Amazon Flex UK review: Is it worth the hassle?

In 2025, Amazon Flex is still a big draw for people looking for flexible work and a bit of extra cash. It’s one of those gig economy jobs where you’re your own boss, which suits plenty of folks, whether you’re juggling another job, studying, or just need something on the side. Here’s the lowdown on what it’s like to work for Amazon Flex, based on what drivers are saying and what I’ve experienced myself.

The Basics of Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex is pretty straightforward. You deliver parcels using your own car or van, and it’s all managed through an app. You pick delivery blocks, usually three or four hours long, head to the depot to load up, and then drop parcels off to people’s homes or businesses.

The big selling point is the flexibility. You pick when and where you work, so it’s a solid option for people who need to fit work around other commitments. Whether you’re a student, a retiree, or just someone who likes working when it suits you, it’s a decent gig for flexibility alone.

Getting Started: The Amazon Flex Application Process

Getting started with Amazon Flex is pretty straightforward, but there are a few boxes to tick before you can hit the road. Here’s what you’ll need to get through the application process:

1. The Basics: You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence. A reliable vehicle is essential, and it’s got to be big enough to fit parcels—most people use a car, but vans work too if you’re up for larger loads.
2. Insurance: You’ll need “hire and reward” insurance to legally carry parcels. This isn’t the same as standard car insurance, and it can be pricey, so make sure to shop around for a good deal.
3. Background Checks: Amazon requires a background check to ensure you’ve got a clean criminal record. It’s done through a third party and can take a week or so to come back.
4. Smartphone: The whole job runs through the Amazon Flex app, so you’ll need a compatible smartphone. Both iPhones and Androids work, but make sure yours isn’t ancient and can handle the app without freezing up.
5. Bank Account: Payments are sent directly to your bank account, so you’ll need one ready to go for your earnings.

Once you’ve got all that sorted, the application process involves filling in some forms, uploading your documents, and waiting for approval. It’s not the quickest process, but once you’re in, you can start booking blocks and earning straight away.

Real-World Earnings: A Bit Hit and Miss

Pay is always a hot topic when it comes to Amazon Flex. They advertise £13–£17 an hour, but how much you actually take home can vary massively.

• Block Pay Rates: The way blocks are priced isn’t always clear. Amazon uses an algorithm to work out pay, so some blocks pay better than others, even if they seem like the same amount of work. Drivers often grumble that the easier blocks sometimes pay more than the tough ones.
• Expenses: Since you’re self-employed, all the costs fall on you—fuel, insurance, servicing, road tax, the lot. With petrol prices still climbing, it’s not unusual for your net earnings to take a hit. If you’re not keeping tabs on your expenses, it’s easy to underestimate how much this eats into your pay.
• Earnings in Practice: For me, I’ve found my average to be about £13.50 an hour after expenses, but it really depends on the block. City centre routes can be slower and more stressful, while suburban areas are much quicker to get through.

The Day-to-Day Challenges

Like anything, working for Amazon Flex has its downsides. Here are a few of the main ones drivers mention:

• Tight Schedules: The app gives you an estimated time for each block, but it doesn’t always factor in things like traffic or dodgy parking situations. You can feel under pressure to rush to stay on track, which can be stressful.
• Customer Issues: Not every delivery is straightforward. Some addresses are poorly marked, others are flats with tricky access, and you’ll often get instructions like, “leave it behind the green bin” when there are three green bins in sight. It all adds up to extra hassle.
• Parcel Volume and Size: Sometimes you’ll get lucky with a block of small, lightweight parcels. Other times, especially during the holidays, you’re lugging around heavy or awkward items. It’s potluck, and the app doesn’t give you much of a heads-up.
• Limited Support: If you run into issues, like not being able to deliver a package or getting stuck, Amazon’s driver support line isn’t always that helpful. A lot of the time, you’re left to figure it out on your own.

Why Some People Love It

Despite the challenges, there are good reasons people stick with Amazon Flex:

• Independence: You’re your own boss. No one’s breathing down your neck, and as long as you get the job done, you can crack on as you like.
• Flexibility: Being able to pick and choose your shifts is a huge plus. If you’ve got other responsibilities or commitments, this kind of freedom can’t be overstated.
• No Long-Term Ties: There’s no commitment. You can take blocks when you fancy and leave it altogether if it’s not working out.
• Extra Cash: If you’re just looking for some side income, it’s a decent way to bring in a bit of money in your spare time.

My Personal Experience with Amazon Flex in the UK (2025

Working for Amazon Flex can be a real mixed bag. Some days it’s easy money, and other days it’s a proper slog. If you’re looking for something flexible to bring in a bit of extra cash, it’s worth considering, but don’t expect it to be a walk in the park. Here’s how it’s been for me.

The biggest thing with Amazon Flex is how much the delivery blocks can vary. Some are a dream: suburban estates with loads of parking and all the drops close together. I once had a 4-hour block with 39 stops that only took 2.5 hours to finish. But then there are the city centre blocks, which can be a nightmare. I had one with 47 stops where every road was clogged with parked cars, and I was constantly running up and down stairs to flats. That one overran to 4.5 hours, and to top it off, I got paid less for it than the easy suburban block. It doesn’t make sense, but there you go.

Pay is all over the place. The most I’ve earned for a 4-hour block was £96, but the base rate is usually around £54. Sometimes I’ve had blocks pay £62 or £86, so there’s a bit of variety. My best day was £172 for two back-to-back 4-hour blocks. Both were fairly easy, only about 30 miles of driving in total, so that was a good day. But it’s not all profit. I drive a Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Petrol, which does about 30 mpg, so fuel costs eat into the earnings. Then there’s wear and tear on the car, tyres, and insurance. Speaking of which, “hire and reward” insurance is pricey but necessary. If you’ve got a more fuel-efficient diesel or an electric car, you’ll probably do better than me, but it’s something to think about before you start.

When you show up to start a block, it’s pretty straightforward. You show your photo ID at the Amazon depot, keep your hazard lights on, and wait to be told where to load up. You get a cage with all your parcels for the route, but as a Flex driver, you have to scan every single item yourself, unlike the full-time drivers who can scan bags in one go. It can be a bit of a faff, but I’ve found that keeping everything organised in the car by bag really helps when you’re out delivering. Once, I had a block with only 18 stops but 49 separate deliveries, all to blocks of flats. It was supposed to take 2.5 hours but ended up taking 3 because of all the extra scanning and dealing with flats.

The Amazon app is easy enough to use most of the time, but it’s not perfect. The navigation can be hit and miss, especially if you’re in an area with a poor mobile signal. If that happens, it’s handy to have a backup satnav or another app ready to go.

There’s also the option to do grocery delivery blocks for Morrisons, which are a bit different. These pay about £34 in my area and usually take 1.5 to 2 hours. They sound decent on paper, but they’re not always worth the hassle. At my local store, you have to grab at least two large shopping trolleys, collect all the shopping from the warehouse, scan everything, and then cart it all back through the shop to your car. Once, I had a route with 50 miles of driving and had to lug 7 or 8 heavy shopping bags up to a top-floor flat with no lift. These blocks can be easy or really tough, so it’s potluck.

For me, Amazon Flex has been a decent side gig, but I wouldn’t rely on it as my main job. The inconsistency in pay and block availability makes it too unpredictable. If you’re also signed up with other gig apps like Deliveroo or Uber Eats, you can fill in the gaps and keep busy throughout the day, but you’ll need to plan your timings carefully. If you’re looking for more regular work, it might be worth signing up as a full-time Amazon DSP delivery driver.

All in all, it’s alright for a bit of extra money, but it’s not as easy as it looks. The key is to go in with your eyes open, be prepared for the tough blocks, and make sure you’ve factored in all your expenses. If you’ve got a decent car, some patience, and a bit of hustle, you can make it work. Just don’t expect it to be all smooth sailing.

Alternatives to Amazon Flex in the UK

If Amazon Flex isn’t quite ticking all the boxes, don’t worry—there are plenty of other gig economy jobs out there that might suit you better. Here are some popular alternatives worth checking out:

1. Deliveroo: If you don’t mind ferrying food instead of parcels, Deliveroo is a good option. You’ll need a bike, scooter, or car, and you can pick shifts or go online whenever you’re free. Pay can vary, but during busy meal times, you might earn more than Amazon Flex—plus, you often get tips from customers.
2. Uber Eats: Similar to Deliveroo, Uber Eats has you delivering takeaways, but you work entirely on-demand—no pre-booked shifts. It’s great if you want complete flexibility, though pay rates depend on how busy it is and the distance of each delivery.
3. Stuart Delivery: Stuart partners with businesses like Tesco and Co-op, and some takeaways like Pappa Johns, so you’ll deliver anything from groceries to takeaways. It’s app-based, like Flex, and you can choose your working hours. Rates are competitive, and the variety of deliveries keeps it interesting.
4. Evri: If parcel delivery is more your thing but you want a regular route, Evri could be a good shout. You’ll need to commit to a set delivery area and work most days, but it’s a bit more predictable than Flex.
5. Gophr: Gophr focuses on courier work, so you might deliver anything from documents to larger items. They’re known for fair pay and clear rates, and you can choose jobs that suit your vehicle size and availability.
6. CitySprint: CitySprint specialises in same-day courier services and offers flexible work for self-employed drivers. You don’t necessarily need a van and can use a car. You’ll handle a range of deliveries, from urgent documents to large parcels, and the pay is typically better for bigger or time-critical jobs. It’s a good option if you’re after variety and don’t mind a bit of a hustle to pick up and deliver quickly. Find out more about how to start a courier business in the UK.

If you really want to maximise your earnings, it’s worth signing up for a few platforms and juggling work between them. For example, you could fit food deliveries between Amazon blocks or switch to another app when Flex is quiet. It takes a bit of planning, but it’s a good way to keep busy and bring in more cash.

Is Amazon Flex Worth It in 2025?

Based on my personal experiences, I think Amazon Flex is one of the best delivery side hustles there is. That said, it’s not perfect. Rising fuel costs and the unpredictable nature of the blocks mean it might not suit everyone. If you need a steady, reliable income, it’s probably not for you. But if you’re after something part-time, where you can set your own hours, it’s worth a look.

At the end of the day, how well you do with Amazon Flex depends on your circumstances. Where you’re delivering, what kind of car you’ve got, and how well you can deal with the odd headache all make a difference. Go in with realistic expectations, and it can be a handy little earner but don’t expect it to be an easy ride.