Amazon Prime Day is coming — here’s what you need to know about the internet’s favorite sale
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
This summer has brought a lot of price increases and expenses. Today, however, that burden will lift a little thanks to Amazon unveiling details about its annual Prime Day sale.
The unofficial Amazon holiday will start at 12 a.m. PST on July 12 and run through July 13. However, as has been the case in previous years, Amazon will begin offering some deals early — with some dropping on June 21. So, now’s the time to budget and prepare.
To receive the discounts on selected Prime Day items, you must be a Prime member. Currently, a regular membership costs $139 per year, while a student membership costs $69 per year; you can also sign up for a two-day free trial. Alternatively, you could opt for a monthly membership, which costs $14.99 per month for regular members and $7.49 per month for students.
If you don’t use Amazon much, the cost of joining may negate any future savings on Prime Day. However, if you’re already a Prime member or you want to become one, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
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How to preview Amazon Prime Day deals
You can preview deals on Amazon’s website or app then enable push notifications so you know when the Prime Day sale starts. Since quantities are limited, this is a great way to help you snag those products you’ve had your eye on.
How to score the best deals on Amazon Prime Day
The best way to make sure you increase your chances of getting a given deal is to watch an item and sign up for notifications if it becomes a Prime Day deal. You can do so by using the mobile app or desktop assistant, asking Alexa or just staying glued to your computer during the sale — though we strongly suggest the former options.
Typically, Amazon heavily discounts its own products such as Fire Sticks, Fire TV, Echo and Echo Dots during Prime Day, too. Fortunately, these deals typically last throughout Prime Day, so there’s less of a chance these products will run out.
Related: Download these 4 shopping portal buttons to amplify your earnings
How to get a $10 credit
From June 16 through July 13, Prime members can earn stamps for completing certain activities; by watching Prime Video, listening to Prime Music, using Prime Reading or Kindle Unlimited and purchasing a product that is Prime-shipping eligible, a member would earn four total stamps which they can then exchange for a $10 credit. Members also have a chance to win awesome experiences and Amazon gift cards when they shop with small businesses.
How long do Amazon Prime Day deals last?
You’ll need to be ready to act quickly when a deal starts. Most items will have a limited quantity available for the Prime Day deal price, and when they’re gone, well … they’re gone. Since there are likely thousands — if not more — of people getting these notifications, be ready to add your desired product to your cart as soon as you see it go on sale.
The main Prime Day event will last about 48 hours.
Related: Best credit cards for everyday spending
Which credit card is best to use for Amazon Prime Day purchases?
Whenever you make an Amazon purchase, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck — and that means using the right credit card to earn points for future travel. We rounded up the best credit cards to use for Amazon purchases, which you’ll want to keep on your radar.
This year, Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature cardholders can earn an extra 1% back on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases made on Prime Day, yielding a 6% total return. If you don’t already have this credit card, you can get a $200 Amazon gift card upon approval, an extra $100 than is normally offered.
Related: A $200 Amazon gift card and 10% back on purchases: The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
The information for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How to save money on Amazon purchases
Prime Day or no Prime Day, we have some tricks up our sleeve to help you save money on Amazon purchases. For starters, you’ll (typically) want to save your hard-earned points for future travel, check your credit card offers and use coupons when available. You may be able to maximize Amazon gift card purchases using credit card rewards to get a 10% return, too. While not all tricks will lead to Prime-level savings, every little bit helps.
Related: Gas prices continue to surge as summer travel begins: 5 ways to save at the pump
Bottom line
While Prime Day can be a way to save some of your hard-earned cash, it also takes some work on your part to get the most out of the day. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be ready to go by the time the sale rolls around in a few weeks.
Stay tuned to TPG for more tips on maximizing your Prime Day purchases.
Additional reporting by Samantha Rosen, J. Scott Clark and Michaela Barrett.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
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Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
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Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees