The map of where same-day delivery is available. Image via Amazon
The map of where same-day delivery is available. Image via Amazon

Amazon continues to increase the value of its Prime membership, this time expanding its network of free same-day delivery options for members.

The retail giant announced today that same-day delivery options are available to Prime members in 11 new cities, bringing the service’s footprint up to nearly 30 metro areas across the U.S.

The expansion cuts down delivery times mainly in mid-sized markets. The cities added today are Charlotte, Cincinnati, Fresno, Louisville, Milwaukee, Nashville, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Stockton and Tucson.

Amazon is expanding same-day delivery coverage in existing markets as well, with faster shipping available in new sections of central New Jersey, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Same-day delivery is available for orders of more than $35, but only select items are available for the speedy delivery option (usually smaller items, so emergency toaster oven replacements still require a trip to a physical store). The expansion doesn’t affect Prime Now availability, which offers one-hour deliveries of select items to users in about 25 cities.

The expansion is another compelling reason for users to sign up for the $99-per-year Amazon Prime program, which has expanded from its free two-day shipping roots to include music and video streaming, photo storage and video game discounts.

Competitors like Walmart have tried to lure customer with similar membership-based shipping options, but Prime still seems to provide the most value for customers. In an annual letter to shareholders this week, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said that he wants “Prime to be such a good value, you’d be irresponsible not to be a member.”

Prime members can see if their location is covered in the same-day delivery expansion by entering their zip code over on Amazon’s site.

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