14 Best Amazon Hacks That Save Money

Shopping on Amazon has become second nature for millions of consumers worldwide, but most people are missing out on significant savings opportunities. With the right strategies and insider knowledge, you can dramatically reduce your Amazon spending while still getting the products you need. Here are the top 14 Amazon hacks that savvy shoppers use to save money consistently.

We have curated these tips from Shanon, a writer and editor at goodhousekeeping.com

1. Become an Amazon Prime member

Becoming an Amazon Prime member offers a variety of valuable benefits that can be quite advantageous. By subscribing to Amazon Prime, you are making an upfront investment, which ultimately provides savings and convenience over time. These benefits include exclusive discounts on qualifying items, complimentary and expedited shipping, free grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh, early access to Amazon’s promotional events, and a host of additional offerings.

2. Take advantage of free digital offers with your membership

Your Prime membership offers a wonderful array of exclusive benefits, including access to a diverse selection of digital items such as popular movies and TV shows, as well as ad-free music. Additionally, you can explore a variety of Kindle books, original audio series, and games at no extra cost. You may also appreciate some lesser-known advantages, such as unlimited full-resolution photo storage through Amazon Photos and complimentary Grubhub+ access.

3. For non-members, score free shipping by bundling items

For non-Prime members, there is still an opportunity to enjoy free shipping. By placing an order that includes at least $35 of eligible items, you can access free shipping with a delivery timeframe of 5-8 days. Eligible items are designated as “Free Shipping” on their respective product detail pages and are fulfilled and shipped by Amazon. While this may require a bit more planning in your purchasing decisions, the benefit of free shipping makes it a worthwhile endeavor.

4. Get Amazon credit for choosing no-rush shipping

If you’re not pressed for time regarding your package delivery, consider opting for no-rush shipping rather than the standard two-day option. This is particularly beneficial for Prime members. By choosing this slower shipping method, you’ll not only enjoy a special discount on your current order, but you’ll also receive a promotional credit for future purchases once your order has shipped. It’s a great way to make the most of your membership while saving on future orders.

5. Shop with credit card points

Depending on the policies of your credit card issuer, such as American Express or Chase, you might have the opportunity to convert your credit card points into Amazon credit. Once you register an eligible rewards program with your account, you can utilize your Shop with Points balance at checkout. Additionally, Amazon Prime members can enjoy a 5% cash back benefit on Amazon purchases when using the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.

6. Set household staples to autopilot ordering

Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program offers a convenient solution for those who frequently require essential items, such as laundry detergent, coffee pods, and baby care products. Users can select the items they wish to receive regularly, determine the quantity, and establish a delivery schedule. In return for this commitment, participants can enjoy savings of up to 15% and benefit from complimentary shipping on their orders.

7. Clip coupons for extra savings

Indeed, Amazon Coupons are available for customers to utilize. As Collin Morgan from Hip 2 Save notes, “Many of these unique coupon codes can be located in the ‘Special Offers’ section on individual product pages.” Additionally, there is a wide variety of clippable coupons for groceries, household items, and more, allowing shoppers to save effectively. By selecting the “Clip Coupon” option, the discounts will be automatically applied at the time of checkout.

8. Take advantage of daily deals

To explore savings on Amazon.com, kindly navigate to the tab labeled “Today’s Deals” at the top of the page. Here, you will find opportunities to take advantage of Deals of the Day, which feature items on special discount for just one day, as well as Lightning Deals, where select items are available at reduced prices for a limited time or until inventory is depleted.

9. Buy overstocked products at steep discounts

Locating an Amazon Outlet may require some exploration, but the effort can be quite rewarding. The Outlet serves as a designated area within Amazon that offers discounts on overstock and clearance items. Within this section, you can discover a variety of categories, including clothing, beauty products, home and furniture, as well as items priced under $10.

10. Trade in electronics you no longer need

If you have an old speaker, cell phone, or tablet that you’re no longer using, consider participating in the Amazon Trade-In program. This initiative allows you to exchange eligible electronics—such as video games and internet routers—for an Amazon.com gift card, in addition to receiving a discount on a new Amazon device. The process is made convenient with a complimentary, pre-paid shipping label included.

11. Shop pre-owned and used items at a discount

Amazon Resale offers an opportunity for consumers to purchase returned, warehouse-damaged, used, or refurbished products at a reduced price. Often, the items may simply have a damaged or missing box. For instance, Grayson Bell from Debt Roundup shared his positive experience of acquiring a camera lens with an imperfect box, but found the lens itself to be in pristine condition, allowing him to enjoy a 35% discount.

12. Get refurbished items for way less

Amazon Renewed provides an excellent selection of pre-owned, refurbished, and open-box products. According to a representative from Amazon, customers can discover high-quality items from top brands that perform and appear like new, while also being more budget-friendly. Each product available through Amazon Renewed undergoes a thorough evaluation by suppliers and comes with a 90-day warranty for added peace of mind. To facilitate an enjoyable and secure shopping experience, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute recommend taking the time to review the warranty details, being aware of any fine print associated with the product, and familiarizing oneself with the return policy.

13. Set alerts to get the lowest prices

Camelcamelcamel.com provides a valuable service by monitoring Amazon prices as they fluctuate over time. Rather than having to track these changes manually, users have the option to set target prices for specific products. If the price decreases, an email alert will be sent, enabling users to take advantage of the opportunity. “Thanks to Camelcamelcamel, I was able to save $240 by receiving an alert when the price dropped,” shares Bell.

14. Or, let your cart track prices for you

If you find yourself eyeing some more expensive items that aren’t immediately necessary, it might be beneficial to add them to your Amazon cart and utilize the “save for later” option. This way, you’ll receive notifications regarding any price changes, whether increases or decreases.