Amazon Reaches Out to SNAP Users With ‘Amazon Access’

Amazon has launched “Amazon Access,” a resource hub to help shoppers, including those seeking information on Prime’s discounted membership program for qualifying government assistance recipients.

The hub, announced in a news release on Monday (Oct. 3), offers information on payment options such as  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) and Amazon Layaway. It also features Prime Access, Amazon’s discounted Prime membership program for qualifying users who receive government assistance.

Eligible U.S. customers who sign up for Prime Access get all the benefits of a Prime membership at a monthly discount of more than 50%.

“Given the tough economic climate, with many facing rising costs on essential needs, we want our customers to know about all the accessible offerings available on Amazon, no matter their circumstances,” Amazon said in the release.

Research by PYMNTS shows the pinch consumers are feeling. As we noted last week, the paycheck-to-paycheck economy now includes most Americans, across all income levels.

And in an age when close to 50% of U.S. consumers have faced at least one unexpected expense in the last 90 days — on average, $1,400 — their cash stockpile gets smaller. Forty percent of consumers report they have spent more than they have earned in the last six months.

Savings for people who live paycheck to paycheck but don’t have trouble paying their bills have fallen a little more than $6,800, down from more than $8,300 at the peak. Things feel a bit ominous for the paycheck-to-paycheck consumers who do struggle with expenses. The average savings here stands at less than $3,000, a drop of more than $4,000 at the peak.

Read more: NGA to Boost eCommerce SNAP Acceptance

Amazon’s attempts to reach SNAP EBT users comes at a time when grocers are increasingly looking to integrate SNAP EBT payment capabilities into their online shops in hopes of boosting sales opportunities.

Last week, the National Grocers Association (NGA) committed to double the number of grocers accepting SNAP digitally over the next two years, with a specific emphasis on rural areas and on places diminished food access.

“As the supermarket industry continues to evolve and innovate, NGA and our members are committed to preserving the longstanding, strong public-private partnerships with federal and state nutrition programs, and enhancing capabilities to reach and serve all Americans,” NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara said in a press release.