Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex Review: Upfront Block Pay, but Gas and Tolls Are on You

Blocks, Instant Offers and the 45-Minute Forfeit Rule

Work comes in blocks: Amazon.com package runs typically last 3–6 hours, Amazon Fresh grocery runs 2–4 hours, and Amazon Now blocks are under an hour. You can reserve blocks up to a week ahead or switch on Online for instant offers, which start within 0–30 minutes and reach only drivers roughly 15 minutes from a participating station. If plans change, Forfeit Block leaves your standing untouched when used at least 45 minutes before the start; later cancellations and no-shows count against your standing, rated Fantastic, Great, Fair or At Risk. The weak spot is supply: several of the most upvoted Play reviews describe offers vanishing the moment they appear, which drivers blame on block-grabbing bots, and applicants in full areas wait on an interest list.

Selfies, GPS and Harsh-Braking Data: What the App Records

Sign-up starts with photos of both sides of a U.S. driver's license, and the app later asks for real-time selfies; Amazon says it may derive a facial scan from them, with consent, and keeps that biometric data for up to 30 days for fraud checks. Amazon's Ground Transportation Privacy Notice, last updated July 31, 2023, lists data it may collect: GPS location, distance, timestamps, walking-or-driving activity from phone sensors, and road safety data such as harsh braking, cornering, acceleration and speeding. Amazon may show customers your first name, photo and location during a delivery. Apple's listing warns the app may use location even when closed, and Play's Data safety form declares phone numbers and voice recordings shared with third parties.

$15–19 an Hour Guaranteed, but Gas, Tolls and Mileage Are Yours

Amazon says most drivers earn $18–25 an hour and guarantees at least $15–19 per scheduled hour, depending on market; a no-tip offer of $72 for four hours pays $72 even if the route ends early. Tip-eligible offers show a range whose bottom is the guaranteed base, and drivers keep 100% of tips, paid 2–3 days later because customers can edit them for 24 hours. Instant Pay is free only with the Green Dot–issued Flex debit card, while a fast cashout to another debit card costs 50 cents. As independent contractors, drivers cover their own mileage, parking and tolls. Amazon says at least a quarter of drivers on similar recent blocks reach the top of the tip range, and Payment Day settings let you choose payout weekdays. Figures are U.S. and may change.

Flex vs DoorDash Dasher, Uber Driver and Spark Driver: Who Can Sign Up

Flex drivers must be 21 and use a four-door midsize sedan or larger, such as an SUV, van or truck with a covered bed; motorcycles, scooters, smaller cars and open-bed trucks are excluded. Uber Driver, used for Uber Eats deliveries, accepts car couriers from 19 (21 in California and New York State) in two- or four-door vehicles and lets 18-year-olds deliver by bike or on foot. DoorDash signs up Dashers from 18 in most states and allows scooters or bikes in select cities. Walmart's Spark Driver also starts at 18. In return, Flex adds free commercial auto insurance during active blocks in every state except New York.