Propaganda I’m not falling: Prime Day.
Amazon’s annual Bonanza is July 8-11, 2025, but will not add anything to your cart. In general, I don’t believe in spending more to save more. Moreover, as shown in recent weekly boycotts, the company is often caught up in controversy over labor practices and environmental impacts.
According to Bankrate’s 2025 credit card debt report, almost half of Americans are in debt, so it’s worth considering whether Prime Day fits in with budgets and value. If you still want to save money and spend your dollars elsewhere, there are a few ideas.
5 Places to Shop for Instead of Amazon
1. Credit Card Issuer Shopping Portal
Most major card issuers offer a version of the shopping portal where you can find great deals and earn rewards for purchases. Amex offers credit card portals for Chase One Shopping, Capital One Shopping, City Shops and airlines.
Visit the shopping portal first and follow the link to the retailer’s website to enjoy the benefits. You may also be able to add a browser extension that automatically searches for coupons and applies rewards.
2. Cash back shopping websites and apps
Companies such as Rakuten, Topcashback, Ibotta, Upside can use it for free and provide cashback when making purchases via websites and apps. Bankrate’s senior editor Harlan Vaughn has made $435 since he started buying from Rakuten.
“I use Rakuten and earn additional cashback for online purchases that make anyway,” he explains. “It’s as easy as clicking on a link. As a bonus, the Rakuten Browser extension may automatically apply coupons or recommend the same product sold in another store for unexpected savings.”
You can also earn American Express Membership Reward Points through Rakuten.
3. Wholesale Club
Bulk purchases will help you save both money and packaging, as well as your and your environment win/wins. Member prices range from $50 to $130 per year, which could result in lower costs per item for everyday groceries and household items.
When purchasing in bulk, keep in mind that it’s easy for you to be more than you need. To avoid waste, we recommend strategizing how you cook and consume the products you are buying. I will stick to the list too. It helps to resist grabbing what catches my eye, but earns my total upon checkout.
4. Recycled Store
The above options can save you money, but they can still lead to overconsumption, depending on your spending habits. I’m a fan of second-hand clothing shopping and Rift. This is because it keeps items out of landfills while limiting their shopping capabilities.
You can visit thrift stores and online resellers several times to find the right pair of shoes and furniture you are looking for. But when you find it, it will boast a more affordable tag than the brand new retail version. Additionally, second-hand shopping reduces your carbon footprint. You won’t be able to find groceries at consignment stores, but you’ll be amazed at the number of daily essentials on the shelves.
5. Small and Medium Enterprises
If your goal is to support the local economy away from Megacorporations, try shopping with small businesses. You can pay a few dollars for a product or delivery, but the quality and customer service you receive may be worth it.
Plus, positive reviews and social media engagement are offered free of charge. It could have a positive impact on local retailers and restaurants.
How “voyage” on Prime Day will affect your budget
Savings or spending on “prophecy” can make you feel like you’re getting a lot. “Examples include two transactions you buy when you spend the minimum amount and a free shipping offer,” explains Karen Bennett, senior writer at Bankrates.
But even with discounts, you’re still spending more than you have. And if your expenses go higher than your income, it can lead to debt.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and stock up on things you don’t really need,” Bennett says. “Rewards asking yourself a few questions before clicking ‘Buy Now’.
- Will this make me undertake the debt?
- Do I already own something similar?
- Does my house have no space?
“If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s best to explicitly pilot it.”
How to get rewards for purchasing all year round
You don’t have to wait for a specific day of the year to earn a reward for your daily purchases. Earn cashback, points, or miles for every time you pay with one of the best reward cards. Some cards don’t have an annual fee, so they essentially earn free rewards. Other cards will charge an annual fee that can be reorganized through the additional perks they offer.
If possible, pay off your credit card balance at the end of all billing cycles to avoid high interest rates. Bankrate’s 2025 debt investigation tracking reveals that seven in 10 credit cardholders in debt are still trying to earn rewards. Unfortunately, their efforts may be in vain. The cost of interest exceeds the value of the compensation.
Conclusion
You will probably see a lot of social media ads, emails and influencer hauls during Prime Day. But you don’t need to fed. Just because something is on sale, you shouldn’t buy it – regardless of price unless you’ve already planned. Still, it’s worth considering whether you can instead purchase the same product in a more sustainable way.
If you want to take part in prioritizing your budget over billionaire revenue, learn more about how to stop impulse purchases with a credit card.
