15 Hidden Amazon Prime Benefits Most Users Don’t Know

Introduction

Amazon Prime started in 2005 as a free two‑day shipping program, but it has grown into a massive subscription ecosystem with more than 250 million membersfreditech.com. Beyond fast shipping and Prime Video, Prime bundles photo storage, reading, gaming, grocery discounts and health‑care savings. Many of these perks remain under‑used because shoppers simply don’t know they exist. In this guide you’ll explore 15 hidden benefits included with an Amazon Prime membership in 2026. For each perk you’ll learn what it offers, why it matters and step‑by‑step instructions to start using it. We also link to related resources on FrediTech, such as our Amazon Prime Free Trial guide and Is Amazon Prime Worth It in 2026? for deeper analysis.

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Benefit 1 – Buy with Prime

What it is: Buy with Prime lets you check out on participating third‑party websites using your Amazon payment and shipping details. You get fast, free Prime‑style delivery and easy returns when you see the Prime logo on a merchant’s site. Amazon’s official blog highlights this service as one of the top under‑used perksaboutamazon.com. NBC notes that Buy with Prime allows shoppers to use stored payment details and get free next‑day delivery from brands like Adidas or Shokznbcnews.com.

Why it matters: Smaller brands often offer exclusive products or better prices than Amazon’s main marketplace, but shipping delays deter buyers. Buy with Prime removes those barriers by offering the familiar Prime checkout experience elsewhere. Real‑world examples include beauty brands like bareMinerals and lifestyle retailers such as HEYDUDE.

How to use it (step by step):

1. Look for the Prime logo on a participating retailer’s product page. The logo indicates eligibility for free Prime shipping.
2. Add the item to your cart and choose Buy with Prime at checkout.
3. Sign in to your Amazon account when prompted. The retailer will not see your full payment details because Amazon processes the transaction.
4. Confirm your shipping address and place the order. You’ll receive Prime‑style tracking and free returns.

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Benefit 2 – Unlimited Photo Storage with Amazon Photos

Prime membership includes unlimited full‑resolution photo storage and 5 GB of video storage via Amazon Photos. Aol’s 2026 overview emphasizes that this perk can replace paid cloud‑storage subscriptionsaol.com.

Why it matters: Many smartphone users pay monthly fees for cloud storage to back up family photos. Amazon Photos lets you archive images in full resolution, access them from any device and even display them on your Echo Show or Fire TV. You can also share albums with friends and family.

How to use it:

1. Download the Amazon Photos app on your phone or visit amazon.com/photos on a computer.
2. Sign in with your Prime account. The app will prompt you to enable automatic photo backup.
3. Select “Back Up & Sync.” The app will start uploading your images in full quality. Videos count toward your 5 GB allowance.
4. Create albums and share them with loved ones by generating private links.

Real‑world example: A parent in Accra used Amazon Photos to back up thousands of school pictures before switching phones. Because the photos were stored in Amazon’s cloud, they could easily create slideshows for family gatherings and free up phone space.

Benefit 3 – Prime Reading and Amazon First Reads

Prime includes Prime Reading, a rotating library of over 3,000 e‑books, audiobooks, comics and magazines. Members can borrow popular titles without an extra subscription. Amazon also offers Amazon First Reads, which gives Prime users early access to download one new e‑book each month from a curated selectionaboutamazon.com.

Why it matters: Digital reading subscriptions like Kindle Unlimited cost extra, but Prime Reading provides a modest library at no additional charge. Early‑release titles via First Reads let book‑lovers discover new authors before the general public.

How to use it:

1. Open the Kindle app on your phone, tablet or computer, or use a Kindle e‑reader.
2. Browse the “Prime Reading” catalog under the Kindle store. You’ll see thousands of e‑books and magazines available for zero dollars.
3. Select a title and tap “Read for free.” The title will be added to your library and remain available while you have Prime.
4. For First Reads, visit Amazon’s First Reads page each month and choose one of the editor‑selected early‑release books. Download it for free and keep it permanently.

Benefit 4 – Prime Gaming

Prime members gain access to Prime Gaming, which includes free PC and console games, exclusive in‑game content and a free monthly Twitch channel subscription. Aol notes that games rotate every month and that the Twitch subscription allows users to financially support streamers without spending extraaol.com.

Why it matters: Games and downloadable content can be expensive, especially for teens or casual gamers. Prime Gaming offers a steady stream of titles—ranging from indie gems to AAA releases—and bonus content for popular games. The Twitch channel subscription also helps creators earn revenue.

How to use it:

1. Visit gaming.amazon.com and sign in with your Prime account.
2. Browse the “Games with Prime” section to claim available titles. Claimed games are yours to keep even if they rotate out later.
3. Link your Amazon account to Twitch via Prime Gaming. Under the “Channel Subscription” tab, select a streamer and use your free monthly sub.
4. Download or launch the games through their respective platforms (e.g., Amazon Games app for PC, Epic Games, GOG or direct game clients).

Real‑world example: A Ghanaian college student saved on entertainment costs by claiming monthly games through Prime Gaming and using the Twitch sub to support a local gaming influencer.

Benefit 5 – Prime Music and Podcast Access

Prime grants ad‑free streaming of over 100 million songs and thousands of podcasts. NBC’s review notes that Prime Music is separate from the premium Amazon Music Unlimited tier, which costs extra for larger librariesnbcnews.com. Prime Music also includes curated playlists and offline downloads.

Why it matters: Stand‑alone music services like Spotify or Apple Music typically cost about $10 monthly. For Prime members, ad‑free music and podcasts come at no extra charge. The library covers popular releases, curated playlists and exclusive Amazon Originals.

How to use it:

1. Download the Amazon Music app or open music.amazon.com.
2. Sign in with your Prime credentials.
3. Browse “Prime Music” to explore songs, albums, playlists and podcasts. Anything labeled “Included with Prime” is free to stream.
4. Add songs to your library and download them for offline listening. If you need an expanded catalog or better audio quality, upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited within the app.

Benefit 6 – Membership Sharing with Amazon Household

Prime members can share their benefits with another adult and up to four teens and four children using Amazon Household. Adults share payment methods and manage shared digital content, while teens can shop independently with parental approval.

Why it matters: Instead of purchasing multiple memberships, families can consolidate their accounts. Household sharing allows parents to control teen purchases and lets kids access Prime Video, Prime Reading and Prime Gaming on their own profiles.

How to set it up:

1. Go to “Amazon Household” in your account settings.
2. Invite an adult by entering their email address. Both adults must agree to link payment methods.
3. Add teens (aged 13–17). They get their own login and can shop with the adult’s payment approval.
4. Create child profiles for kids under 13; they can watch Prime Video Kids but cannot shop.

Real‑world example: A family in Accra shared a single Prime membership among two adults and two teens. The teens enjoyed Prime Reading and Prime Video without needing a separate subscription, while parents monitored their purchases.

Benefit 7 – Grubhub+ Membership

Prime includes a full Grubhub+ subscription, a service that usually costs $10 per month. Grubhub+ offers $0 delivery fees on eligible orders, lower service fees and 5 % credit back on pickup orders. NBC notes that Prime members can place Grubhub orders directly from Amazon’s website or appnbcnews.com.

Why it matters: Food delivery fees add up. Grubhub+ can save regular diners $120 annually and often includes exclusive restaurant promotions. Because it’s bundled with Prime, you effectively subsidize the cost of your membership by ordering takeout more than once or twice a month.

How to use it:

1. Activate Grubhub+ by visiting amazon.com/grubhub or following the Grubhub link in your Prime account.
2. Create or link your Grubhub account. Amazon will verify your Prime membership.
3. Order meals through Grubhub’s app or directly through Amazon’s shopping app. Look for the “$0 delivery fee” indicator.
4. Earn 5 % back in Grubhub credits on pickup orders; these credits apply to future meals.

Benefit 8 – Prime Rx Savings and RxPass

Amazon Pharmacy leverages manufacturer‑sponsored coupons and Prime discounts to help customers save on prescription medications. According to Amazon’s 2025 report, Amazon Pharmacy automatically applies manufacturer coupons, saving customers more than $100 million on medications like GLP‑1s and insulin. Prime members can access the Prime Rx prescription savings benefit, which offers discounts of up to 80 % off generics and 40 % off brand‑name drugs at over 60,000 participating pharmacies. Eligible members may also subscribe to RxPass, which provides unlimited access to over 50 generic medications for a flat $5 per monthaboutamazon.com.

Why it matters: Prescription costs continue to rise. Prime Rx and RxPass can dramatically reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses for chronic conditions. Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults manage at least one chronic illness, and many live far from pharmacies. RxPass simplifies medication access with free delivery and transparent pricing.

How to use it:

1. Search for your medication on Amazon Pharmacy to see pricing with and without insurance. Prime members automatically receive Prime Rx discounts at checkout.
2. Enroll in RxPass via the Amazon Pharmacy website or app. You’ll pay $5/month for access to all eligible generics. Medicare beneficiaries can also sign up.
3. Transfer prescriptions by providing your current pharmacy information or asking your provider to send prescriptions directly to Amazon Pharmacy.
4. Receive medications at home with free delivery in discreet packaging.

Benefit 9 – Whole Foods & Grocery Discounts

Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods in 2017 unlocked grocery perks for Prime members. Whole Foods offers 10 % off sale items and weekly discounts on select productsinvestopedia.com. According to Investopedia, the program began in Florida and expanded nationwide, offering discounts on items like wild‑caught halibut steaks. NBC further notes that Prime members earn 5 % back on Whole Foods purchases when using the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card and can get free two‑hour delivery on Whole Foods orders in eligible areas.

Amazon also operates Amazon Fresh, a grocery delivery service. Prime members get free pickup on orders over $35 and free delivery on orders over $150. Additionally, Amazon offers a monthly grocery delivery subscription for $9.99 ($4.99 for Prime Access customers). Subscribers receive unlimited delivery on orders over $35 from Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and select local retailers.

Why it matters: Food costs make up a significant portion of household budgets. Combining grocery delivery with member discounts helps you save time and money, particularly in urban areas where grocery prices can be high. The unlimited delivery subscription can offset the monthly Prime fee if you regularly order groceries.

How to use it:

1. At Whole Foods: Scan your Prime barcode in the Amazon or Whole Foods app at checkout to receive 10 % off sale items and access special weekly deals.
2. With Amazon Fresh: Place an online order through the Amazon app or website. Choose free pickup for orders over $35 or free delivery on orders over $150. Subscribe to the grocery delivery plan if you order frequently.
3. Combine with the Amazon Rewards Visa: Use this credit card to earn 5 % back on Whole Foods and Amazon purchases. The card has no annual fee but requires credit approval.

Benefit 10 – Free Release‑Date Delivery on Pre‑Orders

NBC’s review highlights that Prime members can have eligible pre‑order items delivered on their release date for freenbcnews.com. This benefit applies to video games, books, electronics and other products. Non‑Prime customers might pay extra for release‑date delivery or receive items days later.

Why it matters: When a new game or book launches, die‑hard fans want it immediately. Release‑date delivery guarantees you’ll be among the first to receive the product without paying additional shipping fees.

How to use it:

1. Pre‑order an eligible item marked “Release‑Date Delivery” on Amazon.
2. Choose “FREE Release‑Date Delivery” during checkout.
3. Ensure your payment method is valid and your address is within the eligible area. Amazon will ship the item to arrive on the official release day.

Benefit 11 – No‑Rush Shipping Credits

NBC notes that members who select no‑rush shipping can receive digital credits as a rewardnbcnews.com. These credits apply toward digital purchases such as Kindle books, Prime Video rentals or Amazon Music.

Why it matters: Many products ship quickly even when you don’t need them right away. Selecting a slower shipping option helps Amazon optimize deliveries and reduces packaging. In return, you earn credits that can offset the cost of digital media.

How to use it:

1. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
2. Choose “No‑Rush Shipping” if it appears as a delivery option. The estimated delivery date will be later than the fastest option.
3. Confirm your order. After the item ships, Amazon will issue a digital credit to your account. Check your credit balance under “No‑Rush Rewards” and apply it at checkout for eligible digital purchases.

Real‑world example: A Kindle enthusiast saved money by selecting no‑rush shipping for household supplies and later used the accumulated credits to rent newly released films on Prime Video.

Benefit 12 – Amazon Day & Consolidated Deliveries

Amazon Day allows members to schedule a specific day of the week for deliveries, consolidating orders to reduce packaging. Aol explains that Amazon Day can reduce doorstep traffic by holding purchases until your chosen delivery dayaol.com.

Why it matters: Consolidating shipments minimizes environmental impact and ensures packages arrive when you’re home. It also reduces the risk of missing deliveries or having parcels left unattended.

How to use it:

1. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
2. Select “Amazon Day Delivery.” Choose the day of the week you’d like to receive your packages.
3. Place your order. Amazon will group eligible items and deliver them on your chosen day. You can still select faster shipping if you need items immediately.

Benefit 13 – Early Access to Lightning Deals & Exclusive Sales

Aol notes that Prime members get a 30‑minute head start on Lightning Deals, which are limited‑stock discounts that often sell out quicklyaol.com. NBC also emphasizes that Prime membership unlocks exclusive access to major events like Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Daysnbcnews.com.

Why it matters: Early access can be the difference between scoring a heavily discounted item and missing out. Lightning Deals include electronics, household essentials and seasonal products. During Prime Day 2025, sales reached $24.1 billion, illustrating how valuable these exclusive events are to shoppers.

How to use it:

1. Visit the Lightning Deals page (amazon.com/Deals) or open the Amazon app.
2. Filter for “Prime Early Access.” Deals labeled with a blue bar are exclusive to Prime members.
3. Set deal alerts in the Amazon app to receive notifications when items you care about go live.
4. Add items to your cart quickly; you have 15 minutes to check out once a deal is claimed.

Benefit 14 – Fuel & Travel Savings

Prime membership extends beyond the digital world. NBC reports that Prime members can save $0.10 per gallon at participating bp, Amoco and ampm gas stations by linking their Prime account to the Earnify appnbcnews.com. Investopedia adds that analysts predicted the combined grocery and fuel perks could make Whole Foods cheaper than conventional grocers for millions of Prime subscribersinvestopedia.com.

Why it matters: Fuel prices fluctuate, and saving even ten cents per gallon can add up for commuters. Combined with 5 % back on gas purchases using the Amazon Rewards Visa Card, members can offset some or all of the Prime membership fee.

How to use it:

1. Download the Earnify app (formerly known as GetUpside) and create an account.
2. Link your Amazon Prime account within Earnify. Verification may require signing in via Amazon.
3. Locate participating gas stations using the app and activate the Prime fuel discount before you pump.
4. Pay at the station and earn savings automatically. You’ll see the discounted price reflected in the app, and credits may be paid out via digital gift cards or bank transfer.

Benefit 15 – Streaming & Entertainment Perks

Beyond music, Prime bundles several entertainment services:

• Prime Video: Stream thousands of movies, TV series and live sports. Starting in 2024, Prime Video includes limited ads, but members can upgrade to ad‑free viewing for an extra $2.99 per monthfreditech.com.

• Amazon Channels: Add premium networks like Showtime or Starz without a cable subscription.

• Prime Video Watch Party: Watch movies remotely with friends by inviting them to a synchronized viewing session.

• Luna cloud gaming: Prime members get access to a rotating selection of games through Amazon’s cloud gaming service.

• Audible Books via Prime Reading: Some Prime Reading titles include Audible narration.

Why it matters: Having multiple streaming and gaming options under one membership can reduce the need to subscribe to other services. It also supports community experiences, like hosting virtual watch parties.

How to use it:

1. Sign in to Prime Video on your device and browse Amazon Originals, live sports and licensed content.
2. Subscribe to premium channels through Amazon Channels if you want additional networks.
3. Enable Watch Party from the playback page of compatible titles and share the invitation link with friends.
4. Access Luna via amazon.com/luna to play games on PCs, Fire TV or select Samsung TVs.

Conclusion

Amazon Prime is much more than free two‑day shipping. From hidden discounts at Whole Foods and fuel stations to unlimited photo storage, RxPass and gaming perks, the membership offers a suite of services that can save you hundreds of dollars annually and enrich your digital lifestyle. By leveraging these 15 lesser‑known benefits—and combining them with FrediTech’s in‑depth guides on the Prime Free Trial and Prime Value in 2026—you can maximize the value of your subscription. Whether you’re a gamer, reader, parent, foodie or commuter, there’s likely a Prime perk you haven’t tried yet. Explore these features today to ensure your membership pays for itself.

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FAQ – People Also Ask

What is the difference between Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited?

Prime Reading is included with an Amazon Prime membership and gives you access to a rotating selection of eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks (often cited at around 3,000 titles, changing over time). Kindle Unlimited is a separate paid subscription (US pricing is commonly $11.99/month) with a much larger library—well over one million titles. In short: Prime Reading = smaller rotating library included with Prime; Kindle Unlimited = much larger paid library.

Can I share my Amazon Prime account with family members?

Yes. Amazon’s household sharing lets two adults share a Prime membership, plus you can add teen and child profiles (counts and eligibility can vary). Note that Amazon ended the older “Prime Invitee” sharing outside your household on October 1, 2025, so sharing is now primarily intended for people who live in the same household.

Is Grubhub+ really free with Prime?

Yes. Prime members can get a complimentary Grubhub+ membership as long as they remain Prime members. You typically activate it by linking your Grubhub account through your Prime benefits page. Benefits generally include $0 delivery fees on eligible orders, lower service fees, and perks like 5% back on pickup orders (as Grubhub+ credit), depending on current terms and location.

Do all Prime members get Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh discounts?

Whole Foods: Prime members can get an extra 10% off sale items and access additional Prime-member deals by scanning their Prime code in the Whole Foods Market or Amazon app at checkout (exclusions apply, like alcohol in many places).

Amazon Fresh: Prime grocery perks vary by area and can change. Many locations offer free grocery pickup above a minimum order amount, and delivery fees/thresholds may apply. Amazon also offers a separate grocery delivery subscription in some areas that gives unlimited delivery on qualifying orders for a monthly fee (pricing varies by eligibility and location).

What is Amazon Day?

Amazon Day is a Prime delivery option that lets you choose a preferred day of the week to receive eligible packages. It helps consolidate deliveries (fewer boxes and fewer drop-offs). You can select it at checkout when items are eligible, and you can change your chosen day anytime.

Is Prime Video free?

Prime Video is included with a Prime membership. However, Amazon introduced “limited advertisements” for Prime Video in certain regions, and in the U.S. there’s an optional add-on fee (commonly $2.99/month) if you want an ad-free experience. Availability and pricing can vary by country.

Author 

Wiredu Fred is a tech journalist and editor of FrediTech & Modern Collective, where he covers consumer electronics, digital trends and e‑commerce. With several years of experience in tech journalism, Fred’s work focuses on helping readers navigate gadgets, online services and emerging innovations. His research‑driven articles emphasize clarity, practical advice and references to reputable sources.