Saving money on shipping may be the perk that draws you in, but it’s certainly not the only one that should catch your attention. There are so many perks that come with Prime, you probably don’t even know them all.
1. Free two-day shipping
This is the granddaddy of all features, the one that made Prime so famous to begin with. When you see the little blue “Prime” logo next to an item, that means you can ship it for free. You can expect your purchases to arrive at your door within 48 hours. Even now, this advantage may feel like magic. Not every item gets free shipping, so make sure you see that logo, but you’ll find tons of items that do.
2. Free same-day delivery
It almost takes you back to the days of newsies and milk trucks. Imagine clicking on an item and then receiving it the same day for no shipping fee.
3. Prime Video
4. Prime Music
Even better, you can listen through your Alexa-connected smart speaker. Simply ask Alexa to play specific songs, albums, playlists or artist channels. It’s super convenient!
5. Prime Photos
After snapping your way through multiple vacations and family functions, you’ve got so many photos, you don’t even know what to do with them. Well, Prime Photos is just the place for them. You’re able to view your photos anywhere. Back up and manage your photos on your desktop, tablet, and phone with free apps for Mac, PC, iOS and Android.
6. Prime Now
Shop for groceries, gifts, goodies and more from your favorite local stores. You can also get deliveries from your favorite restaurants.
7. Free release date delivery
This is one of those features that many Prime members have never heard of: Suppose you’re waiting for a hardcover book from one of your favorite authors. You can’t wait for the book to get released, so you can finally tear into it. Well, now you don’t have to. The second that book is available, it’ll be delivered to you. Many other items are also available the moment they hit shelves.
8. Prime Pantry
Basically, it’s like shopping at your local grocery store without the carts, cashiers, or car. You can have a giant bundle of food and household items delivered to your house for a flat rate of $4.99 per month with unlimited delivery. (Note: all orders under $40 will incur a $7.99 delivery fee.) That’s already pretty amazing, but you also don’t have to live in any particular ZIP code. The only bummer is for people in Alaska and Hawaii, where the service is not available.
With a simple press of a Dash Button, Prime Members can order their favorite products. Dash Button is free after first press; buy it for $4.99 and receive a $4.99 credit on your first order placed through the button.
11. Prime Reading
Prime Reading expands your reading palate even more, by giving you access to magazines and other periodicals. Borrow a wide range of literature for a set amount of time and read them on your Kindle. Books, magazines, audio-books and more are available for free with your Prime membership. Don’t have a Kindle? No sweat. You can download the Kindle app on almost any mobile device for free.
12. Audible Channels for Prime
Audiobook fans were shocked when Audible, their go-to service, released Audible Channels, a rapidly growing catalog of free audiobooks. This streaming service offers everything from short fiction to classics to original audio dramas. You could spend all day jumping from one literary tidbit to another, all for free.
13. Prime Video Channels
Use Prime Video Channels to keep up with the latest seasons of “Homeland” and “Game of Thrones.” As a Prime member, you can add this service for $4.99 – $14.99 per month, depending on the channels you select.
This costs extra, but for families with some time to kill, FreeTime is a godsend. For an extra $2.99 per month, you’ll find a treasure trove of literature, educational games and TV series geared specifically toward children. If you’re already fond of online programs like ABC Mouse, you may find FreeTime enriching and fun. Plus, like the name says, it’s pretty much unlimited.
15. Membership sharing
17. Prime Early Access
Are you feeling really competitive? Are you worried that your most coveted items will sell out before you have a chance to order them? Early Access lets you order things 30 minutes before they are released to the general public.
19. Twitch Prime
Gamers rejoice! Your kids are going to love this one.
20. Shopping with Alexa
“Alexa, order some deodorant!” We’ve saved the best for last. (Psst! If you don’t have an Echo, click the link below to order one today. You’ll be glad that you did.)
WHAT’S BETTER, AMAZON PRIME VIDEO OR NETFLIX?
Choosing the right streaming service for you and your family can be challenging. Each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, not to mention the exclusive movies and shows you can’t find anywhere else, that it takes a bit of research to nail down the best streaming service for you.
