What Amazon Go is and how the checkout works
Amazon Go is a physical grocery store where you don't scan items, stand in line, or interact with a cashier. You walk in with your phone, pick up what you want, and leave — the store charges your Amazon account automatically. There are no checkout counters, no self-checkout kiosks, and no receipt printed at the end. The technology that makes this work is called "Just Walk Out," and it uses cameras and sensors throughout the store to track what you take off the shelves.
When you enter, you scan your Amazon account using the Amazon Go app or a linked Amazon credit card at the entrance gate. As you shop, overhead cameras and weight sensors on the shelves detect what you pick up and what you put back. If you change your mind about an item, the system removes it from your virtual cart. When you leave through the exit gate, your Amazon account is charged for everything you're carrying, and you get a digital receipt in the app within minutes.
Amazon Go stores are small — typically 1,500 to 2,700 square feet — and stock ready-to-eat meals, snacks, groceries, and household basics rather than a full supermarket range. They're located in major cities including Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, with new locations opening periodically. Each store is branded as "Amazon Go" or "Amazon Go Grocery" depending on its size and product mix.
Key Takeaways
- You need an Amazon account and the Amazon Go app or a linked payment method to enter and shop.
- The store uses cameras and shelf sensors to track what you take, so you never stop at a checkout.
- Your Amazon account is charged when you exit, and you receive a digital receipt in the app.
- Amazon Go stores are small convenience-focused locations in select cities, not full-size supermarkets.
- Items are priced the same as they would be in other stores — there is no discount for using the technology.
What you need to bring and how to enter
To shop at Amazon Go, you must have an active Amazon account and either the Amazon Go mobile app installed on your phone or a payment method linked to your Amazon account (such as an Amazon credit card or debit card). You do not need a membership fee beyond having an Amazon account. When you arrive at the store, you scan a QR code in the app at the entrance gate, or you tap your linked payment card on the reader. The gate opens, and you're free to shop.
The app shows you a map of the store layout and lets you search for items by name or category. You can also see real-time pricing and product details while you're shopping. If you have questions about a product or need help finding something, staff members are present in the store — they're just not running a checkout line. You can ask them directly.
How the "Just Walk Out" technology tracks your items
The system relies on a combination of computer vision (cameras mounted above aisles and shelves), weight sensors built into the shelves, and algorithms that connect your identity to your movements. When you pick an item off a shelf, the weight sensor registers the removal, and the camera confirms what you took. If you put it back, the sensor detects the weight returning and removes it from your virtual cart. The technology is designed to handle crowded aisles and multiple shoppers at once, though it works most reliably when you're shopping alone or in a quiet store.
Amazon has not published detailed accuracy rates, but the company has stated that the system is tested extensively before stores open. If the system makes a mistake — charging you for something you didn't take or failing to charge you for something you did — you can contact Amazon customer service through the app to dispute the charge. Refunds or corrections are typically processed within a few business days.
Pricing and what items cost
Amazon Go prices items at market rates comparable to other grocery stores and convenience retailers in the same area. There is no premium charge for using the cashier-less technology, and there are no special discounts for Amazon Prime members. Prices vary by location and change periodically, just as they do in traditional stores. You can see the price of an item in the app before you pick it up, so you know what you'll be charged.
Some Amazon Go locations stock Amazon brand products (such as Amazon Basics or Whole Foods brand items if the store is in a Whole Foods neighborhood), which may be priced lower than name brands. Sales and promotions are advertised in the app and in the store, and you receive a digital receipt showing the final total and any discounts applied.
What happens if the technology makes an error
If you're charged for an item you didn't take, or if you're not charged for something you did take, you can report the issue through the Amazon Go app. Open the app, go to your receipt, and select the transaction you want to dispute. You can then report specific items or ask for a full refund. Amazon customer service will review the camera footage and sensor data and issue a correction or refund to your account.
The process typically takes a few business days. If you notice the error when ready after leaving the store, you can also return to the store and speak with a staff member, who can contact the support team on your behalf. Amazon has stated that errors are rare, but they do happen — especially in very crowded stores or if you're shopping near another customer and the system confuses which items belong to which person.
Amazon Go versus Amazon Locker and other Amazon shopping options
Amazon Go is a physical store where you shop in person and leave with items when ready. Amazon Locker, by contrast, is a pickup point where you order items online and retrieve them from a find cabinet at a later time. Amazon Go is faster if you want to browse and buy on the spot; Amazon Locker is better if you want to order ahead and pick up when it's convenient. Amazon Go also stocks perishable items like prepared meals and fresh produce, while Lockers typically hold non-perishable packages.
Amazon also operates Whole Foods Market stores (which it acquired in 2017), where you shop traditionally with a cashier or self-checkout. Whole Foods is a full-size grocery store with a much wider selection than Amazon Go, but it requires you to go through a checkout process. For most people, the choice between these options depends on what you're buying, where you are, and how much time you have.
Locations and how to find an Amazon Go store near you
Amazon Go stores are located in select cities across the United States. As of the most recent updates, stores operate in Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., and a few other metropolitan areas. New locations open periodically, and some stores have closed. The best way to find a store near you is to open the Amazon Go app, enter your location, and see which stores are within your area.
You can also visit Amazon's website and search for "Amazon Go locations" to see a current map. Store hours vary by location but typically run from early morning (around 7 a.m.) to evening (around 9 or 10 p.m.). Some locations are open seven days a week, while others have reduced weekend hours. Check the app or website for the specific hours of the store you plan to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Amazon Prime membership to shop at Amazon Go?
No. You need an Amazon account, but you do not need to be a Prime member. Prime membership does not give you any discounts or special benefits at Amazon Go stores. Any active Amazon account works.
What if I want to return an item I bought at Amazon Go?
You can return items within the store's return window (typically 30 days) by bringing the item and your receipt (digital receipt from the app counts) back to the store. Staff will process the return and refund your account. Some items, such as prepared foods, may not be returnable depending on the store's policy.
Can I use a payment method other than my Amazon account?
You need an Amazon account to enter the store, but you can link different payment methods to that account, including credit cards, debit cards, or an Amazon credit card. When you exit, the store charges whichever payment method is set as your default in your Amazon account settings.
What happens if the store is too crowded and the technology gets confused?
The system is designed to handle crowded stores, but accuracy can decrease in very busy periods or if multiple shoppers are picking items from the same shelf at the same time. If you notice a charge error after you leave, you can dispute it through the app. If you're concerned during your visit, you can ask a staff member to verify your cart before you exit.
Are there any items I can't buy at Amazon Go?
Amazon Go does not sell alcohol, tobacco, or other age-restricted items in most locations. Some stores may have limited selections of these products depending on local laws and store policies. The app shows you what's available at your nearest location.