Amazon.com Inc.
09/17/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2026 01:51
What you need to know about Amazon today: September 17, 2026
Amazon raises minimum starting pay for full-time core operations employees to $20/hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24/hour, and launches grocery discount and access to new lifetime banking benefits to make everyday life more affordable for our teammates
Amazon is raising minimum starting pay for full-time U.S. core operations employees to $20/hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24/hour-an investment of more than $1.5 billion. Average total compensation exceeds $32/hour when including benefits. The company is also launching Day 1 Financial, a lifetime banking benefit through First Tech Federal Credit Union offering zero-fee accounts and credit-building tools. Additionally, starting October 1, employees will receive an uncapped 10% grocery discount on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online, plus 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market-all stackable with existing Prime discounts.
Amazon is raising minimum starting pay for full-time U.S. core operations employees to $20/hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24/hour-an investment of more than $1.5 billion. Average total compensation exceeds $32/hour when including benefits. The company is also launching Day 1 Financial, a lifetime banking benefit through First Tech Federal Credit Union offering zero-fee accounts and credit-building tools. Additionally, starting October 1, employees will receive an uncapped 10% grocery discount on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online, plus 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market-all stackable with existing Prime discounts.
Amazon is giving every US employee a discount on groceries
Starting October 1, every Amazon employee in the U.S. will have access to a new Employee Grocery Discount-whether they work at a fulfillment center, a Whole Foods Market store, a corporate office, or anywhere else across Amazon. All U.S. employees will receive 10% off eligible purchases online and 20% off in Whole Foods Market stores, with no cap on savings.
Starting October 1, every Amazon employee in the U.S. will have access to a new Employee Grocery Discount-whether they work at a fulfillment center, a Whole Foods Market store, a corporate office, or anywhere else across Amazon. All U.S. employees will receive 10% off eligible purchases online and 20% off in Whole Foods Market stores, with no cap on savings.
Prime Big Deal Days is back October 6-7: Here's what to expect
Prime Big Deal Days returns October 6-7 with 48 hours of Prime-exclusive deals across 35+ categories, featuring fast, free delivery. New deals drop three times daily via Today's Big Deals spanning beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. It's the perfect kickoff for fall entertaining, Halloween prep, and early holiday gifting.
Prime Big Deal Days returns October 6-7 with 48 hours of Prime-exclusive deals across 35+ categories, featuring fast, free delivery. New deals drop three times daily via Today's Big Deals spanning beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. It's the perfect kickoff for fall entertaining, Halloween prep, and early holiday gifting.
Alexa+ arrives in India as Amazon's next-generation AI assistant expands internationally
Alexa+, Amazon's next-generation AI assistant, has launched in India via an Early Access program. Free during Early Access and for Prime members thereafter, it speaks English, Hindi, and Hinglish-handling code-switching seamlessly. Culturally tuned to Bollywood, cricket, and Indian family dynamics, it understands terms like dhai baje and bhanja. Indian customers have interacted with Alexa over 9 billion times in the past year. Partners include JioSaavn, Sanjeev Kapoor Recipes, and Atomberg, with restaurant bookings and food delivery coming soon.
Alexa+, Amazon's next-generation AI assistant, has launched in India via an Early Access program. Free during Early Access and for Prime members thereafter, it speaks English, Hindi, and Hinglish-handling code-switching seamlessly. Culturally tuned to Bollywood, cricket, and Indian family dynamics, it understands terms like dhai baje and bhanja. Indian customers have interacted with Alexa over 9 billion times in the past year. Partners include JioSaavn, Sanjeev Kapoor Recipes, and Atomberg, with restaurant bookings and food delivery coming soon.
Trending news and stories
- Amazon raises minimum starting pay for full-time core operations employees to $20/hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24/hour
- Prime Big Deal Days is back October 6-7: Here's what to expect
- Amazon is giving every US employee a discount on groceries
- Prime Big Deal Days 2026: Early deals you can shop right now
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