos account, you’ll earn two VIP points for every $1 you spend at the retailer; that’s double what regular Zappos VIPs earn when they shop.

Plus, when you link your accounts you can make use of free expedited shipping on all Zappos orders, and get access to Prime member-exclusive deals during special promotional periods.

25. Entertain the little ones with Amazon Kids+

Amazon Kids Plus is the equivalent of the kids’ table at family gatherings but with even more fun stuff to do. The platform is designed for kids aged 3-12. This all-in-one subscription nets you ad-free viewing of thousands of popular children's shows, books, games, and apps – all from familiar brands like Hello Kitty, Marvel, Lego, Disney, and more.

While non-members pay for $7.99 per month for Amazon Kids Plus, Prime members can get it for just $5.99 per month.

26. Save more with Prime Access

Prime Access enables would-be Prime members on qualifying government assistance programs like SNAP EBT and Medicaid to get all of the benefits of a Prime membership at half the price. Eligible members can get all the perks that come with Prime membership for half the price, or just $6.99 per month.

To sign up and find out whether you qualify for the lower fee, head to the Prime Access page. There, you'll be directed to upload proof of participation in one of the eligible assistance programs and sign up for your Prime account (if you're a new member), and you'll start your free 30-day trial. Existing Prime members can update their membership by visiting the same page and uploading the relevant eligibility verification.

Related Content

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27. Free Grubhub+ membership

Another perk of Prime membership is a free subscription to Grubhub+. This perk includes unlimited $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees, 5% Grubhub+ credit back on pickup orders and exclusive offers on eligible orders.

The savings are automatic. You just have to link Amazon Prime and Grubhub accounts to redeem the offer. According to Amazon, if you order at least once a month, this free membership will save you an average of $300 per year. That's more than a Prime membership costs annually.

Be aware if you cancel or pause your Amazon Prime membership, your free Grubhub+ membership and benefits will end immediately. If you choose to join Prime again, you will need to activate your free Grubhub Plus benefits again as well.

28. Save 10 cents per gallon at the pump

One of the newest perks added to Amazon Prime is fuel discounts. Thanks to a partnership with Earnify, Prime members can save about $70 per year on gas. After setting it up, you save 10 cents per gallon at over 7,000 participating Amoco, ampm, and bp gas stations nationwide.

Just download the Earnify app, link it to your Prime account, and start fueling. You can use the Earnify app to find the nearest participating gas station.

29. Get on-demand care for half price

Discounted medications aren't the only way Amazon is helping members save on healthcare. The retailer also offers discounted subscriptions to One Medical, a platform for getting on-demand care both in office and remotely. With the annual subscription, you can talk to a healthcare provider around the clock via the app or schedule an in-person visit at one of the platform's physical locations.

The convenient app makes it easy to keep up with routine and preventative care, manage chronic conditions, and keep track of all your health records in one place. Normally, an annual subscription would cost $199 per year. But Prime members can sign up for just $9 per month or $99 per year.

30. Read new releases before they're released

You're impatiently waiting for your favorite author's next book, you might not have to wait as long if you're a Prime member. Each month, Amazon puts out a curated list of new titles that are slated to release the following month. As a Prime member, you can snag one of these not-yet-published titles for free every month. Once you download it to your Kindle account, it's yours to keep.

31. Get free shipping on your favorite Woot deals

One of Amazon's best kept shopping secrets is Woot, an online daily deals site that offers limited-time deals across home goods, tools, apparel, and more. There are new deals added every day, but they disappear as soon as the stock runs out.

As a Prime member, you can snap up your favorite Woot deals and enjoy free standard shipping at checkout.