Amazon Introduces New Fee on Bank Discount Transactions
Amazon has implemented a ₹49 processing fee for customers who use instant bank discounts (IBD) of ₹500 or more. This change reduces the overall savings available through these offers, and applies even to Amazon Prime members.
The new policy, which took effect on Friday, means that any purchase using a bank discount of ₹500 will incur the additional ₹49 charge. This fee is non-refundable, even if the order is cancelled or returned.
Impact on Customer Savings
Customers now need to carefully calculate their savings when leveraging bank discounts on Amazon. The extra ₹49 fee could influence shopping habits, especially for those whose discounts are close to the ₹500 threshold. Customers may explore alternative payment methods or adjust cart values to optimize their savings.
Who is Affected?
- Any customer using a bank discount of ₹500 or more.
- Prime members are not exempt from the fee.
- Discounts below ₹500 are not subject to the charge.
Non-Refundable Fee Policy
Amazon’s help center confirms that the processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of order cancellations or returns. Once applied, the charge remains in effect.
Reason for the Fee
According to Amazon, the fee offsets the platform’s costs associated with the “aggregation, management, and processing” of bank discount offers. This move mirrors the strategy of competitor Flipkart, which already charges a similar fee.
Amazon’s decision signifies a growing trend among e-commerce platforms to introduce service charges on promotional discounts. This shift is impacting how consumers approach their online purchases.
