How to Get the Most Out of Your Amazon Prime Membership

Today we have a wonderful guest post from fellow blogger Anum Yoon.

If you’ve become a convert to the convenience of shopping on Amazon this holiday season, you already know that an Amazon Prime membership can save you a ton of cash on shipping. As many as 80 million people worldwide may already be basking in the glow of free two-day shipping.

As if the promise of never fighting for a parking spot at the mall again weren’t enough, Amazon Prime offers lots of other great perks for members. Are you taking full advantage of all your membership privileges? Try these extra features on for size:

Access to Critically Acclaimed Shows and Movies

You might just be tempted to ditch Netflix, since your Amazon Prime membership lets you watch more TV and movies than you could possibly sit through. In addition to an evolving list of movie titles, Amazon Prime also gives you access to some amazing original programming. “Transparent” is an Emmy winner and critical darling — “The Man in the High Castle” and “Mozart in the Jungle” are also definitely worth checking out.

Grocery Delivery Services at Your Fingertips

Too busy to hit the market on your way home from work? Amazon’s new Prime Pantry program lets you click away to order food and household items that need replenishing. Prime Pantry will bring you a box of goodies for a flat $5.99 shipping fee. As you fill your virtual delivery box, they’ll let you know what percentage of your box has been used, so you never have to worry about a surprise coverage charge for your delivery.

Free Music Streaming With Amazon Prime Music

Download the Amazon Music app for access to over one million free songs to stream over your smartphone or other devices. You’ll get access to playlists and even songs you’ve already purchased, so your long car commute to work never has to be held hostage by the inane chatter of the local morning DJs again.

Discounts for No-Rush Shipping

Amazon Prime’s signature benefit is fast, free delivery of all your stuff. What many people don’t realize is that Amazon will actually pay you to be a little more chill about when you get your stuff. If you don’t need an item in two days, you can choose No-Rush Shipping to receive promo credit on your account for your next purchase. That’s free money for planning ahead, people!

Access to the Kindle Lending Library

Not sure you’re going to like that new bestseller that everyone’s raving about? No problem. If you’ve got a Kindle, you can just borrow the book for free. You can keep a title on your Kindle for as long as you like, but you can only borrow one free book at a time, so you’ll have to “return” your download before you choose another freebie. If you end up loving it, you can always buy it to keep on your device permanently.

Encouragement to Be a Better Roommate

Amazon lets you share your free shipping benefit with up to four other people, as long as you all live at the same address. All you have to do is register them on your account and your family or roomies can all get your free shipping at no extra cost. It’s no skin off your nose, and they’ll love you for it, so here’s to familial peace and harmony in the New Year.

With all of the perks and privileges of Amazon Prime membership, it’s nearly impossible to imagine life without it. Whether you’re a pop culture hound who’s in it for the music and movies or an avowed mall-hater who doesn’t want to leave the house, there’s something here that’s just right for you.

Image courtesy of Mike Seyfang at flickr.com via CC 2.0 (with changes)