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If you or a family member serve in the military, you’re likely always on the lookout for ways to stretch your budget. With Amazon being a go-to for everything from household essentials to electronics, it’s natural to wonder if they offer a special discount as a thank you for your service. The good news is that Amazon does provide a valuable program for the military community, though it works a little differently than a simple promo code at checkout.

Instead of a standard discount, Amazon extends its benefits through a program called Amazon Prime. This membership is packed with perks that can lead to significant savings and convenience throughout the year.

How Amazon Honors the Military Community

Amazon shows its appreciation through Amazon Prime Student and Amazon Prime Access, but for military families, the key offering is a discounted Prime membership. This program is designed specifically for active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans. It offers all the benefits of a regular Prime account at a substantially reduced price.

The Benefits of a Military Prime Membership

So, what do you get with this special membership? It includes all the classic Prime benefits that make life easier. You’ll enjoy free, fast shipping on millions of items, which is a huge help when you’re stationed far from major stores or managing a busy household. You also get access to Prime Video for entertainment, Prime Gaming, and exclusive deals during sales events. For many, the free shipping alone pays for the cost of the membership.

Getting Your Military Discount Set Up

To sign up, you won’t find a discount code. Instead, you need to verify your military status through a secure third-party service called ID.me. You’ll start on Amazon’s official Military Benefits page, click to verify, and then you’ll be guided through the process with ID.me. Once your status is confirmed, you’ll be redirected back to Amazon to claim your discounted Prime membership. It’s a straightforward process that ensures the discount goes to those who are eligible.

Who Is Eligible for the Discount?

This benefit is available to a wide range of service members. This includes those who are currently serving in the U.S. military—active duty, National Guard, and reserves—as well as veterans. In many cases, the offer can also be extended to spouses and other dependents, making it a fantastic benefit for the entire family.

While you won’t find a simple military discount code for everyday purchases, the discounted Prime membership provides ongoing value that can far exceed a one-time percentage off. It’s a thoughtful way for Amazon to support the military community with savings and convenience all year long.

When we ask how big the Amazon rainforest was, we’re often thinking about its vast, untouched past. For centuries, it was the largest tropical rainforest on our planet, a sprawling green ocean that seemed endless. Its sheer scale was almost beyond comprehension, covering an area so immense that it influenced global weather patterns and was home to an estimated tenth of the world’s known species. This wasn’t just a forest; it was a living, breathing world within our world.

To truly grasp its size, we need to look at the numbers from a time before widespread modern deforestation began to take its toll. The historical scale of the Amazon helps us appreciate what has been lost and why its conservation is so critical for our planet’s health.

The Amazon’s Immense Historical Footprint

At its peak, the Amazon rainforest spanned approximately 6.7 million square kilometers (about 2.7 million square miles). To put that into perspective, it was larger than the entire continent of Australia. The forest was so vast that a single river, the Amazon, carrying more water than the next seven largest rivers combined, flowed through its heart. This river system acted as the lifeblood for the forest, creating a complex ecosystem that stretched across nine South American nations, with the majority, about 60%, located within Brazil’s borders.

A Scale That’s Hard to Fathom

Imagine a single forest so large that the United Kingdom and Ireland could fit inside it more than 17 times. Its canopy was a continuous green blanket that, from above, looked like an unbroken sea of trees. This incredible expanse was home to an unparalleled diversity of life, from jaguars and pink river dolphins to countless species of insects and plants still unknown to science. The forest’s size was its greatest strength, allowing it to generate its own rainfall and act as a massive carbon sink, helping to regulate the Earth’s climate.

Why the Past Size Matters Today

Looking back at the historical size of the Amazon isn’t just a history lesson. It gives us a crucial baseline for understanding the changes happening now. While it remains the world’s largest rainforest, it has shrunk significantly due to deforestation. Knowing how big it was underscores the importance of current conservation efforts. Protecting and restoring the Amazon is essential not just for the countries it spans, but for the global community, as its health is directly tied to the stability of our climate and the preservation of biodiversity.

The Amazon’s past grandeur reminds us of its irreplaceable value. By appreciating its original scale, we can better support the work being done to ensure this magnificent forest has a thriving future.

You’ve just clicked that satisfying “Place your order” button on Amazon, and now the waiting game begins. The question on your mind is simple: how long will it take for your package to arrive? While we all dream of instant delivery, the shipping time can vary quite a bit. Let’s look at what actually determines when your new items will show up at your door.

Your Amazon Shipping Speed Options

Amazon typically offers a few different shipping speeds at checkout. The most common is FREE Amazon Prime Two-Day Shipping, which delivers your items in two business days after they ship. Standard shipping, which is often free on orders over $35, usually takes 5-8 business days. For those last-minute needs, you might see options like One-Day, Same-Day, or even FREE No-Rush Shipping, which takes a bit longer but may earn you a small reward like a digital credit.

What Influences Your Delivery Date?

Several factors can affect the timeline you see. The most important one is the item’s availability. If it’s “In Stock,” it will ship much faster than something that’s on backorder. Your location also matters; shipping to a major city is often quicker than to a remote rural area. Finally, the seller plays a role. Items shipped directly from Amazon tend to be the fastest, while orders from third-party sellers in the Amazon Marketplace may have their own processing and shipping times listed on the product page.

How to Find Your Item’s Specific Timeline

The best way to get a precise estimate is to check before you buy. On every product page, look for the text that says “Delivery” followed by a date range. This is the most accurate forecast for that specific item shipped to your address. You can also enter your zip code on the product page for an even more customized estimate. Remember to check this for each item in your cart, as they may come from different warehouses.

Tips for Getting Your Packages Faster

If you need an item quickly, a great first step is to look for products marked with “Prime” next to the price. Choosing a shipping address near an Amazon Hub Locker can sometimes speed things up. Also, try to place your orders earlier in the day, as this can increase the chance of your package being processed and shipped out the same day.

While Amazon is known for its fast shipping, the exact time it takes depends on the choices you make and the products you order. By paying attention to the delivery details at checkout, you can always have a good idea of when to expect your package.

You’ve filled your Amazon cart with everything from birthday gifts to household essentials, but when you go to check out, you wonder if you can split the total cost between a gift card and your credit card. It’s a common question, especially when you want to use up a balance or manage your budget more effectively.

The good news is that Amazon provides a flexible way to handle your payments. While the process might not be called “split payments” directly, the functionality is absolutely there. Let’s look at how you can combine different payment methods for a single purchase.

How to Use Multiple Payment Methods on Amazon

Amazon allows you to use a combination of one or two payment methods per order. This typically means you can use a gift card balance, a rewards points balance from a linked card, and one other primary payment method like a credit or debit card. During checkout, you’ll see your available payment options listed. You can simply select your gift card to apply its entire balance, and the system will automatically calculate the remaining total to be charged to your backup card.

What You Can and Can’t Split

It’s helpful to know the limits of this feature. You can easily split between a gift card and a credit card, or between a rewards points balance and a bank account. However, you generally cannot split a single order’s cost between two different credit or debit cards directly. The system is designed to use one primary non-gift card payment method to cover any remaining amount after your gift cards or rewards are applied.

A Simple Workaround for Tricky Splits

What if you really need to use two different credit cards? There is a clever workaround. You can purchase an Amazon gift card for a specific amount with your first card and have it emailed to yourself instantly. Once you apply that gift card balance to your account, you can then use it at checkout along with your second credit card to cover the full cost of your order.

Making the Most of Your Payment Options

To ensure a smooth checkout, always double-check that your desired payment methods are saved to your account beforehand. When you’re ready to pay, review the order summary carefully to confirm how the total is being divided. This helps you avoid any surprises and ensures your gift card balances are used exactly as you intend.

So, while you can’t split a payment directly between two credit cards in a single step, Amazon does offer a practical way to combine stored value with a primary payment method. With a little planning, you can easily manage how your orders are paid for.

You’ve received a Vanilla Gift Card, a prepaid Visa or Mastercard, and you’re ready to put it toward something special on Amazon. It seems like it should be a simple process, but if you’ve ever tried to use one at checkout, you might have run into a small hurdle. Unlike a standard Amazon gift card, these prepaid cards require an extra step to work on the site.

Don’t worry, it’s a common situation and the solution is straightforward. With a little bit of preparation, you can easily link your Vanilla Gift Card to your Amazon account and use it for your next purchase. Let’s walk through the simple steps to make your shopping experience smooth and easy.

The Simple Steps to Add Your Vanilla Gift Card

Think of your Vanilla Gift Card as a regular debit card. To use it on Amazon, you need to add it to your wallet first. Start by logging into your Amazon account and going to ‘Your Account.’ From there, navigate to ‘Your Payments’ and select ‘Add a payment method.’ Enter the 16-digit card number, the expiration date, and the CVV code from the back of the card just as you would with any credit card. Amazon will also ask for the billing address; for a Vanilla Gift Card, you can use your own home address.

Why You Need to Register Your Card First

This is the most important tip for a successful transaction. Before you even attempt to make a purchase on Amazon, you must register your Vanilla Gift Card online. Visit the Vanilla Gift website listed on the back of your card and follow the instructions to register it with your name and address. This links a billing zip code to the card, which Amazon requires to verify the payment. Without this step, your transaction will likely be declined.

Managing Your Card Balance on Amazon

One of the great features of using a prepaid card on Amazon is how it handles your balance. If your cart total is more than the amount on your Vanilla Gift Card, you can easily split the payment. At checkout, select your Vanilla Gift Card as the primary payment method. Amazon will automatically charge the card for its available balance and then prompt you to choose a second payment method for the remaining amount. This makes it easy to use your card even if it doesn’t cover the full cost of your order.

Using a Vanilla Gift Card on Amazon is a convenient way to shop once you know the process. By registering your card online and adding it to your Amazon wallet as a standard payment method, you can apply your balance to almost anything on the site. Just remember that key first step of registration, and you’ll be all set for a hassle-free checkout.

You’ve just received a Visa gift card, and your mind is already racing with all the possibilities on Amazon. It’s a common question: can you use that plastic rectangle of potential to shop the world’s largest online store? The good news is that the answer is a resounding yes. Amazon does accept Visa gift cards, treating them just like any other credit card in their system.

However, using them isn’t always as straightforward as using your personal debit or credit card. A few extra steps and some careful planning can make the difference between a smooth checkout and a frustrating error message. Let’s walk through how to make your Visa gift card work for your next Amazon haul.

How to Add Your Visa Gift Card to Amazon

Adding your Visa gift card to your Amazon wallet is simple. Go to ‘Your Account’ and navigate to ‘Your Payments.’ Click on ‘Add a payment method’ and enter the card details exactly as they appear on the card. This includes the 16-digit card number, the expiration date, and the CVV security code. It’s crucial to also register your card online with the issuing bank, providing your name and address. This helps prevent Amazon’s system from flagging the transaction.

Tips for a Smooth Checkout Process

To avoid any hiccups, there are a couple of key things to remember. First, always check your card’s exact balance before you shop. You can usually do this on the provider’s website or via a phone number on the back of the card. Second, your total order cost must be less than or equal to the amount on the gift card. If your cart total is $50 but your card only has $45, the transaction will be declined. For larger purchases, you can use a split-tender payment. Add your Visa gift card as the primary payment method and then choose a backup card from your wallet to cover the remaining balance.

What to Do If Your Card Gets Declined

It can be confusing when a card with funds on it gets declined. The most common culprit is an address mismatch. When registering your card, use the same billing address that is on file with your Amazon account. Another reason is insufficient funds, so double-check that balance. If problems persist, contacting the number on the back of the gift card is your best bet to resolve any holds or security issues.

Using a Visa gift card on Amazon is a fantastic way to treat yourself without dipping into your bank account. By taking a few minutes to register your card and verify its balance, you can turn that gift into exactly what you want, delivered right to your door. Happy shopping!

When it comes to the intersection of big tech and big politics, questions about financial support are inevitable. Many people wonder about the relationship between corporate giants like Amazon and political figures, especially one as prominent as Donald Trump. It’s a natural curiosity, driven by a desire to know where powerful companies place their bets and how that might influence policy and public discourse.

The question of whether Amazon donated to Trump is more layered than a simple yes or no. While we often think of direct corporate donations, the reality of political financing involves a complex web of individuals, political action committees (PACs), and other channels. Let’s untangle the threads to get a clearer picture of where the money flowed.

The Direct Answer: Amazon’s Corporate Funds

First, it’s important to know that corporations cannot donate directly to federal candidates. So, Amazon, as a company, did not write a check from its corporate treasury to Donald Trump’s campaign committee. This is a standard rule in federal elections. The financial support we often hear about comes from other sources, primarily through a company’s PAC and from individual employees.

Where the Money Actually Went

While Amazon’s corporate money didn’t go to Trump, the story doesn’t end there. The Amazon PAC and its employees have been significant political donors overall. However, during Trump’s campaigns and presidency, the flow of funds from Amazon-associated entities was notably skewed. The vast majority of Amazon’s PAC and employee contributions went to Democratic candidates and causes, not to Trump or his allied committees.

This giving pattern reflects the company’s broader political strategy at the time, which often positioned it at odds with the Trump administration on various policy issues. The financial support followed this strategic alignment, favoring candidates who were more likely to support the company’s legislative interests.

Individual Executives and Personal Contributions

Another layer involves key individuals. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, personally owns The Washington Post, which was frequently critical of President Trump. While Bezos makes personal political contributions, there is no public record of significant donations from him directly to Trump’s campaigns. The narrative was defined more by public friction than by financial support.

Understanding corporate political donations requires looking beyond the simple headline. In the case of Amazon and Donald Trump, the financial connection was minimal and indirect. The more significant story is how a company navigates a political landscape, often choosing to support the ecosystem around a candidate rather than the candidate themselves.

Have you ever recommended a product to a friend and thought, “I wish I got a little something for that?” That’s the basic idea behind the Amazon Associates program, one of the most popular ways to earn online. It allows you to share products you genuinely like and earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through your special links. It’s a fantastic way to monetize a blog, social media channel, or website.

Your First Steps to Joining the Program

Getting started is a straightforward process. First, you’ll need to visit the Amazon Associates homepage and click “Join Now for Free.” You’ll sign in with your regular Amazon account or create a new one. The application will ask for details about your website or platform, including its URL, a description of its content, and how you plan to drive traffic. Be honest and clear in your descriptions, as Amazon reviews each application to ensure it meets their guidelines.

Choosing Your Niche and Creating Content

While you can apply with an existing site, it helps to have a clear focus. Think about what you’re passionate about—maybe it’s eco-friendly home goods, gaming gear, or baking. A specific niche makes it easier to create content that resonates with a particular audience. You can write product reviews, create “best of” lists, or even share how you use certain items in your daily life. The key is to provide real value to your readers, not just a list of links.

How to Get Your Special Affiliate Links

Once you’re approved, you can start generating links. Amazon provides a variety of tools to make this simple. You can use the SiteStripe toolbar while browsing Amazon, or dive into their custom-built link builders to create text links, banners, and native shopping ads. Always use these official tools to ensure your links are properly tagged so you get credit for the sales you help generate.

Smart Tips for New Amazon Affiliates

Success as an affiliate comes from building trust. Only promote products you believe in. Your audience can tell when a recommendation is genuine. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with Amazon’s operating agreement, especially the rules on how you can disclose your affiliate status. A simple note like “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” is usually required. Finally, be patient. Building a steady income takes time, consistent effort, and a focus on helping your audience.

Becoming an Amazon affiliate opens up a world of opportunity to earn from your online presence. By following the steps, choosing a niche you love, and creating honest content, you can build a rewarding stream of income by simply sharing your favorite finds.

If you’re starting to think about your holiday shopping, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Does Amazon do Black Friday?” The short and simple answer is a resounding yes. In fact, Amazon has become one of the central hubs for the entire Black Friday shopping season, offering a massive event that often stretches for weeks. It’s a prime opportunity to snag incredible deals on everything from high-tech gadgets and cozy home goods to this year’s most-wanted toys.

While the traditional Black Friday sale is a major highlight, Amazon’s approach is much more extensive. They kick off the savings long before the turkey is even in the oven, giving you plenty of time to browse and buy without the last-minute rush.

What to Expect from Amazon’s Black Friday Event

Amazon’s Black Friday is less of a single day and more of a major sales season. You can expect to see Lightning Deals, which are limited-time offers on popular items that can sell out in minutes. There are also countless discounts across every category imaginable. The event typically starts in early November, with new deals dropping constantly. The savings continue through Cyber Monday and often right up until Christmas, making it a marathon of value.

Top Tips for Scoring the Best Amazon Deals

To make the most of the sale, a little preparation goes a long way. First, consider signing up for a Prime membership, as many of the best deals are offered to members first or exclusively. You can also use the Amazon app to set up deal alerts for specific items on your wish list. When a hot-ticket item goes on sale, it’s best to act quickly, as stock for the deepest discounts is usually limited.

Beyond Black Friday: Amazon’s Year-Round Savings

While Black Friday is a standout event, Amazon provides opportunities to save all year. Keep an eye on their Prime Day event, typically in the summer, which is like a second Black Friday exclusively for Prime members. Additionally, Amazon’s Warehouse Deals section offers great prices on open-box and refurbished items, and their coupon page is always worth a quick check before any purchase.

So, not only does Amazon participate in Black Friday, but they have also reshaped it into a lengthy, convenient, and digital shopping extravaganza. With some smart planning, you can check a lot of names off your list while keeping your budget happily intact.

If you’ve ever stared at an Amazon return label and wished for a simpler way, you’re not alone. The process of boxing items up and dealing with shipping can be a hassle. Fortunately, there’s a widely popular and convenient alternative that might be available at a store you already visit. Many people wonder if they can handle their Amazon returns at Kohl’s, and the answer is a resounding yes for a vast number of items.

How the Kohl’s Amazon Returns Program Works

Kohl’s has partnered with Amazon to offer free returns, regardless of the reason. You don’t even need to pack your item in a box. Simply bring the item you wish to return to a participating Kohl’s store, along with the Amazon return code from your online return center. A Kohl’s employee will process the return for you, pack the item, and ship it back to an Amazon facility at no cost to you.

The Biggest Perks of Returning at Kohl’s

Choosing Kohl’s for your Amazon return comes with some fantastic benefits. The most significant one is that it’s completely free; there are no shipping fees or packing requirements. This saves you both time and money. As a little thank you, Kohl’s often provides a coupon for a discount off your in-store purchase. It’s a win-win situation that turns a chore into a potential shopping trip.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Before you head out the door, it’s always a good idea to double-check a couple of things. First, initiate your return through your Amazon account online or in the app. Amazon will guide you through the steps and let you know if Kohl’s Drop-off is an option for your specific item. Second, while the program is available at most Kohl’s locations, it’s wise to confirm your local store is a participant by checking the store locator on Kohl’s website.

A Smooth Return Process from Start to Finish

To ensure everything goes smoothly, have your government-issued ID ready, as Kohl’s may ask for it to process the return. Once you’re in the store, look for the dedicated Amazon Returns desk, usually located near the front. The staff there are trained to handle the entire process quickly, getting you back to your day in no time.

Returning your Amazon purchases at Kohl’s is a truly convenient service that eliminates the typical headaches associated with online returns. With free shipping and the potential for a store discount, it’s an option worth considering for your next return.