7 Underrated Amazon Hacks To Cut Your Spending in Half

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Set Spending Limits With a Pre-Loaded Gift Card

Ever feel like your Amazon cart has a mind of its own?

You go in for toothpaste and somehow walk out with a new air fryer.

Using a pre-loaded gift card helps you stay disciplined and gives you a visible spending limit.

You only spend what’s loaded. No surprises when you check your balance later 🙂

• Control impulse spending by limiting your checkout balance.
  
• Avoid credit card debt by using money you already have.
  
• Plan your budget by preloading an amount for specific needs. Like groceries or household goods.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Buy a $100 Amazon gift card, load it into your account, and shop only from that balance for the month.

Make It Easy: Try Rocket Money to automatically track your purchases and set spending alerts so you never go over your set limit.

2. Switch to Generic Amazon Brands for Instant Lower Prices

You know those sleek packages with “Amazon Basics” on them?

Yeah, they’re secretly your wallet’s best friend.

They give you the same quality as big brands without the price markup.

• Amazon Basics and Solimo cover everything from batteries to shampoo.
  
• Prices are 20–50% cheaper than name brands, and reviews are usually solid.
  
• Perfect for essentials like phone chargers, cleaning supplies, and pantry items.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Replace just one name-brand item you buy monthly with its Amazon Basics version and see the difference on your next bill.

Make It Easy: Try a kitchen or home essentials bundle under the Amazon Basics brand. You’ll find durable, low-cost alternatives.

3. Buy Household Staples in Bigger Packs

If there’s one Amazon trap worth falling for, it’s bulk buying.

The more you grab upfront, the less you spend long term. Especially for stuff you use daily.

• Paper towels, detergent, and toiletries are cheaper in multi-packs.
  
• Reduces delivery fees and saves time because you’re ordering less often.
  
• Avoids last-minute runs to the store where you’ll definitely overspend.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Order your most-used item (like toilet paper) in a 12-pack once a month instead of buying small packs weekly.

Make It Easy: Consider using stackable storage bins to keep your bulk items organized so your home doesn’t look like a warehouse.

4. Check the Warehouse Deals Section First

Ever heard of Amazon Warehouse?

It’s basically the secret thrift store of the internet.

You get items that are new or open-box, but with big discounts.

• Save up to 70% on electronics, furniture, and kitchen tools.
  
• All products are inspected and backed by Amazon’s return policy.
  
• Great for household upgrades like vacuums, coffee makers, or small appliances.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Search “Amazon Warehouse Deals” before buying anything new. It’s like treasure hunting for bargains.

Make It Easy: Use Capital One Shopping to alert you when an item you want appears in Amazon Warehouse at a lower price.

5. Use Subscribe & Save to Lower Repeat Purchase Costs

You already buy stuff like toothpaste, detergent, and snacks every month. So why not get paid (sort of) for doing it?

Amazon’s Subscribe & Save gives automatic discounts on repeat deliveries.

• Save up to 15% on items you subscribe to regularly.
  
• Skip a delivery anytime. You’re not locked in.
  
• Earn extra savings by bundling multiple subscriptions together.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick 3 items you always reorder, hit “Subscribe & Save,” and let the discounts roll in each month.

Make It Easy: Consider a drawer organizer or bin set to store your subscription items neatly once they arrive. It keeps clutter low and savings high.

6. Check the “Buy Used – Like New” Option

You know that little dropdown next to the price that says “Used – Like New”?

Yeah, that’s your hidden goldmine.

It’s how you get almost-new items for way less than full price.

• Most are open-box or returns that were never actually used.
• Huge discounts on electronics, books, and home products.
• Same Amazon guarantee, so you’re fully protected if something’s off.

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: When you find an item you like, scroll to “Other Sellers” and pick “Used – Like New” to save big instantly.

Make It Easy: Keep a small cleaning and disinfecting kit at home to freshen up used or open-box items. It’ll make them feel brand new.

7. Use the Returnless Refund Option When Offered

Ever returned something and thought, “Ugh, the process isn’t worth it”?

Well, sometimes Amazon agrees. And just lets you keep the item and the refund.

It’s called Returnless Refund, and yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.

• You get your money back without mailing anything back.
• It happens often with inexpensive or bulky items.
• You can repurpose or gift what you keep. It’s like free bonus stuff.

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: If you ever need to return an item, go through the standard process. You’ll see “Keep It” listed when eligible.

Make It Easy: Keep a small storage bin for returnless items you can reuse, gift, or donate later. It keeps your space clutter-free.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌