Amazon 401(k)

Online retail giant, Amazon, employs about 1.5 million people around the globe. This retailer controls a vast swathe of the marketplace and is a household name on almost all continents. If you’re a newly hired US-based Amazon employee, you’ll also be glad to learn that Amazon has a competitive 401(k) plan as one of its employment perks, with equivalents for other countries.

All US-based Amazon employees become eligible to join the company’s 401(k) plan starting from age 18 or older. Once you enroll in the 401(k) plan, you can contribute as much as 90% of your earnings into the plan. Amazon offers a 50% match on the first 4% of your eligible pay. You can join the 401(k) from your first day of work provided you are over 18, but it will take 3 years of work to be fully vested.

Amazon 401(k) Provider

The Amazon 401(k) plan is administered by Fidelity Investments currently and has been since 2020. Previously, it was administered by Vanguard. Fidelity is one of the largest asset management companies in the world, handling over $4.3 trillion each year.

If you want to access your Amazon 401(k) account, you will need to log into your Fidelity NetBenefits account. However, if you have an existing Fidelity NetBenefits account, you can use the same login details. First-time users will be asked to provide some basic identity details during the signup process.

Amazon 401(k) Login

You can access the Amazon 401(k) account via Fidelity’s Amazon login portal. While this is the simplest and most direct way to log in, you can also do so (with the same username and password) through the main Fidelity NetBenefits page. New users can sign up on the same page, and you can also reset your login details there if needed. There is a helpful FAQ linked there to assist you.

Amazon 401(k) Match

Amazon offers a 50% match on the first 4% of your eligible pay that you contribute to your 401(k) plan. However, this matching contribution is only offered after 1 year of service with the company if you have completed 1,000 hours of service, and you have to have contributed at least $1 previously and are still employed by the company on the last day of each month. This match only applies to regular contributions, not catch-ups. Do note that, due to Amazon’s 3-year/3000-hour vesting rule, you will lose the employer match if you leave the company before that benchmark, although your personal contributions will still be yours.

Amazon 401(k) Customer Service

Depending on the exact state in which you work for Amazon, you may be given an ‘in-state’ number to contact the Amazon 401(k) customer service line. Alternatively, you can also access help with your Amazon 401(k) through the general Fidelity customer service line at 1-800-835-5095. They work in the ET time zone, Monday-Friday, 8.30 a.m. - 8.30 p.m.

Amazon 401(k) Loan

Amazon 401(k) plan allows participants to borrow against their savings for various purposes, including buying a home, paying medical expenses, paying college expenses, etc. If you take a loan from your Amazon 401(k), you will need to pay it back with interest. Your paycheck will have the amount agreed reduced on it, over a repayment period of up to 5 years. You can borrow anywhere from $1,000, while the maximum can be half of your vested balance up to a maximum of $50,000, whichever is lower.

Amazon 401(k) After Termination

If you leave employment with Amazon before your 3-year/3,000-hour vesting period has passed, you will have to forfeit your matched contributions. However, you get to keep your own contributions when you leave.

You can choose to roll these monies into a 401(k) provided by your new employer or to your IRA account. These are the only penalty-free rollover options you have. You will also be able to withdraw the cash as a lump sum, but this will have tax implications and penalties and would be an unwise step if you are not in financial hardship. You can also leave the fund with Amazon. You will not be able to change investments or contribute further, however.

Amazon 401(k) Withdrawal

To make a penalty-free withdrawal from your Amazon 401(k), you will need to be age 59 ½ or older. You can also access any money that has been rolled over into your Amazon 401(k) from a previous employer at any time. If you want to make a withdrawal before this age cut-off, you will be required to pay income taxes and an early withdrawal penalty. However, there is a financial hardship option you might be eligible to use.

Amazon 401(k) Early Withdrawal

Early withdrawals from your Amazon 401(k) means any withdrawal made before you reach the age of 59 ½. You can only otherwise withdraw money you rolled over from a previous employer into the Amazon 401(k), or in cases of financial hardship. A financial hardship covers things like medical expenses, money needed to ward off foreclosure/eviction, funeral expenses, and some forms of tuition.

Amazon 401(k) Rollover Form

To request a rollover form, you will contact Fidelity’s NetBenefits customer care representatives. You can also log into your account and initiate this from there, or call 1-800-343-0860 any time between 8 am and midnight ET.

Amazon 401(k) Account Number

You can see your Amazon 401(k) account number on the dashboard of your Fidelity NetBenefits online account. You can also call the Fidelity NetBenefits customer care at 1-800-343-0860 for assistance with anything related to your account number, username, and related issues.

Amazon 401(k) Phone Number

If you were not given a specific Amazon 401(k) phone number to use when you were onboarded, you can use the general Fidelity NetBenefits helpline (1-800-835-5095) any time Monday-Friday, 8.30 a.m. - 8.30 p.m. ET for assistance with your account.

Amazon 401(k) Administrator

The plan administrator for the Amazon 401(k) plan is Steve Winter. If you need help with your benefits, employer match, or specific plan issues, you can contact the plan administrator at 206-266-1000. You can also contact the plan administrator via mail using the following address: 440 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109.

Amazon 401(k) Eligibility

All Amazon workers over the age of 18 can join the Amazon 401(k) program from their first day of work with the company. This applies to rehires and seasonal workers as well.

Amazon 401(k) Vesting

The Amazon 401(k) plan has a slightly trickier vesting process than other retailers like Walmart and Target. To be fully vested, you must complete 3 years of service (classified as 3,000 hours of employment) with them. Before this point, you will have your own contributions vested from day 1, but cannot access any funds deposited as part of their employer match scheme.

Amazon 401(k) App

You can access your Amazon 401(k) plan using the Fidelity NetBenefits mobile app. You can download the Fidelity NetBenefits app on Google Play Store for Android devices or Apple Store for iOS devices to manage your Amazon 401(k) conveniently on your mobile phone.

Amazon 401k Summary Plan Description

You will be provided with a summary plan description for your Amazon 401(k) plan as part of your onboarding materials with Amazon. You can also request a copy of the summary plan description anytime via the Amazon login portal or by calling the general Fidelity NetBenefits hotline (1-800-835-5095) during their working hours.