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As inflation, rising food prices, and the threat of an impending recession continue to worry us all, Amazon has launched a new hub on their website called Amazon Access to offer shoppers even more opportunities to save.
Announced by Amazon on Oct. 3, 2022, the new Amazon Access page provides a hub for all their programs that can help consumers save money. We dug into the details about how Amazon Access works, how to get an Amazon Prime discounted membership, and much more.
For the latest information on major money-saving deals, make sure you download The Krazy Coupon Lady app.
What is Amazon Access?
Amazon Access is a new information hub from the online retailer that shows every cost-cutting service available on Amazon in one place. These services include using SNAP benefits and EBT with Amazon, Amazon Layaway, discounted Prime memberships, and more.
The hub also covers alternative ways to pick up and pay for your Amazon orders, like using Amazon Cash. With Amazon Cash, you can shop on Amazon.com even if you don’t have a debit or credit card — you’ll pick up your purchases in person and pay with cash.
What is Prime Access?
The Amazon Access hub also includes information about Prime Access, the discounted Amazon Prime membership that only costs $6.99 a month. Without the discount, Prime membership costs $14.99 a month, so eligible shoppers will save $96 a year with the program.
Prime Access has the same features that come with a regular Prime membership, including free delivery on most Amazon items, movie and TV streaming services, and 20% off Amazon Fresh groceries.
Related: Here are the Amazon Prime benefits you need to know about.
How do I know if I qualify for Prime Access?
There are some programs on Amazon Access that are available to all shoppers, but only those who receive government assistance can join Prime Access. You’ll be required to show proof of receiving government assistance before you can join.
Here’s a list of the programs that will qualify you for discounted Prime membership and what you’ll need to show as proof:
- Direct Express (DE): A picture of your DE debit card
- Economic Impact Payment (EIP): A picture of your EIP debit card
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A picture of your LIHEAP eligibility letter
- Medicaid: A picture of your Medicaid eligibility letter
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP): A picture of your current NSLP eligibility letter that shows your child’s name and school’s name
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A picture of your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and your EBT number
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A picture of your SSI eligibility letter
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): A picture of your TANF eligibility letter
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF): A picture of your TTANF eligibility letter
- Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC): A picture of your WIC eligibility letter
Related: We found all the ways to get free stuff on Amazon.
Can I use SNAP benefits on Amazon?
Amazon allows you to use your SNAP food benefits to buy groceries and other qualifying items. You can get free delivery for pantry staple orders over $25 and free delivery for product and meat orders over $35. Delivery is available in every state except Alaska.
You don’t need to be an Amazon Prime member to use your SNAP benefits. However, if you have Prime, you’ll get free delivery with no minimum for staples like bread, cereal, canned vegetables, and more.
SNAP recipients can also use an EBT card at Whole Foods and receive free pickup for orders over $35.
How do I apply for SNAP for Amazon?
Using your SNAP benefits with Amazon is simple. First, you’ll need to create an Amazon.com account if you don’t already have one.
While logged in, add your SNAP EBT card to your account. Then shop for EBT-eligible items (see the next tip for info about that!). When you check out, you’ll enter your EBT PIN number to finalize the purchase.
If you check out with items in your cart that are not EBT-eligible, you’ll have to use a different payment option for those products.
Related: Here’s how to use your EBT card at Dollar Tree.
What is EBT-eligible on Amazon?
Amazon sells a variety of EBT-eligible items, including groceries, toiletries, staples, and produce from Amazon Fresh. Check this page to search for Amazon EBT-eligible goods.
If you see a food item on Amazon, it should say “SNAP EBT eligible” below the price. If you don’t see that label anywhere, then you can’t use your EBT card to pay for it.
How does Amazon Layaway work?
Like old-school layaway services at other stores, Amazon Layaway lets you buy an item now and pay for it later. Amazon Layaway doesn’t charge any fees and will not run a credit check. If you miss a payment, it won’t get reported to any credit bureaus.
So how do you use Amazon Layaway? When you see an item you want to buy, you’ll purchase it now but only pay 20% of the total price. You’ll then make four additional payments over an 8-week time frame. Once you make all the payments, the item will get shipped to you.
The benefit of Amazon Layaway is that you can take advantage of deals and discounts even if you can’t afford the item at that moment. This way, you won’t have to wait until you can afford it, at which point the special deal or sale may have ended. This may be especially useful if you’ve got your eye on any Amazon Black Friday deals.
Note: You can’t use Amazon Layaway in Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C. Only orders shipped and fulfilled by Amazon.com will be eligible for layaway.
