Have you ever thought about why so many people get Amazon Prime, even when it gets more expensive? We’re going to look closely at Amazon Prime and explain how to use your subscription well and keep costs down. This service has many fans and different types of memberships, so it’s good to know what you get for your money and how to enjoy all its perks. If you’re thinking about joining or are already a member, our detailed guide will help you understand the costs and benefits. This way, you can make a smart choice.
Key Takeaways
- Annual Amazon Prime membership costs $139, which is about 23% cheaper than paying monthly.
- Students can receive a 50% discount and get a free six-month trial.
- Amazon Prime Visa Card offers 5% cashback on Amazon purchases.
- Free shipping includes millions of items, and selected orders qualify for same-day delivery.
- Membership includes exclusive access to deals, extending beyond just shipping and streaming services.
Understanding Amazon Prime Membership Options
Amazon Prime has different plans to suit everyone’s needs and wallets. The Prime annual membership is a great deal at $139 per year. It saves you money over paying monthly fees of $14.99, which add up to about $180 every year.
If you’re looking for a more affordable choice, there’s Prime Access for $6.99 a month. It’s for folks on government aid but still includes lots of Prime perks. It’s a good deal for those who qualify.
Students get a special deal too, with the Prime Student membership. It costs $69 per year or $7.49 per month. Plus, there’s a six-month free trial so students can try it out.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Free Trial Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Membership | $14.99 | $139 | 30 days |
| Prime Access | $6.99 | — | 30 days |
| Prime Student | $7.49 | $69 | 6 months |
| Prime Video | $8.99 | — |
If you love movies and TV shows, check out Prime Video for $8.99 a month. You get tons of movies and TV shows with ads. Want no ads? Just pay an extra $2.99 a month for an ad-free experience.
Prime Membership Benefits Overview
Amazon Prime offers numerous benefits that make shopping and watching shows better. It has more than 200 million members worldwide. This shows how attractive its perks are.
One top benefit is free two-day shipping on lots of items. Next-day delivery is also free on many products. This can save us lots of time and money, especially if we shop a lot.
Also, Prime members get unlimited streaming of media. They can listen to over 100 million songs without ads on Amazon Music Prime. They can watch many TV shows and movies on Prime Video. If they want more, members can get Amazon Music Unlimited for $10 a month, which is $1 less than usual.
Shoppers get special discounts and early access to sales like Prime Day. Prime Day sells more than Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Members also get special prices at Whole Foods Market and a $1 digital credit for choosing No-Rush Shipping on some orders.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Two-Day Shipping | On millions of items with next-day delivery in select cities. |
| Unlimited Media Streaming | Access to Prime Video and over 100 million songs on Amazon Music Prime. |
| Exclusive Shopping Discounts | Early access to sales and special deals at Whole Foods Market. |
| Prime Day | Exclusive access to a global shopping extravaganza. |
| Amazon Fresh | Grocery delivery services in select areas for Prime members. |
| Amazon First Reads | Two free Kindle books per month and access to a wide range of titles. |
| Grubhub+ | Free delivery on orders over $12. |
But Prime is more than fast shipping and watching shows. Amazon Fresh offers grocery delivery in some places. Amazon First Reads gives two free Kindle books each month. With Prime Reading and Prime Gaming, members get over 1,000 titles and free game downloads each month, plus in-game items.
If you like to try clothes before you buy, Prime Try Before You Buy is perfect. Members also get unlimited photo storage and 5 gigabytes for video. This helps keep our memories safe.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder Amazon Prime is so popular worldwide.
How much is Amazon Prime?
The cost of Amazon Prime changes with different membership choices. The yearly membership is popular, costing $139 now. It started at $79 in 2014, and has increased to $99, then to $119 in 2018, and $139 in 2022. For more freedom, there’s a monthly option at $14.99.
The yearly fee saves money over time. Choosing to pay every month totals $179.88 a year. That’s $40 more than the annual option.
| Membership Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Annual Subscription | $139/year |
| Amazon Prime Monthly Subscription | $14.99/month |
| Prime Student | $69/year or $7.49/month |
| Prime Access (EBT or Medicaid Card Holders) | $6.99/month |
Amazon has deals for certain people. Prime Student users get a six-month free trial and then a cheaper rate. People with EBT or Medicaid can get Prime for $6.99 a month.
The Amazon Prime subscription fee fits different needs. By knowing the options, users can find what works best with their money.
Comparing Monthly and Annual Memberships
When you compare monthly vs. annual costs of Amazon Prime, think about each option’s financial impact. The monthly choice costs $14.99, and the yearly fee is $139. This means you save about $40 a year with the yearly plan.
Choosing a yearly plan saves money and makes life simpler by avoiding monthly bills. If you go with the yearly option and pay $139 once, you won’t face the total $179.88 cost of paying monthly.
- Monthly fee: $14.99
- Annual fee: $139
- Annual membership savings: $40
| Membership Option | Cost | Yearly Expense | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $14.99 | $179.88 | $0 |
| Annual | $139 | $139 | $40.88 |
The monthly plan looks good for those who don’t want to pay a lot at once. Yet, the yearly membership is the best deal. It offers great savings and is more convenient.
Prime Access for Government Assistance Recipients
Amazon Prime Access lets those on government help enjoy Prime at a lower price. It costs only $6.99 a month, much less than the usual $14.99. To join, you need to take part in programs like Medicaid or SNAP.
About 35 million Americans could get this Amazon Prime discount. The program has grown, with a 25% jump in sign-ups by low-income families in 2023.
With Amazon Prime Access, you get everything regular Prime offers, such as:
- Free two-day shipping on certain items
- Access to Prime Video and Prime Music
- Special deals and discounts
One big perk of Prime Access is saving cash. You could keep about $96 in your pocket each year instead of paying the full price. Here is a look at who can get Prime Access and how much you can save:
| Program | Eligibility Requirements | Monthly Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Prime | N/A | $14.99 | $0 |
| Prime Access | Medicaid, SNAP, etc. | $6.99 | $96 |
New members try Prime for free for 30 days. After that, it’s $6.99 a month. You have to check your eligibility every year to keep your Prime benefits.
Prime Access lets you share your Prime perks with family via Amazon Household. It helps more people get access to important and fun services, no matter how much they make.
This $6.99 monthly Prime Access rate is a big deal. It opens up Prime’s many services to more families. Just show proof you’re in a qualifying program to enjoy Amazon Prime for less.
Amazon Prime Student Membership
Amazon Prime Student gives college students great value. It costs half of a regular Prime membership. After a six-month free trial, it’s only $7.49 monthly or $69 annually.
Signing up is easy for students with a .edu email. They can also show student ID, tuition bill, or transcript. Young people, 18 to 24, can keep it until they’re 25 with the right proof. This deal is wide open for nearly all students.
Prime Student offers all the usual Prime benefits. That includes quick, free shipping and unlimited photo storage. Plus, there’s a huge choice of streaming media.
| Service | Prime Student Cost | Regular Cost | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Music Unlimited | $5.99/month | $9.99/month | 50% savings for students |
| Calm app | $8.99/year | $69.99/year | Free first 3 months |
| Course Hero | $9.95/month | $24.95/month | 60% discount |
| StudentUniverse Flight Discount | 10% off | NA | |
| StudentUniverse Hotel Booking | 10% Amazon gift card | NA | |
| Kindle Unlimited | Free first 2 months | $9.99/month | Borrow up to 20 books |
Students can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited for $5.99 monthly. They can also add premium channels to Prime Video for just $0.99 monthly. Plus, they get early access to sales like Prime Day.
Lastly, Prime Student members get special deals like 10% off flights and hotel bookings via StudentUniverse. These exclusive discounts make student life both richer and more affordable.
Prime Video Membership and Costs
Prime Video is a great choice for stream fans, with lots of movies, TV series, and exclusive stuff. It’s part of Amazon Prime, costing $14.99 a month or $139 a year. Choosing the annual plan saves you about $30.
If you don’t like ads, Prime Video has an ad-free option. The basic plan has some ads, but for $3 more a month, you can watch without interruptions. This makes Prime Video a strong competitor in the streaming world.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Ad-Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Video (Part of Amazon Prime) | $14.99 | $139 | $3 extra per month |
| Standalone Prime Video | $9.00 | N/A | $3 extra per month |
With a Prime Video sub, you get over 300 Amazon Originals like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. Plus, with ad-free options, Prime Video stands out among others. Starting November 26, you can also watch PBS Drama and PBS Documentaries, adding more classic shows and documentaries to watch.
Prime Video Channels let members add channels like HBO Max and Starz, for even more variety. Prime Video works on lots of devices, including phones and smart TVs. It’s perfect for watching anywhere.
Non-Prime members can try Prime Video for free, to see what it offers with ads before subscribing. With over 200 million Amazon Prime members by 2024, it’s clear that many people love Prime Video for its quality streaming.
Extra Perks of Amazon Prime: Beyond Shipping and Streaming
Amazon Prime is known for quick shipping and lots of streaming options. But, it offers even more. Prime members get special deals on groceries at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. Look for yellow tags to save 10% to 20%.
Prime Gaming gives free PC games, monthly in-game content, and a Twitch.tv subscription. With Try Before You Buy, members can test clothes, shoes, or accessories for a week. Plus, they get free return shipping.
Amazon Photos gives unlimited storage for full-res photos and 5 GB for videos. Grubhub+ perks include no delivery fees on some orders, lower service fees, and 5% back on pickups. These benefits are worth $120 a year.
- Prime Reading: Access over 1,000 books, audiobooks, and magazines. You can borrow up to 10 items at once.
- Amazon First Reads: Get early access to a new book each month.
- Prime Music: Enjoy over 2 million songs ad-free. There’s also a premium service with over 90 million songs.
- No-Rush Shipping: Choose slower shipping and receive rewards. These can be digital service credits or future purchase discounts.
These Prime exclusive perks make the membership worth it. Try the 30-day free trial to explore all the features. Learn more about these benefits here.
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Grubhub+ | $0 delivery fees, lower service fees, and 5% back on eligible orders. |
| Prime Gaming | Access to free games and in-game content monthly, plus a Twitch subscription. |
| Amazon Photos | Unlimited photo storage with 5 GB of video storage. |
| Amazon Fresh | Special savings on grocery shopping at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. |
Is Amazon Prime Worth the Cost?
Is Amazon Prime worth its price? We must ponder the benefits and how often you use them. Prime costs $14.99 a month or $139 per year. It comes with many perks, but are they worth the cost?
Prime has great perks. Members enjoy free shipping on over 300 million items. This is a big save for those who shop online often. Plus, Prime Day has special deals on fashion, electronics, and toys, offering more savings.
The $14.99 monthly fee versus the annual $139 shows yearly is cheaper. Paying monthly totals about $180 a year. So, picking yearly saves you about $41. It’s key to pick based on how much you’ll use Prime.
RxPass is a top feature, providing generic medicines for just $5 a month, covering over 80 conditions. Amazon Household allows sharing Prime among two adults, four teens, and four kids under 13, meeting everyone’s needs.
Prime also offers streaming perks and early access to Lightning Deals. Plus, Amazon Photos gives unlimited photo storage. A 30-day free trial, available once every 12 months, lets you test these benefits without risk.
The grocery delivery rule is important. Orders over $100 get free delivery, versus non-Prime members paying $4.95 to $13.95. For orders between $50-$100, Prime charges $6.95, and under $50, it’s $9.95. This could affect how well Prime fits your shopping habits.
And there’s Prime Video. For an ad-free experience, it’s an extra $2.99 a month. Prime Video on its own costs $8.99 a month, or $107.88 a year. These options suit those who watch lots of shows. See if this add-on is worth it for you.
In sum, valuing Amazon Prime requires looking at all features against its cost. Consider your use of shopping, streaming, and more to see if Prime is a good value for you.
Sharing Amazon Prime Membership with Others
Amazon Household lets you share Prime perks with your family. You can add up to two adults, four teens (aged 13-17), and four children. It’s not just about items; you can share Prime Video, Amazon Photos, and more.
An adult with Prime can share its benefits in the Amazon Household. They do this without giving access to each other’s personal stuff. Teens get their own logins for shopping and streaming, but adults review their orders. Plus, adults can set spending limits for them.
Children can enjoy content but can’t buy stuff on Amazon using Amazon Household. If anyone leaves the Amazon Household, they have to wait 180 days to join another one.
- Up to 6 members can benefit
- 2 adults, 4 teens, and 4 children can be added
- Teens can shop and stream under adult watch
- Members can share costs easily
- Payments are securely handled by services like Together Price
Sharing Prime benefits cut costs. If three people share a subscription, they pay much less. Monthly, each pays $8.99, or annually, $46.33 each. Together Price helps manage these shared payments safely.
We encourage using Amazon Household to get more from your Prime membership. Sharing happiness means it’s doubled!
How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Membership
Canceling your Amazon Prime membership is easy. You can do it through the Amazon app or the website. Here’s a guide to help you quit Amazon Prime. This way, you won’t be billed for something you don’t use anymore.
First, open the Amazon app. Go to the ‘Your Account’ section. Then, do the following steps:
- Select Manage Prime Membership from the menu options.
- Find Update, cancel and more and click it.
- A few prompts will ask if you’re sure about canceling. Confirm your decision each time.
- See what Prime benefits you’ll lose. This includes Prime Video, deals, and free shipping.
- If you haven’t used your Prime a lot, Amazon might refund part of your fee.
- Your membership ends when your current billing cycle does.
If you’re using a computer, the steps are pretty similar. Just go to Amazon’s website. Then, go to ‘Your Account’. You’ll get instructions to manage your Prime settings.
Amazon will double-check with you about canceling. They want to make sure you’re sure about your decision.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Step | On Amazon App | On Amazon Website |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Open the Amazon app and go to ‘Your Account’ | Visit the Amazon website and log in to ‘Your Account’ |
| Select Option | Choose ‘Manage Prime Membership’ | Select ‘Manage Prime Membership’ |
| Confirm | Click on ‘Update, cancel and more’ and follow prompts | Click on ‘Update, cancel and more’ and follow prompts |
| End of Membership | At conclusion of the billing cycle | At conclusion of the billing cycle |
If you cancel shortly after joining or switching from a free trial without using any Prime benefits, you may get a full refund. Amazon processes these refunds in about three to five business days.
Whether you’re looking at your budget or ending your Prime, knowing how to cancel on the Amazon app and website can help you make the right choice.
Conclusion
As we conclude our review of Amazon Prime, we find it provides many benefits. Since starting in 2005 with a $79 yearly fee, it now has over 200 million members worldwide. This service is offered in more than 17 countries, like the USA, Canada, and Germany.
Prime offers a lot of value with free two-day shipping, Prime Video, and discounts for students. There are also special features like RxPass and Amazon Kids+. These benefits help Amazon dominate the market, predicting a 38% share of US online sales by 2024.
Considering the costs—$14.99 monthly or $139 yearly—the benefits are substantial. It’s ideal for those who shop online often, enjoy streaming, and have families. We hope our review helps you decide if Prime is right for you. In summary, Amazon Prime is an excellent choice for boosting your online buying and entertainment experience.
FAQ
What are the different types of Amazon Prime memberships?
Amazon Prime has a few membership options. You can choose an annual plan for 9 or a monthly plan for .99. There is a reduced rate for those on government aid at .99 per month. Students get a membership for per year after a free six-month trial.
What benefits come with Amazon Prime membership?
Prime members get lots of perks. These include free two-day shipping on many items and unlimited TV shows and movies streaming on Prime Video. Plus, they enjoy music streaming with Amazon Music Prime, discounts at Whole Foods, access to Prime Day sales, and special deals on products.
How much does Amazon Prime cost?
The cost for Amazon Prime per year is 9, and monthly it’s .99. Prime Access for those on government assistance is .99 a month. Students can join Prime for a year after trying it free for six months.
Is it better to pay for Amazon Prime annually or monthly?
Choosing the annual payment for Amazon Prime saves about compared to the monthly option, totaling 9.88 a year. An annual plan also simplifies payment handling.
What is Prime Access and who is eligible?
Prime Access offers discounted Prime memberships at .99 per month for those on government assistance like EBT, Medicaid, or SNAP. This membership includes all the normal Prime benefits.
What is the cost and benefits of the Prime Student membership?
The Prime Student membership is annually after a six-month trial. It’s for students with a valid school email. This plan includes all Prime perks, along with exclusive deals for students.
What options are available for a Prime Video membership?
For .99 monthly, Prime Video offers unlimited streaming of TV shows and movies with ads. You can get an ad-free experience for an extra .99 per month.
Are there additional benefits to Amazon Prime beyond shipping and streaming?
Yes, Prime also offers unique discounts at Whole Foods, access to Prime Wardrobe to try clothes before buying, early access to sales, and exclusive content on Prime Media.
How can I determine if Amazon Prime is worth the cost?
Evaluating if Prime is worthwhile depends on your online shopping, streaming, and service usage. Weigh these against the costs of Prime to see if it makes sense for you.
Can I share my Amazon Prime membership with others?
Yes, via Amazon Household, you can share Prime benefits with another adult, up to four teens, and four children. This makes using your membership more valuable.
How do I cancel my Amazon Prime membership?
Cancel your Prime by going to ‘Your Account’ on Amazon. Click ‘Manage Prime Membership’ then find ‘Update, cancel and more.’ Follow the steps to cancel.
