Amazon’s new Kindle rewards program gives you points when you buy Kindle books or print books, and you can then use those points to purchase Kindle books on Amazon. The program is not available to all users. Currently, it’s limited to a select group of (US-based) Amazon.com customers, which Amazon itself selects. The program is a beta trial and Amazon will discontinue it or open it up to all Amazon.com customers depending on its success.
Screenshot from the Kindle Rewards landing page.
Earning points with the Kindle Rewards program
Kindle Rewards are given to customers who purchase Kindle books and print books. Program members earn 5 points for every dollar spent on Kindle books and 2 points for every dollar spent on a print book bought on Amazon.com. Note that you will not earn Kindle rewards for textbooks, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, comics, or digital subscription purchases. Each qualifying book on Amazon will show how many points will be awarded for the purchase of the Kindle ebook version and the print version.
In the screenshot above you can see that you will earn 25 points for purchasing “Gate 76.”
Redeeming Kindle Rewards points
After members earn 300 points, they can redeem the points for $3.00 off the price of a Kindle book. Members have six months from the date of earning the points to redeem them. Kindle Rewards points can only be used for credits towards the purchase of Kindle books. They can’t be used for other purchases on Amazon.
Becoming a member of the Kindle Rewards program
Amazon says that “participation in Kindle Rewards is free. We launched this program to reward people like you, who love to read.” However, at this point Amazon chooses who it will allow into the program. Amazon is beta-testing Kindle Rewards and during this testing period, there isn’t a way to sign up for the program – participation is invite-only for now. It’s likely that most people who own Kindle devices are invited.
How can I see my Kindle Rewards points balance?
To find out whether you’re part of the beta-testing group, head to amazon.com/kindlerewards. From there, you can see your Kindle Rewards point balance and subscribe to Kindle Rewards emails.
If you see book offerings with points listed, you may be a member of the Kindle Rewards beta test group. If you don’t see points listed or the Kindle Rewards Beta notice, then you’re probably not yet a member of Kindle Rewards, but watch this space for news and answers to your questions!
