Amazon 401(k) at a glance
| Employer match | Amazon matches 50% of the first 4% of pay you contribute (max 2% of pay). |
|---|---|
| Maximum match | 2% of pay |
| Contribution needed for full match | 4% of pay |
| Vesting | 3 years to fully vestThe company match is fully vested after 3 years of service. Sources disagree on whether it is a 3-year cliff or graded over 3 years. |
| Eligibility | Employees can enroll upon hire with no waiting period, according to a financial-advisor guide. |
| Automatic enrollment | Secondary sources say new hires are enrolled automatically; the default rate was not confirmed. |
| Roth 401(k) option | Yes |
| Plan provider | Fidelity |
| Who this applies to | US employees eligible for the Amazon 401(k) Plan |
How much is the Amazon match worth?
If you contribute 4% of your pay, Amazon adds the full match. Here is what that means at different salaries, per year, before investment growth:
| Salary | You contribute (4%) | Amazon match |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,600 | $800 |
| $60,000 | $2,400 | $1,200 |
| $90,000 | $3,600 | $1,800 |
| $150,000 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
Illustration based on the plan terms above. Your actual match depends on eligible pay, timing and plan rules.
Good to know
- No primary plan document was found; Amazon's own benefits page only says '401(k) plans with company match'.
- Vesting schedule detail (cliff vs graded) conflicts between secondary sources.
Other Amazon retirement benefits
- Catch-up contributions are not matched
How to make the most of your Amazon 401(k)
- Always get the full match. Contribute at least 4% of pay. It is an instant return you cannot get anywhere else.
- Check your vesting date before you change jobs, so you do not leave unvested money behind.
- Pre-tax or Roth? If you expect a higher tax rate in retirement, Roth contributions can pay off. Model it with our Roth conversion calculator.
- Watch fees and prefer low-cost index or target-date funds in the plan lineup.
- Plan the whole picture: see how your state taxes retirement income before you decide where to retire.
Frequently asked questions
Does Amazon match 401(k) contributions?
Amazon matches 50% of the first 4% of pay you contribute (max 2% of pay).
When does the Amazon 401(k) match vest?
The company match is fully vested after 3 years of service. Sources disagree on whether it is a 3-year cliff or graded over 3 years.
When can I join the Amazon 401(k)?
Employees can enroll upon hire with no waiting period, according to a financial-advisor guide.
How much should I contribute to get the full Amazon match?
Contribute at least 4% of your pay. Anything less leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Sources (last verified 2026)
- Amazon 401(k) Match 2026: Rates, Vesting, and Key Benefits — District Capital Management (2026-08-24)
- Amazon 401(k) Plan Review: 50% Match, 1.1M Participants, and the 3-Year Vesting Catch — MyPlanIQ
- Employee benefits — Amazon
Educational content only, not tax, legal or investment advice. Plans and tax laws change; confirm details with your employer's plan documents or your state revenue department. Smart Financial Lifestyle is not affiliated with any employer named on this site.