As Amazon prepares for its second Prime Day of the year next week, the company is now rolling out Amazon Access – a new shopping hub that will help customers save more money. With Amazon Access, shoppers will have new ways to pay, more savings for consumers who receive SNAP EBT, and discounts on Prime memberships for those who qualify for government assistance.
“Amazon launched a grassroots program to listen and learn from customers in communities across the country,” the company wrote. “In fact, this customer feedback is central to the design of our products and services. We found that many of our customers are looking for ways to save money and time, now more than ever. We know that online shopping is a big part of how they save, and that’s why we’re introducing Amazon Access, a hub to make shopping easier for all customers.”
More savings are now possible
With the holidays approaching, Amazon Access offers customers options for greater savings. For starters, the company is offering Prime memberships to those who qualify for government assistance for half the price.
Eligible customers can pay just $6.99 per month and receive all the benefits of having a Prime membership.
“Millions of households that receive benefits from one of 10 government assistance programs can join Prime Access to enjoy all that Prime offers while saving more than 50% on their membership costs,” Amazon said. “And customers have responded, expanding program membership by more than 300% from 2019 to the end of 2021. By launching a new name, we’re excited to bring customers more visibility on how they can access Prime’s valuable benefits, exclusive perks, and savings.”
Consumers with a SNAP EBT card can now save on groceries and use their card to pay on Amazon. Customers don’t need to be Prime members but do need to create an Amazon account, and delivery on their grocery orders is free. Savings are available on everything from fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry, to bread, cereals, snacks, and nonalcoholic beverages.
Layaway option
Amazon Access will also offer customers the option to pay with layaway. Twenty percent of the total cost must be paid at the time of purchase to secure the items, and then the rest can be paid over time.
Amazon says that thousands of items will be available for layaway, and shoppers won’t need to worry about fees, interest, or credit checks to select this payment option.
Additionally, paying with Amazon Cash remains an option at checkout, as does picking up items at a self-service Amazon locker or counter location. Amazon will also continue to offer discounts and coupons on items, as well as the Subscribe and Save option.