Amazon is making it easier to buy on its site for to those who would prefer not linking their debit or credit card with the launch of Amazon Cash. The new service comes as an alternative to purchasing gift cards and essentially allows anyone to apply cash toward their Amazon account, through hundreds of participating brick-and-mortar retailers across the U.S.
Users can generate their Amazon Cash barcode by visiting the Amazon Cash site and then access it through through Amazon's website and the mobile app. You could also just screenshot or print out your barcode and show it to a clerk in participating stores to deposit funds. Customers can deposit money in amounts between $15 and $500 dollars and this will be available for your next purchases.
Participating retailers include CVS Pharmacy, Speedway, Sheetz, Kum & Go, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Supermarkets, and VG's Grocery --- with more on the way, according to Amazon.
There is no fee to use Amazon Cash. Walmart and PayPal also offer similar services to appeal to customers that don't have access to bank or credit cards. As TechCrunch points out, citing a 2015 report from the FDIC, more than a quarter of American consumers rely primarily or exclusively on cash.