Making the Most of Amazon Subscribe & Save: Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Savings

As we’ve shared Amazon Subscribe & Save Deals over the years, we’ve gotten a number of questions from people about how it works, how to use it, and if it really saves you money. In this post, I want to dive in-depth into explaining what Amazon Subscribe & Save is, how it works, how to save money with it, what to do if the price changes, and how to modify or cancel your Amazon Subscribe & Save subscriptions.

Amazon Subscribe & Save is one of the best ways to save money on Amazon. There are no extra subscription fees, no complicated terms, and you can easily cancel your subscriptions at any time for any reason. Plus, you get a nice discount just for subscribing, and an even bigger one if you have five or more items shipped in a month.

I’ve purchased dozens of items through Amazon Subscribe & Save over the years, and I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to get the best deals and avoid surprises. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of it (or if you’re thinking about trying it out), I’m sharing everything you need to know to save big without the hassle.

How Amazon Subscribe & Save Works

Amazon Subscribe & Save is pretty straightforward. You simply log into your Amazon account and click “subscribe” for the items you use regularly (like diapers, cleaning supplies, pet food, and even pantry staples) and choose how often you want them delivered. You can set it for every two weeks, every month, or even every six months if you like.

The best part? You save 5% on each item just for subscribing. And if you have five or more items in your subscription that ship in the same month, that discount bumps up to 15%. It’s like getting a little reward for planning ahead!

Plus, there are no strings attached. You can cancel, skip, or adjust your delivery schedule at any time. Truly. It’s so incredibly easy to do in your account.

Best of all, there are often additional coupons and discounts for purchasing items through Subscribe & Save. You’ll only get the discount on your first order, so I always just cancel as soon as my order ships in order to get the one-time discount.

Tip: Keep a running list of items you buy frequently so you can easily spot what’s worth subscribing to. Stocking up on things that don’t expire quickly, like paper goods or cleaning supplies, is a great way to save without overloading your cabinets.

Finding the Best Amazon Subscribe & Save Deals

Not all Subscribe & Save deals are created equal. Here’s how to find the best ones:

1. Search for Multi-Packs and Bulk Items

Usually, the bigger the pack, the better the savings. When it makes sense, opt for multi-packs of things like shampoo, dish soap, mac & cheese, or trash bags. If it’s something we use often and it’s on a great sale, I’ll stock up!

2. Watch for Monthly Promotions

Amazon often runs special promotions for household essentials. These stack with your Subscribe & Save discount, so you’re doubling up on savings. Always check for these before adding something to your cart.

3. Browse Best Sellers

Some of the best deals are hidden right on the best-seller lists. Search for household items or pantry staples, and you might find Subscribe & Save options that are cheaper than buying one-off.

Amazon Subscribe and Save: What If the Price Changes?

One of the biggest questions I get is, What happens if the price of my Subscribe & Save item changes? Unfortunately, for future deliveries, Amazon locks in the current price when your delivery is prepared, not when you sign up.

That means if the price goes up right before your next shipment, you might end up paying more than you planned. But there are a few tips for what to do

Monitor your subscription prices – Amazon sends you an email a few days before shipment, so always check that email to make sure the price hasn’t spiked. Use a price tracker – Websites like CamelCamelCamel or Honey can alert you if the price drops, so you can decide if you want to continue, cancel, or pause the subscription. Pause or adjust as needed – If the price jumps and you don’t need the item right away, you can always cancel or skip that month without any fees.

Managing and Modifying Your Subscriptions

One of the reasons I love Amazon Subscribe & Save is how flexible it is. You can:

Skip a Delivery – If you don’t need something one month, just hit skip. You won’t lose your subscription or your discount. Change the Frequency – If you need toilet paper every two months instead of every month, you can change it with just a few clicks. Cancel Anytime – There’s no penalty for stopping your subscription. You’re not locked into anything.

How to Cancel Subscribe and Save on Amazon

How to cancel Subscribe and Save: To do this, just head to Your Subscribe & Save Items in your Amazon account. Everything is editable with just a couple of clicks. Just go to Subscriptions > Edit (for the subscription you want to cancel) > Cancel Subscription.

Potential Drawbacks to Watch Out For

While Amazon Subscribe & Save is amazing, there are a few things to watch out for:

Price Fluctuations – Prices aren’t locked in, so it’s good to keep an eye on them. Over-Stocking – It’s easy to end up with way more than you need. I suggest setting reminders to check your inventory before each delivery. Out-of-Stock Issues – Occasionally, Amazon runs out of items you’re subscribed to. If this happens, your order may be delayed, so always keep backups if it’s something essential.

Final Thoughts

Amazon Subscribe & Save can be a lifesaver for busy families who want to save time and money on the things they use every day. In addition, it can be great way to get highly-discounted prices on items on your first order (and then just pause or cancel your subscription until a similar deal comes around!).

With a little planning and some smart shopping strategies, you can maximize your savings and avoid common pitfalls.

Related posts:

What Is Amazon Haul? My Honest Review Is Amazon Prime Worth It? 5 Simple Tips to Find Great Clothing Deals on Amazon 7 Easy Ways to Earn Amazon Gift Cards

Have you tried Amazon Subscribe & Save? Share your best tips and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear them!