Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by Amazon that provides a variety of benefits, including free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more. The cost of Amazon Prime varies depending on whether you choose a monthly or annual membership, and there are also different options available for students and people receiving government assistance.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different Amazon Prime membership options and how much they cost, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Whether you're a frequent Amazon shopper or just looking for a way to save money on shipping, Amazon Prime can be a great option. However, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully before deciding if it's the right choice for you.
how much is amazon prime a month
Costs vary by membership type.
- Monthly: $14.99
- Annual: $139
- Student: $7.49/month
- Government assistance: $6.99/month
- Free two-day shipping
- Access to Prime Video, Music, and Reading
- Other benefits included
- Weigh costs and benefits before deciding
Amazon Prime offers a variety of benefits, but it's important to consider the costs and benefits carefully before deciding if it's the right choice for you.
Monthly: $14.99
The monthly Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99. This is the most flexible option, as you can cancel your membership at any time. However, it is also the most expensive option on a per-month basis.
With a monthly Prime membership, you'll get all of the benefits of Prime, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more. You'll also get access to exclusive deals and discounts, and you'll be able to shop from Amazon Prime Pantry, which offers a wide selection of groceries and household items.
If you're not sure whether Amazon Prime is right for you, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial. This will give you a chance to try out all of the benefits of Prime before you decide whether to commit to a paid membership.
To sign up for a monthly Amazon Prime membership, simply visit the Amazon Prime website and click on the "Sign Up" button. You'll need to provide your name, email address, and payment information. Once you've signed up, you'll be able to start enjoying all of the benefits of Prime immediately.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the monthly Amazon Prime membership:
- It costs $14.99 per month.
- You can cancel your membership at any time.
- You'll get all of the benefits of Prime, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more.
- You can sign up for a free 30-day trial.
Annual: $139
The annual Amazon Prime membership costs $139. This is the most cost-effective option if you plan on using Prime for a full year. However, it is also the least flexible option, as you cannot cancel your membership before the end of the year.
- Pay less per month:
At $139 per year, the annual Prime membership works out to just $11.58 per month. This is a significant savings over the monthly membership, which costs $14.99 per month.
- No need to worry about renewing:
With an annual membership, you don't have to worry about renewing your membership every month. This can be a convenience for those who don't want to have to keep track of their membership status.
- All the same benefits:
Annual Prime members get all of the same benefits as monthly Prime members, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more.
- Long-term commitment:
The annual Prime membership requires a longer commitment than the monthly membership. This may not be ideal for those who are not sure whether they will use Prime for a full year.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the annual Amazon Prime membership:
- It costs $139 per year.
- You cannot cancel your membership before the end of the year.
- You'll get all of the benefits of Prime, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more.
Student: $7.49/month
Students can get a discounted Amazon Prime membership for $7.49 per month. This is a great deal for students who want to save money on shipping and access Prime's other benefits.
- Cheaper than a regular Prime membership:
At $7.49 per month, the student Prime membership is more than half the price of a regular Prime membership. This can be a significant savings for students on a budget.
- All the same benefits:
Student Prime members get all of the same benefits as regular Prime members, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more.
- Eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for the student Prime membership, you must be a student at an accredited college or university. You will need to provide proof of your student status when you sign up.
- Verification process:
Amazon uses a third-party service to verify student status. This process can take up to 3 days. Once your student status is verified, you will be able to sign up for the student Prime membership.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the student Amazon Prime membership:
- It costs $7.49 per month.
- You must be a student at an accredited college or university.
- You will need to provide proof of your student status when you sign up.
- It may take up to 3 days for your student status to be verified.
- You'll get all of the benefits of Prime, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more.
Government assistance: $6.99/month
Individuals and families receiving government assistance can get a discounted Amazon Prime membership for $6.99 per month. This is a great way to save money on shipping and access Prime's other benefits if you qualify.
- Cheaper than a regular Prime membership:
At $6.99 per month, the government assistance Prime membership is more than half the price of a regular Prime membership. This can be a significant savings for individuals and families on a tight budget.
- All the same benefits:
Government assistance Prime members get all of the same benefits as regular Prime members, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more.
- Eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for the government assistance Prime membership, you must be a recipient of one of the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Verification process:
Amazon uses a third-party service to verify eligibility for government assistance. This process can take up to 3 days. Once your eligibility is verified, you will be able to sign up for the government assistance Prime membership.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the government assistance Amazon Prime membership:
- It costs $6.99 per month.
- You must be a recipient of SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
- You will need to provide proof of your eligibility when you sign up.
- It may take up to 3 days for your eligibility to be verified.
- You'll get all of the benefits of Prime, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more.
Free two-day shipping
One of the biggest benefits of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on eligible items. This can be a huge savings, especially if you order from Amazon frequently.
- Fast and convenient:
With free two-day shipping, you can get your items quickly and easily. This is especially convenient for busy people who don't have time to wait for their orders to arrive.
- No minimum purchase required:
Unlike some other shipping options, there is no minimum purchase required to get free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime. This means you can order even small items and still get them quickly and easily.
- Wide selection of eligible items:
Millions of items on Amazon are eligible for free two-day shipping. This includes a wide variety of products, from books and electronics to clothing and household items.
- Easy to use:
To take advantage of free two-day shipping, simply add eligible items to your cart and select the "Free Two-Day Shipping" option at checkout. Your order will then be delivered within two business days.
Here are some things to keep in mind about free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime:
- Not all items are eligible for free two-day shipping.
- Free two-day shipping is not available in all areas.
- Some items may take longer than two days to arrive.
- You must be an Amazon Prime member to get free two-day shipping.
Access to Prime Video, Music, and Reading
In addition to free two-day shipping, Amazon Prime members also get access to a variety of streaming and entertainment benefits, including Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading.
- Prime Video:
Prime Video is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals like "The Boys" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Prime members can watch Prime Video content on their TVs, computers, and mobile devices.
- Prime Music:
Prime Music is a streaming music service that offers over 2 million songs. Prime members can listen to Prime Music on their computers, mobile devices, and Echo devices.
- Prime Reading:
Prime Reading is a lending library that offers over 1,000 books and magazines. Prime members can borrow books and magazines from Prime Reading and read them on their computers, mobile devices, and Kindle devices.
Here are some things to keep in mind about Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading:
- The selection of content varies by country.
- Some content may require an additional subscription.
- You must be an Amazon Prime member to access Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading.
Other benefits included
In addition to free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, Amazon Prime members also get a number of other benefits, including:
- Prime Day:
Prime members get exclusive access to Prime Day, Amazon's annual sale event. During Prime Day, members can save big on a wide variety of items, from electronics and clothing to home goods and toys.
- Amazon Photos:
Prime members get unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos. This means you can store all of your photos in one place, and you can access them from any device.
- Twitch Prime:
Prime members get a free subscription to Twitch Prime, which gives them access to exclusive emotes, chat badges, and other perks on the popular streaming platform.
- Exclusive discounts:
Prime members get exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services, including Amazon devices, groceries, and travel.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the other benefits included with Amazon Prime:
- The selection of benefits varies by country.
- Some benefits may require an additional subscription.
- You must be an Amazon Prime member to access these benefits.
Weigh costs and benefits before deciding
Before you decide whether or not to sign up for Amazon Prime, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully.
On the one hand, Amazon Prime offers a number of valuable benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more. If you're a frequent Amazon shopper or you use Prime Video or Prime Music regularly, then the cost of Prime may be worth it for you.
On the other hand, Amazon Prime is not a good deal for everyone. If you don't shop on Amazon frequently or you don't use Prime Video or Prime Music, then you may not get enough value out of Prime to justify the cost.
Here are some things to consider when weighing the costs and benefits of Amazon Prime:
- How often do you shop on Amazon?
- Do you use Prime Video or Prime Music?
- Would you use the other benefits of Prime, such as Prime Reading, Prime Day, and Twitch Prime?
- How much money do you spend on shipping each year?
- Can you get free shipping from Amazon without Prime?
Once you've considered all of these factors, you can decide whether or not Amazon Prime is a good deal for you.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Amazon Prime:
Question 1: How much does Amazon Prime cost?
Answer 1: Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Students can get a discounted membership for $7.49 per month, and individuals and families receiving government assistance can get a discounted membership for $6.99 per month.
Question 2: What are the benefits of Amazon Prime?
Answer 2: Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more. Prime members also get exclusive access to Prime Day and other special promotions.
Question 3: How can I sign up for Amazon Prime?
Answer 3: You can sign up for Amazon Prime by visiting the Amazon Prime website and clicking on the "Sign Up" button. You will need to provide your name, email address, and payment information.
Question 4: Can I cancel my Amazon Prime membership?
Answer 4: Yes, you can cancel your Amazon Prime membership at any time. To cancel your membership, go to the Amazon Prime website and click on the "Your Account" tab. Then, click on the "Manage Prime Membership" link and follow the instructions.
Question 5: How do I get free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime?
Answer 5: To get free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime, simply add eligible items to your cart and select the "Free Two-Day Shipping" option at checkout. Your order will then be delivered within two business days.
Question 6: What is Prime Video?
Answer 6: Prime Video is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals like "The Boys" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Prime members can watch Prime Video content on their TVs, computers, and mobile devices.
Question 7: What is Prime Music?
Answer 7: Prime Music is a streaming music service that offers over 2 million songs. Prime members can listen to Prime Music on their computers, mobile devices, and Echo devices.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Amazon Prime. For more information, please visit the Amazon Prime website.
Now that you know more about Amazon Prime, here are a few tips for getting the most out of your membership:
Tips
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your Amazon Prime membership:
Tip 1: Use Prime Video and Prime Music.
Prime Video and Prime Music are two of the best benefits of Amazon Prime. Prime Video offers a wide variety of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals like "The Boys" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Prime Music offers over 2 million songs. Be sure to take advantage of these services to get the most out of your Prime membership.
Tip 2: Take advantage of free two-day shipping.
Free two-day shipping is one of the most popular benefits of Amazon Prime. To get free two-day shipping, simply add eligible items to your cart and select the "Free Two-Day Shipping" option at checkout. Your order will then be delivered within two business days.
Tip 3: Use Prime Day to save money.
Prime Day is Amazon's annual sale event. During Prime Day, Prime members can save big on a wide variety of items, from electronics and clothing to home goods and toys. Be sure to mark your calendar for Prime Day and take advantage of the great deals.
Tip 4: Share your Prime membership with your family.
Amazon Prime allows you to share your membership with up to four other adults in your household. This means that everyone in your family can enjoy the benefits of Prime, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video and Prime Music, and more. To share your Prime membership, simply go to the Amazon Prime website and click on the "Manage Your Prime Membership" link. Then, click on the "Share Your Prime Membership" button and follow the instructions.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Amazon Prime membership and save money on shipping, entertainment, and more.
Now that you know how to get the most out of your Amazon Prime membership, you can decide if it's the right choice for you.
Conclusion
Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service that offers a variety of benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, and more. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Students can get a discounted membership for $7.49 per month, and individuals and families receiving government assistance can get a discounted membership for $6.99 per month.
Whether or not Amazon Prime is a good deal for you depends on your individual needs and shopping habits. If you're a frequent Amazon shopper or you use Prime Video or Prime Music regularly, then the cost of Prime may be worth it for you. However, if you don't shop on Amazon frequently or you don't use Prime Video or Prime Music, then you may not get enough value out of Prime to justify the cost.
Before you decide whether or not to sign up for Amazon Prime, weigh the costs and benefits carefully. Consider how often you shop on Amazon, whether or not you use Prime Video or Prime Music, and whether or not you would use the other benefits of Prime, such as Prime Reading, Prime Day, and Twitch Prime.
Once you've considered all of these factors, you can decide whether or not Amazon Prime is the right choice for you.
Thanks for reading! I hope this article has helped you learn more about Amazon Prime and how to decide if it's the right choice for you.