Amazon Prime Day, the unofficial Amazon holiday, will start at 12:01 a.m. PDT on July 16 and runs through July 17.
Amazon has already begun offering some deals early, and you can preview them here.
You must be a Prime member to receive discounts on selected Prime Day items. An annual Prime membership costs $139 per year, but students can sign up for Prime for $69.
Alternatively, you can try a two-day free trial or opt for a monthly membership at $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 are already a Prime member or want to become one, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
How to preview Amazon Prime Day deals
You can preview deals on Amazon’s website or app and then enable push notifications so you know when the Prime Day sale starts. Since quantities will be limited, previewing the sale should increase your chances of securing those products on your wish list.
How to score the best deals on Amazon Prime Day
To ensure you get the best deals, we recommend watching an item and signing up for notifications if it becomes a Prime Day deal. You can do this via the mobile app or desktop assistant.
In the past, we’ve seen heavy discounts on Amazon products, including Fire TV devices, Echo and Echo Dot. These deals typically last throughout the sale.
How long do Amazon Prime Day deals last?
You’ll want to act quickly when a deal starts. This is why we recommend curating your favorite items during the preview to ensure you are ready to go once the sale begins. Most items will have a limited quantity available for the Prime Day deal price. Since there are likely thousands of people — if not more — getting these notifications, be ready to add your desired product to your cart as soon as you see it go on sale.
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The main Prime Day event will last about 48 hours.
Which credit card is best to use for Amazon Prime Day purchases?
Whenever you make an Amazon purchase, we recommend using one of the cards from TPG’s list of the best credit cards for Amazon purchases.
The Prime Visa is a great choice for Prime Day and Amazon purchases yearly. New Prime Visa cardholders can get a $200 gift card upon approval.
Cardmembers also earn 5% back year-round on Amazon purchases (including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods), 5% back on purchases made through the Chase Travel portal and 2% back at restaurants. Though there is no annual fee, you must be a Prime member to hold this card.
How to save money on Amazon purchases
To help you save money on Amazon purchases, 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 return of up to 10%, too.
Bottom line
While Prime Day can lead to savings, it also takes work to get the most out of the day.
With these strategies in mind, you’ll be ready for the sale in a few weeks.
Stay tuned to TPG for more tips on maximizing your Amazon Prime Day purchases leading up to the sale.
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