30+ Amazon buying tricks
Including short-lived offers, Warehouse bargains & free delivery loophole
Amazon is the leading brand in online shopping – for most, it’s the go-to for convenience. This guide is filled with tricks to help you save money, such as checking for personalized deals, getting £2 off Prime monthly through O2 Priority, free shipping hacks, and if you’re aged 18-22, enjoying a 50% discount on Prime.
1 – Check for short-lived ‘personalised’ promos & codes
From time to time, Amazon presents limited-time promotions, such as ‘free’ credit or similar deals. These offers may not be available to everyone, but checking if you’re eligible is usually a quick process. Typically, you’ll need to already have an Amazon account (and some promotions may require Prime membership).
Conveniently, there’s a lesser-known page on Amazon’s website that displays all the temporary offers you’re eligible for, provided you’re logged in.
To find these, visit your personalized promotions page. From there, you can activate any deals you’d like to take advantage of.
2 – Easily uncover the cheapest Amazon Warehouse deals with a unique tool
Amazon Warehouse offers returned items at significantly reduced prices, often simply because a customer had a change of heart. This presents an opportunity to acquire the latest models of products that might typically exceed your budget. The items are classified with grades ranging from ‘Acceptable’ to ‘Like New,’ and they are generally much cheaper than purchasing brand-new versions. While some items may be unpackaged, Amazon ensures transparency about their condition.
This is an excellent resource for current branded electronics, kitchen gadgets, laptops, lawnmowers, games, jewelry, and household goods. Here are a few examples we’ve come across in the past:
Amazon Warehouse how much can you save
| PRODUCT | AMAZON NEW PRICE | AMAZON WAREHOUSE |
| Sony WF-C500 headphones | £55 (cheapest elsewhere £55) | ‘Very good’: £37, small scratch |
| Barbie jet Playset | £75 (cheapest elsewhere £50) | ‘Very good’: £38, scratches and damaged box |
| KitchenAid stand mixer | £360 (cheapest elsewhere £360) | ‘Like new’: £316, damaged box |
Prices change constantly and vary according to condition.
Savers have secured significant discounts via this method, but finding the best deals in this vast array of offers can be challenging. To assist you, we’ve developed the Amazon Discount Finder tool.
Simply specify what you’re looking for—whether it’s a particular brand item or a general term like ‘toaster’—and it will quickly search through the Warehouse, presenting your options in a clear format.
Since deals at the Warehouse fluctuate frequently, what you find available on any given day can feel like a gamble. However, many customers, like Angela, have shared their significant savings experiences. She wrote, “I purchased a £200 Tefal Actifry for just £70, marked as having cosmetic damage. It arrived without a scratch. What a steal!”
Remember, it’s wise not to assume that Amazon has the lowest price—even when shopping through the Warehouse. Always check other retailers for price comparisons before making a purchase. For comprehensive information on how it all operates, take a look at our Amazon Warehouse guide.
3 – Big savings on refurb tech with Amazon Renewed
Enjoy Significant Savings on Phones, Laptops, Amazon Devices, and More with ‘As New’ Refurbished Products.
Amazon Renewed offers a fantastic opportunity to score major discounts on previously owned items. These products undergo thorough testing and refurbishment, ensuring they look and function like new, and they come with a one-year warranty. This option is perfect for those interested in slightly older technology, such as smartphones, tablets, headphones, gaming consoles, smartwatches, and cameras.
While Amazon Warehouse primarily features current models, the Renewed section often includes older generations from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Dell. Because these Renewed items have been previously owned, they typically come at a lower price point compared to Warehouse returns. For example, we found an Apple iPhone 12 (64GB) in black priced at £476 (like new) in the Warehouse, while the same model in excellent condition was available for just £240 in the Renewed section.
Due to their refurbished status, quantities are limited. Here are some of the deals we’ve found:
- Apple iPhone 11 with 64GB storage – £181 refurbished (compared to £439 new)
- Xbox Carbon Black controller – £38 refurbished (originally £54 new)
- PS4 Slim with 500GB storage – £154 refurbished (retails for £286 new)
- Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) – £69 refurbished (priced at £99 new)
4 – Grab a free Prime trial to beat delivery charges, access free TV shows & movies and more for 30 days
Amazon Prime offers a variety of advantages, including complimentary one-day shipping on numerous products, access to a selection of TV shows and movies, streaming of music, and coverage of some Premier League matches. New users can take advantage of a free one-month trial of this service.
The great thing is that you can enroll in the trial and cancel it before Amazon bills you. If you forget to cancel, you’ll incur a standard charge of £95 for a yearly Prime membership (or £8.99 if you choose to pay monthly).
For those without Prime, Amazon provides free delivery only for orders totaling £35 or more, unless your purchase includes £10 worth of books, which qualifies for free shipping. However, signing up for a free trial is an effective way to avoid delivery fees that non-Prime members typically face (ranging from £3.95 to £4.99). Prime members enjoy free delivery on a wide range of items (excluding those shipped by third-party sellers), even if their total is below the usual spending limit.
More info on getting a free Prime trial and how to cancel
If you’re a first-time Amazon Prime user, you have the opportunity to sign up for a complimentary one-month trial (normally priced at £95 annually). Some individuals who have previously participated in a trial may also be eligible for another one. To find out if you qualify, log into your Amazon account, navigate to the ‘Prime’ section, and see if a 30-day free trial is available to you.
Keep in mind that Prime benefits apply only to items sold directly by Amazon.co.uk, not those offered by Marketplace sellers. If you’re uncertain, simply add the item to your cart and verify that shipping is free before finalizing your purchase.
How to cancel
To cancel, go to Your Account, then Prime Settings and click ‘Manage Membership’, then ‘End Membership’.
Is it worth paying for Prime?
If you’re not using Amazon Prime for its TV, film, or music streaming options, or if you’re not a frequent shopper, it may not be worth the investment. It’s more cost-effective to plan ahead, place orders early, or wait until you have £25 worth of items to buy.
Important. Be sure to cancel your trial before it concludes; otherwise, Amazon will charge you £95. If you choose the monthly billing option, the cost will be £8.99. After cancellation, remember to review your bank statement, as errors can occur. If you happen to forget to cancel before the trial period ends, refer to the Prime refund policy for information on how to reclaim your funds.
5 – Age 18-22? Get 50% off Prime
Are You 18 to 22? Enjoy 50% Off Amazon Prime (Plus a Six-Month Free Trial for New Users)
Amazon has broadened its 50% discount on Prime Student memberships to include all individuals aged 18 to 22. This offer was previously exclusive to those aged 18 and above enrolled in higher education. With a Prime membership, users gain access to benefits such as free one-day shipping, streaming for video and music, photo storage, and special discounts like those available on Prime Day.
The cost is £4.49 per month or £47.49 annually, compared to the standard rates of £8.99 and £95, respectively. New members can also take advantage of a complimentary six-month trial.
To register as a student, you must possess a valid .ac.uk email address or an alternative form of student identification. If you’re simply looking to verify your age between 18 and 22, you’ll need to upload a photo of either your passport or driving license.
Remember to cancel your membership before the trial period ends to avoid being charged £47.49 for the year (or £4.49 per month if you choose that payment plan). You can do this by navigating to Manage Your Prime Membership.
6 – £2 a month off Prime for O2 customers – makes it cheaper than the equivalent annual subscription cost
Until December 31, 2024, numerous O2 mobile customers can enjoy a £2 discount on their monthly Amazon Prime subscription through Priority. This offer is available to those on an O2 Pay Monthly Refresh tariff or Sim-only tariff of 12, 18, or 24 months, but it’s essential to be a new or returning Amazon Prime subscriber to qualify.
This discount does not apply to customers with an active Prime subscription, including those on a free trial that converts into a paid membership. However, if your current subscription ends before December 31, you can take advantage of this offer by canceling it to prevent automatic renewal.
The discount is implemented as a £2 credit on your monthly O2 bill, meaning you’ll pay £6.99 per month for Prime instead of the usual £8.99. Over a year, this amounts to £83.88, which is less than the £95 charged for an annual Prime subscription.
To claim the £2 monthly discount on Prime, simply visit Priority online or search for “Prime” in the Priority app (available on Android and iOS). Once you find the offer, select “Use Now” to add Prime as an “O2 Extra Bolt On” in your My O2 account. You will receive an SMS with a link to register for an Amazon Prime account.
Keep in mind that there’s a minimum term of six months. If you switch from O2, your Prime subscription will be terminated. Please refer to the full O2 terms and conditions for more details.
While perks can be attractive, it’s important not to choose a mobile provider based solely on them—consider using our Cheap Mobile Finder tool to discover the best deal tailored to your needs.
7 – Can you share Prime benefits?
Eliminate the need for multiple Prime subscriptions or reduce costs by sharing Prime perks with another adult at no extra charge. Amazon permits one Prime member to share their membership advantages for free through Amazon Household. Additionally, you can set up profiles for up to four children. While not all Prime benefits can be shared with kids, certain digital content such as books and games can be.
The adult you want to share with must have their own Amazon account. Once you’ve authorized each other, you can access shared benefits like free one-day shipping on a variety of products, streaming on Prime Video, Prime Reading, and more. This setup allows you to cut down on the expense of maintaining multiple subscriptions and even split the Prime membership cost without exchanging login information.
Although it’s referred to as an Amazon ‘Household,’ the terms and conditions do not specify that you must reside at the same location as the person with whom you want to share Prime benefits. When we inquired with Amazon about the requirement to live together, they directed us back to the T&Cs. However, it does state that you must agree to share payment methods, so make sure to do this with someone you trust.
What you can share with the household
- If you have Amazon Prime: Prime Video streaming; unlimited one-day delivery; Prime Gaming; and Prime Reading. Note: any children added won’t be able to shop at Amazon.
- If you make digital purchases: Kindle e-books; apps and games downloaded from Amazon Appstore.
What you can’t share
- Digital films, TV shows, music or audiobooks bought or rented from Amazon.
- Prime Student/age 18-22 members can’t share their benefits.
How to share your Prime benefits
- Begin by setting up your Amazon Household and connecting it to the adult Amazon account you wish to share. Alternatively, if you intend to share content with a child, you can easily create a profile for them.
- Both adult account holders must approve the use of their payment methods on each other’s accounts. However, when adding children, no approval is necessary since the content being shared is less sensitive.
- You have the option to select which services or digital content you prefer to share or not share—refer to Amazon for comprehensive details on sharing and accessing shared content.
When you establish an Amazon Household, you’ll have the benefit of using your individual Amazon accounts, ensuring that you don’t have access to the other member’s purchase history. However, keep in mind that if you own an Alexa device like an Echo, every member of your Amazon Household will be able to view the commands you’ve given to Alexa.
8 – Tool helps you get free delivery
Trick to Obtain Free Delivery on Amazon Orders. If you’re not a Prime member, Amazon typically charges for delivery on orders that fall below £35. However, there’s a clever method to secure free shipping for items sold and dispatched directly by Amazon, even if your total doesn’t meet that amount. This strategy does not apply to Marketplace products unless they are shipped by Amazon.
Delivery charges can range from £3.95 to £4.99, so it might be beneficial to purchase a small item priced under that range to exceed the £35 threshold for free delivery. Interestingly, if your order includes £10 or more in books from Amazon, the free delivery applies to all other items in that order as well.
Purchases made from third-party sellers on Amazon’s Marketplace are included in the £35 minimum required for free delivery if they are labeled as ‘fulfilled by Amazon.’
You can also discover ways to avoid delivery fees by signing up for a free trial of Prime.
9 – Free tool checks Amazon’s price history – is it really cheap now?
Just because Amazon advertises a price as discounted doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Before making a purchase, enter the product’s Amazon URL into the free price tracking tool CamelCamelCamel. This tool tracks historical price changes on Amazon and allows you to see how the current price stacks up against past prices, helping you determine if the listed ‘was’ price is genuine.
For instance, we discovered a Breville Barista coffee machine marked “38% off” at £350, yet its price was £301 back in February of this year.
The results can be quite revealing. You can use the tick boxes to filter different types of sellers or adjust the date range with the slider for more tailored results.
A free web browser extension known as ‘The Camelizer‘ is available for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox on desktop and laptop devices. After installing the extension, it will show up in the address or extensions bar of your browser. When you navigate to an Amazon page, simply click the icon of the extension to view the price history of that product.
10 – If you only have Prime for TV, movies or Premier League streaming, save up to £36 a year with its hidden Prime Video-only subscription
As previously mentioned, a Prime membership offers numerous perks. However, if you don’t fully utilize them, the annual fee of £95 may not be justified.
For those who primarily subscribe to Prime for streaming television shows, movies, or Premier League matches via Prime Video, a more affordable option exists with a Prime Video-only subscription.
This lesser-known plan isn’t featured prominently on the main Prime registration page. To access it, navigate to Prime Video, click on ‘more details’ to sign up, and then select the grey ‘Change’ button under the plan section. Unfortunately, you may need to click on ‘start your 30-day trial’ to reveal all available options, so proceed with caution to avoid unintentionally starting the trial.
This subscription is priced at £5.99 per month. While there’s no option for an annual payment, subscribing for 12 months totals £71.88, which is £23 less than the standard £95 annual Prime membership (which includes one-day deliveries and other benefits). Additionally, if you typically pay monthly for full Prime membership at £8.99, opting for the Prime Video-only plan saves you £36 over the year.
11 – Prime members can claim (and keep) free PC games every month
If you’re a gamer who has a Prime subscription or is enjoying a free Prime trial, you can take advantage of a monthly offering of both new and classic Windows PC games at no cost through Prime Gaming.
The selection of free games, typically valued between £15 and £30, is updated every month. You can retain a game permanently as long as you claim it before the specified end date. Some titles can be claimed through the Amazon Games app for Windows PC, while others may need to be redeemed using a code on third-party platforms like Origin.
Be sure to review the selection each month, as the quality of free games available can vary. Notable free titles in the past have included Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Total War: Warhammer, and Two Point Hospital.
12 – Know when to pounce on Amazon’s biggest sales
Identify the Best Times to Capitalize on Amazon’s Major Sales Events. While Amazon offers a wide array of ‘deals’ daily, there are specific periods each year when it hosts significant sales events, typically featuring its most substantial discounts. However, it’s wise to be cautious, as not every deal is truly a bargain; there are often some less-than-stellar offers.
Retailers tend to follow patterns, allowing us to analyze past sales dates to forecast future events. Here’s a look at when we anticipate Amazon will hold its major sales:
Boxing Day sale – predicted from 26 December 2024
Similar to various retailers, Amazon holds a sale at the year’s end, typically commencing on Boxing Day and concluding on New Year’s Eve.
This sale features a variety of individual deals. Although there have been some notable discounts in previous years, this event generally doesn’t match the excitement of Prime Day or Black Friday.
Spring sale – predicted from 25 March 2025
In 2024, Amazon kicked off its spring sale during the third week of March, running for approximately one week. Traditionally, this sale does not rank among Amazon’s most significant events of the year. Similar to the spring sale of 2023, many items were available at lower prices during the exclusive Prime member sales in July and October, as well as during major shopping events like Black Friday and Boxing Day. However, this sale did feature some noteworthy discounts as well.
Prime Day – predicted 16-17 July 2025
In 2024, Amazon held its two-day annual Prime Day event from July 16 to 17.
During Prime Day, customers can typically find the best discounts available, particularly on Amazon devices, which are often offered at their lowest prices. However, these exclusive deals are accessible only to Prime members or those participating in a free trial.
Additionally, certain products have their Prime Day prices matched during Black Friday later in the year.
13 – Take 30 seconds to check Amazon is REALLY cheapest
Amazon strives to be a comprehensive shopping destination, and although it may be convenient to complete all your purchases in one go, you can frequently find better deals elsewhere.
During the time it takes to browse Amazon, comparison websites can quickly scour numerous online stores to identify the best prices available.
Our experience shows that Google Shopping is the most reliable for finding the lowest prices, though other good alternatives include PriceSpy and PriceRunner. For more assistance and additional strategies to save money while shopping online, check out our Cheap Online Shopping Guide.
14 – Search for discounts on 1,000s of overstocked items in Amazon’s little-known outlet
Retailers often find themselves with excess inventory, particularly after major shopping events like Christmas, and Amazon is no exception. In fact, the company features thousands of overstock items in its lesser-known Outlet. Here, you can discover significant savings, with discounts reaching as high as 70% or more, as Amazon is eager to sell these items.
The selection in the Outlet varies frequently and may include electronics, books, home and kitchen products, baby gear, toys, clothing, and much more.
However, shopping in the Outlet can be a mixed experience. Think of it like a typical end-of-season clearance sale, where you’ll encounter a combination of valuable items, less desirable goods, and a few treasures worth picking up. It’s wise to compare prices, as not all items in the Outlet are discounted, and even the discounted products may not always offer the best value.
Here are some examples of products we spotted:
- Aigle kids’ dino wellies – £6.05 (was £27)
- Mini silicone ice cream moulds – £4.99 (was £10.65)
- Exercise resistance bands – £5.99 (was £19.99)
- Set of 40 solar string lights – £7.59 (was £19.99)
- Inflatable play mat for kids – £8.50 (was £22.99)
- Uncle Ben’s microwave rice mixed selection, pack of 12 (250g each) – £8.73 (was £12.20)
- Men’s professional hair clippers – £18.99 (was £38.99)
- Babyliss curl pods – £25 (was £60)
- Homgeek juicer machine – £27.22 (was £38.99)
15 – ‘Is it cheaper on Amazon?’ fun checker app
If you’ve come across some sneakers on a blog or noticed a playhouse in a store, there’s a clever method to check if you can find similar items on Amazon at a lower price (just remember that shopping from big retailers can impact smaller businesses).
To give it a try, simply download the free Amazon app and explore its features. Start by tapping the search bar and then the camera icon. Point your phone’s camera at the item you’re interested in and press ‘Search’. The app will then scan Amazon for comparable items and display options available for purchase.
In our experience, the app successfully identified similar products with mixed results. It worked well for items like a leather handbag, a pink piggy bank, an electronic calculator, and a yellow cushion. However, it struggled to find a match for other items, such as a pair of shoes.
When it does succeed, this tool can be quite useful for discovering visually similar products. For instance, we photographed a £595 chandelier from John Lewis and found a comparable one available for £53, including delivery—though quality may vary.
Use your phone as a barcode scanner
You can utilize the app to scan barcodes, providing a more accurate method for finding a close match. If you’ve come across an item with a barcode, like a game or a coffee machine, use the scanning feature.
To begin, launch the Amazon app and tap the camera icon located in the search bar, then select ‘barcode’. This turns your phone into a barcode scanner through its camera.
Aim your phone’s camera at the barcode, and it will display on your screen. The app will scan the code and present a list of matching items available for purchase.
Don’t just check Amazon – other tools can price-check too
Don’t take it for granted that Amazon always offers the lowest prices. While this tool is enjoyable for a quick check, it’s wise to explore other options for a thorough price comparison.
eBay provides a similar app that allows for comparable searches. You can learn more about eBay’s photo search and barcode scanner features.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to check Google Shopping to see if you can find a better deal on the item you’re looking for.
16 – Are other big retailers such as John Lewis, Currys and Argos price-matching Amazon? Look at what extras are offered
The online retail landscape is highly competitive, and it’s not always clear who offers the lowest prices. Major retailers frequently engage in price matching for popular products, which can lead to identical prices across platforms. For instance, while browsing certain items on Amazon, we’ve often found that they are priced the same as those at other retailers, including Argos, Currys, and John Lewis.
When comparing prices, it’s essential to consider more than just the cost. Look for additional benefits that might come with your purchase, such as extended warranties, complimentary items, or free music streaming for a limited time.
17 – Can you get money back if an item drops in price after you’ve bought it?
Amazon’s prices fluctuate like a yo-yo from 1998, meaning you might purchase an item only to see its price decrease within just a few days.
While we can’t promise you success, if you observe a price drop on an item shortly after your purchase, it could be beneficial to reach out to Amazon’s customer service. Politely inquire whether they can refund the price difference.
18 – Special Amazon vouchers
Take advantage of additional savings on Amazon’s dedicated voucher page. This is a clever marketing tactic. Amazon’s voucher section features numerous discount offers on specific items that you can select to apply at checkout. Be sure to log into your account to access all available vouchers, as some are tailored to specific users.
Upon inspection, many of these “vouchers” resembled standard online discounts, such as a 5% reduction on a wicker pet basket or a 10% discount on a doormat.
However, if you look closer, you’ll find some worthwhile deals. For instance, there was a £3.60 discount on a £9.60 Green & Black’s tasting collection, bringing the price down to £6.60. The next best price was at Waitrose, where it was listed for £9.60. You can also sort the vouchers by ‘Discount Percentage’ to highlight the largest savings available.
19 – Keep your eyes peeled for easily missed vouchers on product pages
When shopping on Amazon, it’s beneficial to check for any available vouchers for the product you want. You can find these either in the search results or on the product’s page. They can be easy to overlook due to their small font size and somewhat concealed placement, and you must opt in to use them.
If a voucher is present, it will be displayed below the price, with phrases like “Save 15% with voucher” or “Apply £5 voucher.” You will also see a checkbox that you need to select in order to automatically receive the discount at checkout—if you don’t tick the box, the discount won’t apply.
20 – Check if you’re buying from Amazon or its Marketplace, as delivery can cost more
When products are marked as ‘sold by’ a party other than Amazon, they are part of Amazon’s Marketplace. This indicates that a third-party seller is offering them through the Amazon platform.
Keep in mind that shipping costs may vary, so it’s wise to verify the charges. Many products purchased through Amazon Marketplace may not qualify for Amazon’s free delivery promotion, which typically applies to orders over £35. However, items sold by Marketplace vendors that are shipped or fulfilled by Amazon will qualify for this offer.
If you encounter an issue with a product purchased through Amazon Marketplace or wish to initiate a return, your first step should be to contact the seller directly rather than Amazon. It is essential that items meet certain standards: they should be of acceptable quality, suitable for their intended use, and accurately described. For more detailed information, refer to our Consumer Rights Guide.
Additionally, purchases made on the Marketplace benefit from Amazon’s buying guarantee, which provides reimbursement if items fail to arrive or do not match their descriptions (including issues related to delivery).
However, you will not be protected under Section 75, which typically safeguards items valued between £100 and £30,000 when purchased with a credit card. This lack of protection arises because Amazon processes payments and forwards them to the retailer, thus disqualifying you from this coverage.
21 – Been hit by £95 charge for unwanted Amazon Prime? How to get a refund
We’ve received a flood of complaints from individuals who unintentionally subscribed to an Amazon Prime membership. In response, we created a guide on how to reclaim unwanted Amazon Prime charges. The fee is £95 for memberships initiated after September 15, 2022, and £79 for those started prior to that date.
22 – FREE Deliveroo delivery on £15+ orders for a year for Prime members
Amazon Prime members are eligible for a year of unlimited free delivery from Deliveroo on takeaway orders that exceed £15 (or £25 for grocery deliveries).
This offer includes a complimentary year of Deliveroo Plus Silver membership, which usually costs £3.49 per month. With this membership, you won’t incur the delivery charge of up to £5, as long as you meet the minimum order requirements.
The free delivery service applies to all 50,000 restaurants partnered with Deliveroo, including popular chains like Pizza Express and KFC, as well as supermarkets, making it convenient for those last-minute grocery runs. However, it’s important to note that Deliveroo’s service fee, which ranges from 50p to £2.49, still applies.
It’s for Amazon Prime members only (including those on a free trial)
To redeem your offer, go to the Deliveroo website and choose the option ‘Claim with Amazon Prime.’ This will lead you to sign in to your Deliveroo account or set up a complimentary account if you don’t have one. After that, provide the email associated with your Amazon account. You’ll be greeted with a ‘Welcome’ screen that verifies your Plus membership.
Free Deliveroo Plus lasts 12 months unless you cancel Prime
Deliveroo has stated that after one year, your Deliveroo Plus membership will not automatically renew, preventing any charges. However, if you transition to the free year offer from a current Deliveroo Plus subscription, you will revert to a paid membership after 12 months. Please refer to the complete terms for more details.
23 – Access ‘must-read’ Kindle books free for a month (some offered longer)
Similar to Spotify for music lovers, Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service available for £9.49 per month, providing access to a vast library of over a million titles. Users can borrow up to ten books simultaneously, with popular selections currently including all seven Harry Potter novels, Wild by Cheryl Strayed, and His and Hers by Alice Feeney.
An added bonus for newcomers is the option to enjoy a 30-day free trial (you’ll need to sign in to Amazon to check for specific offers, as some may qualify for extended trials). Keep in mind that you must complete any borrowed books before the trial ends, as they will no longer be available after that period. Don’t forget to cancel if you choose not to continue, or you’ll be automatically charged £9.49 each month until you do.
Kindles can cost £100+, but you can turn your phone/tablet into a ‘Kindle’ for FREE
The primary benefit of a Kindle is its unique screen, specifically designed for reading. This feature enables users to read comfortably in bright sunlight without any glare. However, if you can forgo this specific advantage, you can achieve similar functionality by simply downloading the free Kindle app.
This app is compatible with various devices, including tablets and smartphones running on iOS or Android, as well as PCs and Macs. It provides access to millions of e-books that you can read anytime and anywhere, at no cost. Additionally, many modern smartphones and tablets include a ‘reading mode’ that adjusts the display settings to enhance the reading experience.
24 – Choose less popular colours to save
This advice may not apply universally, but for certain items like Fitbits, luggage, and travel mugs, the color selection can significantly impact the price.
For instance, during our review, we discovered a £48 price variation among different colors of the same Garmin watch. The model and features remained unchanged; only the color and corresponding price varied. Specifically, the Garmin Forerunner 45S small was priced at £157 in black but only £119 in blue.
25 – Never pay full price for audiobooks at Amazon
Purchasing individual audiobooks can be expensive, often exceeding £30 each. Audible, Amazon’s audiobook platform, encourages users to subscribe, which reduces the price to £7.99 per title. However, we have some strategies to help you save even more!
Never had an Audible subscription? Get one book totally free
If you’re just starting with Audible, you can benefit from a 30-day free trial, allowing you to download a complimentary audiobook that you can keep. Additionally, if you’re a Prime member, you’ll receive a second audiobook at no extra cost.
To register, you will need to provide your payment information. Be sure to cancel your subscription if you choose not to continue, as you’ll be billed £7.99 monthly if you forget.
26 – Reclaim over 20 YEARS of lost music
If you’ve purchased CDs or vinyl records, you can access free downloads of most of them dating back to 1999. Amazon’s AutoRip service allows you to stream or download the MP3 versions at no cost.
This means you could potentially rediscover over two decades’ worth of forgotten music—whether from CDs you’ve misplaced, damaged, or discarded, or MP3s that were deleted from your devices.
To find out if any of your previous albums are available for streaming or downloading, check your Amazon Music library. Keep in mind that it might take some time for AutoRip to identify your music. Additionally, only CDs and vinyl that were sold and shipped by Amazon and feature the AutoRip logo are eligible for recovery.
27 – Got an Amazon Alexa device? Listen to free popular audiobooks & short stories every month
If you own an Alexa-compatible device like an Echo smart speaker or a Fire TV stick, you can enjoy a selection of free audiobooks each month. Simply ask, “Alexa, what’s free from Audible?” to find out what’s currently offered. There’s no requirement for an Audible subscription or the need to provide payment information.
When you ask, “Alexa, what’s free from Audible?” you might discover titles like Aladdin, Harry Potter, Oliver Twist, Pinocchio, Planet of the Apes, Treasure Island, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz among the past selections.
You can enjoy free short stories by selecting from various genres, including mystery, science fiction, or children’s tales.
Listening to captivating short stories narrated by talented voices like Stephen Fry, David Jason, and Juliet Stevenson is a breeze on your Alexa-enabled device.
Simply say, “Alexa, open Audible Stories,” and you’ll be prompted to choose a genre—options include mystery, sci-fi, horror, or kids’ stories. Alexa will then pick a random short story for your enjoyment. Some examples of stories you might hear are The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Dracula’s Guest, and The Trial for Murder.
28 – You can pay monthly for Prime – but it’ll cost you £13 more than paying for a year
You have the option to choose a monthly subscription for Amazon’s one-day Prime delivery service, along with additional benefits, at a cost of £8.99 per month instead of paying the annual fee of £95.
While the monthly plan allows for a lower initial payment, it adds up to £108 over a year, making it more expensive than the annual fee. This is still a significant expense, so it’s wise to evaluate whether Prime is truly necessary for you.
If you’re looking to test the service temporarily or need it for a specific occasion, such as benefiting from ‘Prime Day’ offers or during the holiday season (assuming you’ve already utilized the free trial), opting for the monthly plan could be a more suitable choice since it allows for cancellation at any time.
29 – Get free Amazon vouchers with credit cards
Certain credit cards offer loyalty points for spending that can be exchanged for Amazon vouchers. However, these cards may not be our top recommendations—refer to our section on Credit card rewards for comprehensive information.
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold credit card allows you to earn reward points equivalent to £115 in Amazon vouchers when you spend over £3,000 within the first three months.
Although there is typically a £195 annual fee, this fee is waived during the first year. To avoid the fee in subsequent years, make sure to cancel your card before the second year begins.
To maximize your rewards, ensure you pay off your balance in full each month, as failing to do so will incur an annual percentage rate (APR) of 88.8%, including fees, which could quickly negate your rewards. Setting up a direct debit to automatically repay the full amount is the easiest way to manage this. Please note that a credit check will be conducted when you submit your application.
30 – How to grab ‘free’ Amazon gift cards
There are numerous methods to obtain free Amazon gift cards, and the best part is that many of them require minimal effort. If you’re trying to save for a significant purchase (especially if it’s available at a lower price on Amazon), this could be an excellent opportunity to secure a discount or even acquire it at no cost.
If you’re in the mood for some good fortune, consider trying your hand at free online contests for a chance to win Amazon gift cards. For comprehensive information on how to get started, check out our guide on Comping tips.
31 – Have your own website or blog? Tap into free cash with Amazon Associates
If you manage a blog or website, consider creating a free account with Amazon Associates. This program allows you to earn Amazon vouchers or cash by linking to their site. Simply follow the instructions to incorporate links and banners into your website.
Whenever a visitor clicks on an Amazon link from your site and completes a purchase, this action is tracked. You will receive varying commission rates based on the products sold and their respective categories.
32 – Get up to 15% off household products you regularly order
You can easily save 5% on your regular household product purchases, and there’s a way to increase that discount to 15%.
Whether it’s toilet paper, vacuum cleaner bags, pet food, or trash bags, Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program includes a variety of items that you might need to order frequently.
This service is completely free—just choose the items you want and select the frequency of delivery. Amazon will take care of sending them to you automatically while applying a 5% discount at checkout. Just ensure your payment details are saved in your account.
If you manage to have five or more subscriptions, Amazon will enhance your discount to 15% on all recurring orders. There’s no minimum duration for subscriptions, so you can set up your order, enjoy the discount, and then cancel if you wish.
It’s possible to bag up to 25% off on your first delivery of some popular items
You can collect vouchers that offer discounts of up to 25% on certain products with your initial Subscribe & Save delivery, while subsequent deliveries will provide the standard 5% or 15% discount. To take advantage of the discount, simply click the ‘Collect Voucher’ button on the product page. During our recent review, we found 25% off vouchers available for items like Andrex Supreme quilted toilet roll, Burt’s Bees moisturizing lip balm, Wagg dog treats, and more.
33 – Prime members get Amazon Music Prime for free, or £1 a month off Amazon Music Unlimited
With an Amazon Prime subscription, you can enjoy Amazon Music Prime at no extra cost, providing access to 100 million ad-free songs. However, be aware that there are some playback limitations, such as most of the song collection being available only in shuffle mode.
If you’re looking to enhance your experience, consider upgrading to Amazon Music Unlimited, which offers better audio quality, the ability to select specific tracks, unlimited skips, and more. As a Prime member, you can enjoy a discount of £1 off the standard monthly fee for non-Prime users, bringing your total to £9.99 per month instead of £10.99—making it a more affordable option than Spotify Premium.
34 – Use a cashback credit card
By utilizing a cashback credit card, you can receive up to 5% back on your purchases. However, it’s essential to pay off the balance in full each month to prevent incurring interest fees. For a comprehensive list of the highest-paying options, refer to the complete Credit Card Rewards Guide.