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Amazon has launched a new shopping hub called Amazon Access, which is still about shopping but designed in a different twist to help people living off government support.
Amazon access (opens in new tab) begins to provide new features and support for alternative payment methods. This means that customers can now buy food on the website with SNAP EBT (more commonly known as food coupons) and several more expensive items through Amazon Layaway. The latter allows people to prepay 20 percent of the total cost of an order and then pay the rest over time with no interest or additional fees.
Amazon is also renaming its discounted Prime tier to Prime Access, while keeping the monthly subscription fee at $6.99. The company says the reason for the name change is to give Prime Access a unique identity, making it more visible to customers who need it.
Provided you qualify, the tier gives you all the benefits of a regular Prime account, including free games through Prime Gaming plus and “fast, free delivery.”
Functions
Each of the three main features of Amazon Access has its own focus. The SNAP program (opens in new tab), for example, is mainly focused on food products, including vegetables, meat and non-alcoholic beverages. Not every food item found on Amazon can be purchased with food coupons. The company states that you should look for items labeled SNAP EBT Eligible.
Amazon Layaway (opens in new tab) is designed for electronics (such as computers and TVs) and various household items, including furniture, tools and appliances. To place something under layaway, you must check the box next to ‘Book with Layaway’ on the checkout page. Once you place the order, the lay-away begins and you have eight weeks to make four payments to pay it off in full. But you can always pay it off in full up front if you can afford it.
And as mentioned, Prime Access gives you the same perks as a basic subscription with exclusive discount deals, unlimited storage on Amazon Photos, and access to the platform’s streaming service.
Other store features were also highlighted in the announcement, but they aren’t locked behind a plan, meaning anyone can use them. Among which coupons, which have their own page (opens in new tab) where you can “clip” them, and support for Amazon Cash. The company notes that, if necessary, you may also change the site language to spanish (opens in new tab).
USA Exclusive
According to a company representative, both Amazon Access and Prime Access are exclusive to the United States. This comes as no surprise, as the announcement specifically mentions only US programs.
When asked about expanding to other countries, they said there is no information to share, but Amazon is investigating. Eligible customers can: try Prime Access as a 30-day free trial (opens in new tab). All they have to do is upload an image that says “valid proof of” [identification] or government assistance documentation.”
Amazon claims it created the Access hub to provide “accessible offers” during these tough economic times. Although the company is not afraid to raise prices when it wants to. Back in February, Amazon has increased the price of a Prime monthly subscription to $14.99 (opens in new tab) in the U.S. And a few months ago, the UK saw the same thing happen with no new benefits.
It might be interesting to note that Amazon will be holding a second Prime Day from October 11-12. Be sure to read our coverage and check out our predictions for what might go on sale.