How to Earn Cashback When Shopping on Amazon

Amazon is where most of us do a significant portion of our online shopping. But earning cashback on Amazon can be tricky because Amazon's affiliate program has specific rules. Here's how to maximize your savings.

Does Amazon Offer Cashback?

Amazon does participate in affiliate programs, and some cashback platforms do offer cashback on Amazon purchases. However, the rates tend to be lower than other retailers (typically 1-3%) because Amazon's margins are already razor-thin.

Important: Amazon's cashback availability and rates vary by platform and change frequently. Always check current rates before shopping.

Method 1: Check Your Cashback Platform

The simplest approach: search for Amazon on your cashback platform before every purchase. If cashback is available, click through and shop normally. Even 1% on a $200 order is $2 you wouldn't have had otherwise.

Method 2: Use an Amazon Rewards Credit Card

The Amazon Prime Visa card offers 5% back on Amazon purchases for Prime members (or 3% without Prime). This is one of the most consistent ways to earn cashback on Amazon.

Even without the Amazon card, a general cashback credit card still earns you 1-2% on every Amazon purchase.

Method 3: Buy Discounted Amazon Gift Cards

Some platforms offer cashback on Amazon gift card purchases. Buy Amazon gift cards through a cashback platform, earn cashback on the purchase, then use the gift cards for your Amazon orders.

This is a legitimate way to stack savings that many shoppers overlook.

Method 4: Use Amazon's Own Promotions

Amazon frequently runs its own cashback-style promotions:

Subscribe & Save — 5-15% off recurring deliveries
Amazon Coupons — digital coupons you clip before checkout
Lightning Deals — time-limited discounts
Prime Day — annual sale event with deep discounts
Trade-in program — get Amazon credit for old devices

These aren't traditional cashback, but they achieve the same result: paying less.

Method 5: Price Track Before Buying

Amazon prices fluctuate constantly. A product might be $89 today and $65 next week. Use price tracking tools to set alerts and buy when prices drop — this can save you more than any cashback rate.

Tools to try:

CamelCamelCamel — free Amazon price history charts
Keepa — browser extension with price alerts

Method 6: Compare Amazon vs. Other Stores

Here's a secret many Amazon loyalists miss: Amazon isn't always the cheapest. Sometimes, buying from another retailer through a cashback platform saves more than buying on Amazon.

Example:

Amazon price: $100 (with 1% cashback = $1 back)
Competitor price: $95 (with 6% cashback = $5.70 back)
Savings by not using Amazon: $10.70

Always compare the final price including cashback before defaulting to Amazon.

Stacking Strategy for Amazon

For maximum savings on every Amazon purchase:

Check if cashback is available on your platform
Clip any available Amazon coupons on the product page
Use Subscribe & Save if it's a recurring purchase
Pay with a rewards credit card
Check if the price is actually competitive vs. other stores with higher cashback

The Bottom Line

Amazon is convenient, but it's not always the best deal when you factor in cashback from other stores. Use Amazon when it makes sense, but don't assume it's always the cheapest option. A few minutes of comparison shopping can save you significantly more.