Amazon Flex UK Review 2026: Pay, Hours, and Whether It Is Worth It
Published 6th November 2026·Updated 6 November 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy November 2026
Amazon Flex pays UK delivery drivers £13-£17 per hour to deliver Amazon parcels using their own car. You work when you want by picking up two to four hour "blocks" through the Amazon Flex app. After fuel, insurance and vehicle wear, most drivers net £8-£12 per hour in practice. It is flexible, it pays promptly, but it is not as lucrative as the headline rate suggests.
The short answer
Amazon Flex at a glance:
- Pay: £13-£17 per hour, depending on shift type and location.
- Shifts: two to four hour "blocks" that you book through the app.
- Vehicle: your own car (or van). Bicycles accepted in some cities for certain block types.
- Insurance: you need specific hire and reward (or courier) insurance - your standard car insurance does not cover commercial delivery.
- Tax: you are self-employed. You must register with HMRC and file a Self Assessment return.
- Net pay after costs: typically £8-£12 per hour once fuel and insurance are accounted for.
How does Amazon Flex work in the UK?
You download the Amazon Flex app, sign up, pass a background check (they check your driving licence and criminal record), and once approved, you can start booking delivery blocks.
A block is a time slot - typically two, three or four hours - that is offered through the app. You accept a block, go to the designated Amazon depot or station, collect your parcels, and deliver them within the time window. The app gives you a route. When the block ends, you are paid.
Blocks are released in advance and can also appear at short notice. In busy areas (London, Manchester, Birmingham), blocks fill up quickly. In smaller towns, availability may be limited. Some experienced drivers use third-party notification apps to alert them when blocks are released, though Amazon's terms technically prohibit automated booking tools.
How much does Amazon Flex actually pay?
The advertised rate is £13-£17 per hour. The specific rate for each block is shown before you accept it. Weekend and evening blocks often pay at the higher end. Standard weekday blocks are typically at the lower end.
What you receive per hour in your bank, before costs:
| Block type | Typical hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Standard (weekday, 2-hour) | £13-£14 |
| Standard (weekend, 2-hour) | £15-£16 |
| Instant offers (last-minute) | Often £15-£17 |
| Amazon Fresh / Same Day | £14-£17 |
These are gross payments. You will pay income tax and National Insurance on your profit (after expenses) through Self Assessment.
What costs do you need to deduct?
This is where many drivers are disappointed. Amazon Flex looks well-paid until you account for the actual running costs of doing delivery work.
Fuel. A two-hour block typically involves 40-80 miles of driving depending on the delivery density and area. At current fuel prices, this costs £5-£10. For a £26 two-hour block, fuel alone can take £8 off your earnings.
Insurance. Your standard comprehensive car insurance does NOT cover you for commercial delivery work. You need hire and reward (H&R) insurance, also called courier insurance. Annual policies start at around £400-£800 for a small car. Daily or monthly policies are available but tend to cost more overall.
Vehicle wear. Delivery driving increases mileage significantly, accelerating tyre wear, brake wear and servicing costs. HMRC's approved mileage rate (45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles) is a reasonable way to account for this as an expense on your tax return.
After-cost net hourly rate:
- Gross: £14/hour
- Minus fuel: £3-£5/hour (variable)
- Minus insurance: £1-£2/hour (amortised)
- Minus vehicle wear (at 45p/mile): £2-£4/hour
- Net: £7-£10/hour
This is still above minimum wage and paid promptly, but it is not £15/hour in practice.
Is Amazon Flex worth it?
It is worth it if:
- You already have a car that meets Amazon's requirements (petrol, diesel or hybrid; most cars accepted).
- You can get the right insurance at a reasonable price.
- You live near an Amazon station with regular block availability.
- You want genuinely flexible work where you choose your own hours.
- You are using it as supplementary income rather than a primary income.
It is not worth it if:
- You have an older, high-maintenance car where delivery mileage significantly increases repair costs.
- You live in an area with poor block availability.
- You are relying on it as a primary income - the work is not guaranteed.
Tax and self-employment
Amazon Flex drivers are self-employed. Amazon pays you gross (without deducting tax or National Insurance). You must:
- Register with HMRC as self-employed if your Flex earnings exceed £1,000 in a tax year.
- File a Self Assessment tax return each January covering the previous tax year.
- Pay income tax and Class 4 National Insurance on your profit.
- Keep records of your mileage, fuel costs, insurance, and any other expenses.
The mileage allowance relief (45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles) is the most significant deduction. Keep a simple mileage log in a spreadsheet - you will need it for your tax return.
FAQ
Do I need a special licence to do Amazon Flex in the UK?
No, a standard UK driving licence is sufficient for car-based delivery. You do not need an HGV or any professional licence. Amazon checks your driving history as part of the application.
Can I use a hire car for Amazon Flex?
Possibly, but check the hire car's insurance terms carefully. Many standard hire agreements do not permit commercial use. You would also need to arrange additional hire and reward insurance, which may void the standard hire insurance.
How do I sign up for Amazon Flex?
Download the Amazon Flex app and select your country as the UK. You will need a UK driving licence, a bank account, and a smartphone. The application includes a right to work check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Approval typically takes 1-3 weeks.
Is Amazon Flex available across the whole UK?
No. Amazon Flex availability depends on the proximity of Amazon delivery stations. It is widely available in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and other major cities. Rural areas with no nearby station will not have availability.
What happens if I have an accident while doing Amazon Flex?
Your hire and reward insurance covers you while delivering. Without H&R insurance, your standard car insurance company can void your policy, leaving you uninsured. This is a serious risk - never do Amazon Flex on standard car insurance alone. Contact your insurer or a specialist broker before your first shift.
Does Amazon Flex count as employed or self-employed?
Amazon Flex is self-employed. Amazon is explicit about this in its contract. You are not entitled to employment rights such as holiday pay, sick pay or the National Minimum Wage guarantee. The Supreme Court's ruling in the Uber case established workers' rights for some gig economy workers, but Amazon Flex operates under a different structure. If you believe your working pattern suggests employment, Citizens Advice or HMRC can advise.