Amazon Prime is out of reach for a significant percentage of Americans. Around 31% of American households making less than $25,000 per year have a prime membership.
Weeks before the start of the 2022 holiday shopping season the online retail giant announced the launch of something that will have a major impact.
It’s called Amazon Access, and it provides prime memberships for less than half the regular price.
Amazon announced that it would also start accepting EBT cards as a form of payment.
How much will Amazon Prime cost under Amazon Access?
The membership will cost $7 per month instead of $15.
The company says that will provide greater access to those households who earn less than $30,000 per year, but could significantly benefit from free shipping and other Prime benefits.
How will EBT card use benefit these new Prime members?
Amazon says for folks who don’t have transportation to the grocery store – EBT cards can be used on items that would be purchased there.
Groceries or household items would then be delivered to their home for free.
Amazon also says getting Prime memberships into these customers’ hands means savings.
Is Amazon launching a cash option?
Yes, the company says it will work with convenience store locations across the U.S. to allow customers to put cash on Amazon gift cards – that can then be used online.
What about layaway? When will that launch?
Amazon has already launched this effort- and the plan is to offer it all year long.
Shoppers will be required to put 20% down on layaway eligible products.
Customers will check the layaway box at checkout, and place the order to begin the payment plan.
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