What is Amazon Courtesy Credit and How to Use It?

Hi, Jessica here! As someone who shops a lot on Amazon (probably more than I should admit), I’ve had my fair share of experiences with returns, delays, and little hiccups along the way. One of the perks I discovered during these situations is something called Amazon Courtesy Credit. If you’ve ever spotted this mysterious credit on your account and wondered what it is, let me break it down for you.

What is Amazon Courtesy Credit?

Amazon Courtesy Credit is a promotional balance that Amazon adds to your account as a goodwill gesture. It isn’t something you can directly purchase or request; rather, it’s offered when something goes wrong with your order or shopping experience.

Here are some common scenarios where Amazon might issue Courtesy Credit:

• Delayed deliveries (especially if you paid for fast shipping).
• Damaged or missing items in your package.
• Technical issues with digital content (like Kindle books or Prime Video).
• Poor customer service experience when resolving a problem.

Think of it as Amazon’s way of saying, “Sorry about that, here’s a little something to make it up to you.”

How Much Courtesy Credit Do You Get?

The amount isn’t fixed. It can range from a few dollars to $20 or more, depending on the issue. For example:

• A delayed Prime delivery might get you $5 credit.
• A significant inconvenience (like multiple wrong items) might result in $10–$20 credit.

It’s always discretionary, meaning Amazon decides the amount based on your situation.

Where to Find Your Amazon Courtesy Credit

If Amazon gives you Courtesy Credit, they usually email you about it. But to double-check, here’s how you can see it:

1. Log in to your Amazon account.
2. Go to Your Account → Gift Cards & Promotional Balance.
3. Look for Promotional Balance (that’s where Courtesy Credit shows up).

It won’t be labeled as “Courtesy Credit” directly, but it will appear under the promotional balance section.

How to Use Amazon Courtesy Credit

The best part? You don’t need to do anything special to use it. Courtesy Credit is applied automatically during checkout on eligible items.

But here’s what you should know:

✅ Eligible Purchases:

• Items sold and shipped by Amazon.com (not always third-party sellers).
• Digital products like Kindle eBooks, Amazon Music, and Prime Video rentals.

❌ Not Eligible For:

• Amazon gift cards.
• Some subscription services.
• Certain third-party items that don’t qualify.

During checkout, if your order qualifies, you’ll see the Courtesy Credit applied before your payment method is charged.

Tips to Make the Most of Courtesy Credit

• Check expiry dates – Courtesy Credits often expire within 30–60 days, so don’t let them go to waste.
• Use it for digital buys – If you don’t need physical products, eBooks and movie rentals are a great way to use the balance.
• Stack with other deals – Combine your Courtesy Credit with Lightning Deals or coupons for extra savings.

Example From My Experience

Last year, I ordered some school supplies for my kids, and the package was delayed by almost a week (despite being Prime). I contacted Amazon chat, and the rep apologized and instantly added $5 Courtesy Credit to my account. It showed up right at checkout the next time I bought a Kindle book for myself—super easy and no hassle.

Final Thoughts

Amazon Courtesy Credit is basically a little thank-you note from Amazon in the form of money. It’s not huge, but when you shop frequently (like I do for both home and work), even a $5–$10 credit makes a difference. The key is to keep an eye on your promotional balance and use it before it expires.

So, the next time something goes wrong with your order, don’t hesitate to politely contact Amazon customer support. You might just get a Courtesy Credit waiting for you in your account.

✨ In short:
Amazon Courtesy Credit = Free money for minor inconveniences. Use it wisely, use it fast, and let Amazon make up for the little bumps in your shopping journey.