Amazon increases starting hourly wage and discounts for employees

The useful part

Online behemoth Amazon said it's increasing the starting hourly wage for its U.S. With the increase, the average wage will be nearly $24 an hour, with average total compensation of more than $32 an hour including the value of its benefits package, according to Amazon's announcement Wednesday. The discount can be combined with existing Prime member discounts, the retailer said.

How it works

• full-time operations employees like warehouse workers by $1 to $20.
• Amazon also said it's rolling out access to qualified employees and their families for a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union that provides low-cost banking services they can keep for life.
• The company said no credit history is required to open a checking and savings account.
• In comparison, Walmart last year expanded its 10% employee discount to include nearly all grocery purchases at its stores and online.
• The discount had previously applied to fresh groceries and general merchandise but didn't include such groceries as milk, pasta, or meat except during the November and December holiday sho...

Details worth keeping

Amazon also said Wednesday that employees will receive new benefits like a 10% discount on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online as well as 20% off at Whole Foods physical stores. The discount will be available to every Amazon employee in the U.S. Employees can access accounts with no overdraft or monthly maintenance.