Sadly, the Amazon military discount is no more.
But that doesn’t mean Amazon provides nothing to military families. From free shipping to APO/FPO addresses to major employment opportunities post-service, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the company’s perks.
While you’re doing your research, be sure to download The Krazy Coupon Lady app. We’ll help you find all the military discounts and everyday savings wherever you shop.
Amazon doesn’t have a military discount.
Amazon no longer offers a military discount. They used to give you 50% off your Prime subscription when you paid for an annual subscription on Veterans Day. But the program was discontinued in 2022 — just three years after it was first introduced.
Bummer, I know. But there are other ways to use Amazon to your advantage as a service member or military family.
Get free Prime shipping — even to APO/FPO boxes.
Free 2-day Prime shipping is a great benefit for anyone, but the deal gets even sweeter for military families who are often separated from each other. Free Prime shipping applies to APO and FPO boxes — which means you can get this benefit even if you’re deployed or stationed overseas.
TIP: Here are 19 other Prime benefits you need to know about.
But keep an eye out for unshippable items.
Some items can’t be shipped outside the contiguous U.S. — even with Prime. This can affect people with APO/FPO addresses but also just anyone living somewhere like Hawaii or Alaska or Guam.
There’s not a foolproof way to tell if an item is unshippable before going through the rigamarole of putting it in your cart. But there are some items that are commonly ineligible:
- Items containing lithium batteries
- Liquids
- Chemicals
- Bulky items
Ask about Amazon during EAS/EAOS trainings.
Separating from the military? It’s highly likely Amazon wants to employ you. Amazon has invested in several pipeline programs to help veterans onboard with the company.
The first is the Skillbridge program. Amazon has partnered with DoD to facilitate a fellowship at Amazon during the last 180 days before your ETS. Ninety percent of the program participants go on to work at Amazon after separation.
Get a military apprenticeship as a veteran or during active duty.
Amazon also offers a military apprenticeship program that prepares you for jobs like:
- Data Center Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
- ADC Analyst
- Software Development Engineer
You’ll receive instructor training for 12 – 18 weeks. Then you’ll receive on-the-job training for one year. During the apprenticeship, you’ll be paid — including a full suite of benefits.
This program also boasts a 90% employment rate after the apprenticeship is through.
You can totally use it as you’re transitioning to civilian life, but all veterans are eligible — regardless of the date on your DD-214.
Amazon’s Planet Juno keeps military spouses employed.
When you get that PCS order, you know your career as a military spouse is about to take another major shift. Will you be able to find employment in your new locale? If you can’t, can your resume survive the gaps between assignments?
If you work for Amazon, they’ll help you find employment in your new location within 48 hours of receiving your orders through the Planet Juno program. That way, your career continuity will look just as good as your spouse’s.
TIP: Military spouses are also eligible for the Skillbridge and Amazon Military Apprenticeship programs.
Get an Amazon student discount whether you’re using the GI Bill or not.
Whether the military’s covering your education while you’re serving or as a vet through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, that .edu email address can get you a sweet discount on your Amazon Prime subscription.
Amazon Student gives you 50% off your Prime subscription. That means it’s either $7.49/month or $69/year.
TIP: Your spouse and children can use this benefit if they are enrolled in post-secondary education, too. Learn how to fully maximize your Amazon Prime Student benefits, whether it’s you or your family member hitting the halls of scholarship.
Secure an Amazon internship upon graduation.
In addition to the Skillbridge program and the Military Apprenticeships, Amazon offers the Campus Military program to current college students and recent graduates with less than one year of experience.
You can qualify for the 8 – 12 week internship as a veteran or a spouse. If you’re a good fit for the team, there are full-time employment opportunities at the conclusion of the internship.
No military discount, but big military opportunities.
It’s silly that Amazon ended their military discount program. We hope to see it come back in the future.
But the company does provide a lot of employment opportunities for service members and their families. Plus, there are savings to be had if you or anyone in your household is in school.
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