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What is Amazon Prime? How Much is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service by Amazon offering fast shipping, exclusive perks, and reduced-rate options like Prime Access for government assistance recipients and Prime Student for students.

by Sai V

Updated Aug 26, 2023

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What is Amazon Prime? How Much is Amazon Prime?

What is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime stands as a premium subscription service, requiring an annual fee of $139 or a monthly fee of $14.99, offered by the renowned online retailer Amazon. Enrollees in this service, referred to as Prime members, unlock an array of privileges.

Chief among these is the inclusion of complimentary expedited shipping, which covers a substantial portion of items sold by Amazon and typically arrives within a span of one to two days. Notably, Amazon divulged in the prior year that its global count of paid Prime members surpassed a staggering 200 million, underscoring the service's immense popularity and reach.

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How Much is Amazon Prime?

The pricing for an Amazon Prime membership stands at $14.99 per month or $139 per year if you opt for the annual payment. Nevertheless, Amazon also presents a selection of reduced-rate membership alternatives that provide the same advantageous perks, including swift and complimentary delivery for a vast array of items, exclusive advantages, and savings, all available to eligible participants.

For example, there's Prime Access, which comes at a monthly fee of $6.99, tailor-made for individuals who qualify for government assistance programs like SNAP EBT and Medicaid. Furthermore, there's Prime Student, another discounted variant, priced at $7.49 monthly or $69 annually, specially designed for college students enrolled in two or four-year institutions.

This particular membership tier comes with extra exclusive benefits catered to students. Additionally, Amazon extends a 30-day trial period for both Prime and Prime Access memberships, enabling you to access all the benefits without any membership fee for a month, allowing you to assess whether the membership aligns with your needs.

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How to Cancel Amazon Prime?

If you're looking to cancel your Amazon Prime membership, whether you're using a desktop computer or a mobile device, we've got you covered. Follow these easy steps to successfully cancel your Prime subscription:

Cancelling on a Desktop Computer:

  • Access Amazon Website: Open your preferred web browser and visit Amazon.com.
  • Navigate to Prime Membership: Hover your cursor over the "Accounts & Lists" menu located in the top-right corner of the page.
  • Select Prime Membership: From the dropdown menu, click on the option labeled "Prime Membership."
  • Access Membership Management: Once on the Prime Membership page, hover over the "Manage Membership" section located in the top-right corner of the screen.
  • Initiate Cancellation: Click on the "End Membership" button that appears in the dropdown menu.
  • Follow On-Screen Instructions: Amazon will guide you through the cancellation process with on-screen instructions. Follow these prompts to complete the cancellation of your Prime subscription.

Cancelling on a Mobile Device (Using Amazon Shopping App):

  • Launch Amazon Shopping App: Open the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile device.
  • Access Your Profile: At the bottom of the screen, locate and tap on the "Profile" button, which is usually represented by a silhouette of a person.
  • Scroll and Select Manage Prime Membership: Scroll down within your profile settings until you find the option "Manage Prime Membership." Tap on it.
  • Access Membership Management: Tap on the dropdown menu labeled "Manage Membership."
  • Initiate Cancellation: Within the dropdown, select the "Manage Membership" button.
  • Confirm Cancellation: Look for the "End Membership" button and tap on it to confirm your cancellation.
  • Follow On-Screen Instructions: Amazon will provide you with step-by-step instructions on your screen. Follow these prompts to complete the cancellation process for your Prime subscription.
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When is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day for 2023 occurred from the stroke of midnight PST on July 11 until the final minutes of July 12 in PDT (or 3am EDT). Anticipatory shoppers had the chance to avail themselves of numerous Prime Day deals in the week leading up to the main event. Interestingly, some offers lingered even after the official conclusion of the sale, catering to those who preferred last-minute purchases.

Looking ahead, a follow-up event has been confirmed. Amazon has officially announced the "Prime Big Deal Days" scheduled for October. While precise specifics regarding the nature of the discounts and products are currently scant, Amazon has indicated that this event will span 19 countries, including the United States.

This event appears to mirror the concept of the Prime Early Access Sale observed in previous years before the onset of Black Friday—a two-day occasion featuring exclusive bargains for Prime members that offered a glimpse into the forthcoming Amazon Black Friday extravaganza. As the forthcoming months unfold, additional details and declarations concerning Prime Big Deal Days will be communicated, keeping the eager public informed about this imminent shopping occasion.

Amazon Prime Shopping

Amazon Prime Shopping is a subscription-based service offered by Amazon, granting users access to exclusive features that would otherwise incur additional charges or be inaccessible. With a recurring monthly or yearly fee, subscribers can enjoy a range of benefits, including complimentary two-day shipping, on-demand streaming of music and video content, and various other perks. Enrolling for Amazon Prime Shopping is a straightforward process through the Amazon official website.

One of the standout advantages of Amazon Prime Shopping is its provision for hassle-free shopping within the United States. This entails cost-free shipping for eligible items, enhancing the convenience of online shopping. Furthermore, the subscription extends its reach beyond physical goods, allowing members to delve into an extensive library of streamed movies, television series, and musical content.

Amazon Prime Cost

Let's delve into the pricing aspect. An Amazon Prime subscription comes at a rate of $14.99 per month, or you can opt for an annual payment of $139, which grants you access to a host of valuable benefits. However, Amazon also extends a range of discounted membership choices, each offering the same valuable perks. These advantages include swift and complimentary delivery for millions of items, exclusive privileges, and savings, all available to qualifying members.

Moreover, there are tailored options available, such as Prime Access. This specific tier is priced at a mere $6.99 per month and is targeted towards individuals receiving government assistance like SNAP EBT and Medicaid. Similarly, Prime Student is another avenue for savings. Priced at $7.49 per month or $69 per year, it's designed for students enrolled in two or four-year colleges, and it includes additional exclusive benefits aimed at the unique needs of students.

Furthermore, Amazon extends a 30-day trial period for both Prime and Prime Access. This allows you to sample the benefits without the commitment of a membership fee for the initial 30 days, giving you the opportunity to gauge whether a Prime membership aligns with your requirements. It's advisable to check Amazon's official website for the latest information on membership costs and options, as these particulars may evolve over time.

Amazon Prime Free Trial

The subject under consideration pertains to the Amazon Prime free trial, encompassing two distinct scenarios. The initial scenario involves individuals who have not previously availed themselves of Amazon Prime and are keen on experiencing its benefits through a trial period. The second scenario delves into the realm of those who have previously undergone a trial period, yet seek the possibility of recurrent Amazon Prime trial experiences.

Exploring Amazon Prime with a Trial for the First Time:

  • In the event that you haven't yet experienced Amazon Prime and you're intrigued by the idea of giving it a shot, the following steps can guide you through the process:
  • Initiate the Process: Begin by navigating to the dedicated Amazon Prime trial page on the Amazon website.
  • Registration: Once on the trial page, you'll be prompted to enroll in the trial. This typically involves providing your payment details, although charges won't apply during the trial phase.
  • Trial Period: Upon successful registration, you'll be granted access to the range of Amazon Prime benefits for an established trial duration, usually spanning around 30 days.
  • Benefit Exploration: Throughout the trial window, you can take advantage of various perks including expedited two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and even Prime Reading materials.
  • Cancellation Option: Should you find that Amazon Prime doesn't align with your preferences, ensure that you cancel the trial prior to its conclusion to avoid any subsequent charges. Cancellation is usually accessible within your Amazon account settings.

Subsequent Amazon Prime Trial Considerations:

  • Ordinarily, Amazon extends a single free trial of Amazon Prime per user account. This implies that if you've previously availed of a trial, you might not be eligible for another using the same account. However, it's worth noting that Amazon's policies can evolve, potentially incorporating fresh promotions or provisions that facilitate multiple trial opportunities under specific circumstances.
  • For those contemplating another stint with Amazon Prime following a prior trial, the following strategies might prove useful:
  • Family Sharing: If another member within your household hasn't yet utilized a trial, it could be feasible to access trial benefits via Amazon Household sharing.
  • Promotional Offerings: Keep an eye out for exclusive promotions or incentives that Amazon periodically introduces. Such initiatives might provide avenues for accessing trials or securing discounted Prime subscriptions.
  • Monthly Subscription: Instead of opting for a free trial, you could consider subscribing to Amazon Prime on a monthly basis. This allows you to enjoy the benefits for a month at a time without the obligation of a long-term commitment.

What Advantages Does Amazon Prime Offer?

Amazon Prime offers a host of valuable perks that make it a sought-after subscription service. One of its primary benefits is the inclusion of free two-day shipping on a vast array of eligible products. In certain areas, customers even have the option for same-day delivery on qualifying orders. This is a significant upgrade from the standard free shipping, which takes five to eight business days to reach non-Prime customers on orders totaling $25 or more.

Unlimited Streaming of Movies and TV Shows:

   Subscribers gain unrestricted access to a diverse selection of TV shows and movies through Prime Video, all without any extra charge. Moreover, members have the option to subscribe to premium channels like HBO and Showtime for an added fee.

Endless Reading Opportunities:

   Amazon Prime members can choose from a library of over a thousand books, comics, and magazines, all available for reading without incurring extra costs. This service is accessible not only through Kindle devices and Fire tablets but also on iOS and Android devices via the Kindle app.

Unrestricted Music Streaming:

   Amazon Music Prime lets users listen to over 2 million songs and explore curated Prime Playlists, all free from advertisements. Furthermore, Prime members can choose to subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited at a discounted rate, unlocking a collection of over 100 million songs.

Exclusive Discounts at Whole Foods:

   Prime members enjoy an additional 10% discount on eligible sale items at both physical Whole Foods Market locations and online purchases.

Complimentary Gaming Benefits:

   Prime Gaming opens the door to complimentary PC games and in-game content, along with a monthly subscription to a Twitch channel

Is Amazon Prime Membership Worth Getting?

Yes, determining if an Amazon Prime membership is worth it depends on individual preferences and usage patterns. The value of its perks, which encompass shipping and streaming entertainment, must be weighed against personal needs and habits.

Shipping Consideration: If your annual expenditure on Amazon's shipping fees surpasses $139, then the equation may lean towards embracing Amazon Prime. The allure of expedited delivery within days, contrasting with standard shipping's lengthier duration, should not be overlooked. Furthermore, the potential to share shipping perks with another household member adds an extra dimension to the cost-effectiveness of the membership.

Evaluating Streaming Entertainment: Amazon Prime membership extends beyond shipping, bundling access to Prime Video for on-demand entertainment. Gauging its value against other prominent streaming services like Hulu and Netflix reveals its financial appeal. Not to be overlooked, Amazon Music Prime bolsters the entertainment package. Should Prime's video and music content align with your preferences, the subscription cost can be offset against potential expenses on standalone services.

Factoring in Convenience: The membership's value transcends shipping and streaming. The convenience of procuring essential items sans the hassle of physical store visits is a noteworthy aspect. This convenience resonates particularly for recurrent purchases of household necessities. The saved time and effort further enhance the attractiveness of the membership.

Trial Period Benefit: For those hesitant to commit, the recommended course of action is to avail the complimentary trial phase. This trial interval grants firsthand experience of the perks, allowing a comprehensive assessment of how well they dovetail with individual requirements. Armed with this experiential insight, an informed judgment can be reached regarding the membership's utility.

How Can I Enroll for an Amazon Prime Membership?

To access Prime Day deals, a membership costing $14.99 per month or $139 annually (up from $12.99/$119) is required. Newcomers enjoy a 30-day free trial for Prime Day access and other benefits, though prior trial or membership disqualifies. The trial covers shipping, Prime Video, etc. Explore an Amazon Prime review to decide on continuing after the free trial to evade fees.

Accessing Prime Day Deals:

If you're interested in accessing the exclusive deals offered on Prime Day, you'll need to become an Amazon Prime member.

Membership Cost:

Amazon Prime membership comes with a price tag of $14.99 per month or $139 for a full year. It's important to note that there was a price adjustment from the previous rates of $12.99 per month or $119 annually.

New Subscriber Benefit:

New subscribers have a special advantage. They can make use of the 30-day Amazon Prime free trial to gain access to and make purchases during Prime Day. This is applicable only to individuals who have never held an Amazon Prime membership before.

Eligibility Criteria:

If you've previously availed of the free trial or have signed up for Amazon Prime in the past, you won't be eligible for this trial period.

Free Trial Benefits:

Throughout the 30-day free trial, you'll enjoy all the privileges that a regular Amazon Prime member does. This includes perks like complimentary shipping, the ability to stream content on Prime Video, and more.

Informed Decision:

To make an informed choice about your membership, consider reading a comprehensive Amazon Prime review. This review will provide you with a complete understanding of the array of benefits that accompany the membership.

Avoiding Charges:

It's advisable to decide whether to continue with your Amazon Prime membership after the free trial concludes. If you choose not to continue, remember to cancel before the trial period ends to prevent the monthly fee from being charged.

What is Amazon Prime - FAQs

1. What is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime is a premium subscription service offering benefits like fast shipping, streaming entertainment, and exclusive deals for a monthly or annual fee.

2. How much does Amazon Prime cost?

Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, but there are discounted options for students and government assistance recipients.

3. How can I cancel Amazon Prime?

To cancel Amazon Prime, go to your account settings on the Amazon website or app and follow the provided instructions.

4. What benefits does Amazon Prime offer?

Amazon Prime offers perks like free two-day shipping, streaming movies and TV shows, unlimited reading, music streaming, and exclusive discounts.

5. Is Amazon Prime worth it?

Whether Amazon Prime is worth it depends on your shipping needs, entertainment preferences, and desire for convenience; a free trial can help you decide.

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