So You Want a Slice of the Amazon Pie? How to Buy Amazon Stock Without Becoming Bezos' Assistant
Let's face it, Amazon is everywhere. From one-click ordering toilet paper to devouring entire seasons in a Bezos-fueled haze, Jeff Bezos' brainchild has its tendrils in most of our lives. But what if you want to do more than just buy stuff? What if you want to be a part of the Amazonian empire (without the whole underpaid warehouse worker vibe)? Well, my friend, then you've stumbled upon the perfect guide: How to Buy Amazon Stock Without Accidentally Signing Up for a Prime Membership (Again).
Step 1: A Knight Needs a Noble Steed (Or, You Need a Brokerage Account)
Think of a brokerage account as your personal stock market chariot. It's where you'll park your cash and then use it to buy fancy things like Amazon shares (or, you know, shares in that company that makes your favorite catnip). There are a ton of online brokers out there, each with their own fees and features. Do some research, my friend! Don't be swayed by free stock offers or a platform that looks like it was designed in 1999 (unless you're into that pixelated aesthetic).
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.![]()
Here are some things to consider when choosing your brokerage:
- Fees: Commissions can eat into your profits faster than you can say "two-day shipping." Look for a broker with low or no commissions, especially if you're planning on being a stock market jockey.
- Research tools: Charts, graphs, and financial news can be your best friends (or worst enemies, depending on how the market is doing). Make sure your broker offers the research tools you need to make informed decisions.
- Fractional Shares: Amazon stock is a pricey one. Some brokers allow you to buy fractional shares, which means you can own a tiny piece of the company without having to sell your kidney on the black market.
Step 2: Funding Your Chariot (Adding Money to Your Account)
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.![]()
Once you've chosen your broker, it's time to gas up your chariot. Transfer money from your bank account to your brokerage account. This is usually done electronically and can take a few days. Patience, grasshopper!
Step 3: The Quest for AMZN (How to Actually Buy Amazon Stock)
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.![]()
Now for the moment you've been waiting for! Log in to your brokerage account and find the glorious search bar. Type in "AMZN" (that's Amazon's stock ticker symbol) and BAM! You're presented with all things Amazon stock. Here's where things get exciting (or slightly terrifying, depending on your risk tolerance).
- Decide how much you want to buy: Do you want to go all in and buy a whole share (which could cost you a pretty penny), or are you more of a fractional share kind of person?
- Pick your order type: This can get complicated, but for now, a market order is your best bet. This means you're telling your broker to buy however many shares you requested at the current market price.
Step 4: Congratulations, You're Now a Part-Owner of Amazon (Sort Of)
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.![]()
Once your order is placed, you'll officially own a piece of the Amazon empire (cue celebratory high fives). The shares will be deposited into your brokerage account, and you can watch them fluctuate wildly in value, just like your emotions while binge-watching that new show.
Remember: Buying stocks always involves risk. The market can be volatile, and Amazon isn't immune to its whims. Do your research, invest wisely, and never spend more than you can afford to lose. But hey, if things go well, you might just be able to afford that Prime membership you accidentally signed up for again (don't worry, it happens to the best of us).