The Update

7 Ways to Cut Back on Amazon Spending

Are you constantly blowing your budget on Amazon purchases? It’s just so easy to spend money on Amazon! You can find millions of products, and with the “Buy Now” tab so tantalizingly close, it takes mere seconds to start yet another random item winging its way to your doorstep as your checking account grows just a tad lighter. Short of giving up the most popular online marketplace in the world, how can you cut back on your Amazon spending?

The good news is, it’s easier than you think. With the right tools and information, you can learn to spend less at the giant online marketplace and get your budget back on track. Here are seven ways to cut back on Amazon spending.

Use the Wish List to Delay Purchases

Get into the habit of placing must-haves on your Amazon wish list instead of choosing the “Buy Now” option or even moving the item into your cart. This way, you’ll have more time to rethink the purchase and determine if you really want to buy it. Whether it’s another kitchen gadget you really don’t need, an accessory your wardrobe could do without or the fourteenth toy bought for your toddler this month, waiting it out helps you fight the urge of the impulse buy. It also helps you practice mindful, responsible spending.

Take “Amazon” out of Your Budget

If you’re an avid Amazon shopper, you may have given the online market a prominent place in your budget – but you’re much better off not doing so at all. Having an expense category marked “Amazon” only makes it harder to hold back from overspending. Instead, make sure each purchase you complete on Amazon can neatly fit inside another expense category in your budget, such as clothing, food entertainment etc. Of course, as always, be sure to stick to your allotted budget amounts!

Consider “Subscribe and Save” for Essentials

For everyday items that you frequently purchase, Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program can be a money-saving marvel. From toilet paper to pet food, this service offers discounts and convenient deliveries on a schedule you choose. By consolidating your regular purchases, you not only save money, but also time and mental energy. Just make sure you keep this system to essentials only.

Turn Off 1-Click

Amazon’s 1-Click feature may be super-convenient, but it also makes it super-easy to overspend. Remove the temptation to impulse-buy by turning off the feature. Just go to the Purchase Preferences page under Settings in your account and choose to disable 1-Click buying. You’ll now need to take a few more steps every time you make an order on Amazon, giving you more time to rethink the purchase and say no.

Consider Alternatives

While Amazon still holds the prize as the most popular online marketplace in the world, Walmart Plus is quickly becoming a formidable competitor. 

Take some time to review the features in each plan to ensure you are making the right choice for your needs. You may also decide you don’t need any of these subscriptions at all. Keep in mind that the average Prime member tends to spend far more on Amazon than nonmembers, likely in an effort to justify the subscription price.

Comparison Shop

Don’t assume Amazon always has the best price on every item you can possibly want to purchase. Before making a purchase, do a quick online search to see if you can find the same item at a better deal from another vendor.

Use Tracking Tools

Prices on Amazon are known to fluctuate. To capitalize on these fluctuations and grab the best deals, consider using price tracking tools or browser extensions. These tools alert you when the price of a product you’re interested in drops, ensuring you make purchases when they’re at their most budget-friendly.

Yes, you can cut down on your Amazon purchases! Use the tips outlined here to curb your Amazon spending and put your budget in a better place.

Take Advantage of RGCU Rewards

Don't forget to use your RGCU Debit Card when paying for purchases through Amazon. For every purchase you make, you'll earn reward points. These points can be redeemed for cash back, gift-cards, merchandise and more!