Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year in the United States

The standard membership gives you free two-day shipping on most items, access to Prime Video streaming, and Prime Music. If you pay monthly, you spend $179.88 per year. If you pay annually, you save about $40. Amazon also offers a discounted Prime membership for students ($7.49 per month or $69 per year) and a separate Prime Video membership for $14.99 per month if you only want the streaming service without shipping benefits.

Prices vary by country. In Canada, Prime costs CAD $16.99 per month or CAD $139 per year. In the United Kingdom, it's £8.99 per month or £95 per year. In Australia, it's AUD $9 per month or AUD $79 per year. If you live outside the United States, check Amazon's site for your region to see the exact price in your currency.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year in the US, with annual payment saving you about $40.
  • Student Prime costs half the regular price at $7.49 per month or $69 per year and requires a valid .edu email address.
  • Prime Video alone costs $14.99 per month if you want streaming without the shipping and other Prime benefits.
  • Prices differ by country, so check your regional Amazon site to see what you would actually pay.

What's included in a standard Prime membership

Two-day shipping is the core benefit, though many items ship faster. One-day and same-day shipping are available in most US cities at no extra cost. You also get Prime Video, which includes movies, TV shows, and original series like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Prime Music gives you access to over 2 million songs ad-free, though the selection is smaller than Spotify or Apple Music.

Other perks include Prime Reading (a rotating library of books, magazines, and newspapers), Photo Storage (unlimited photo backup), and early access to Lightning Deals during Prime Day and other sales. You can share your membership with up to two adults in your household through Amazon Household, though each person needs their own Amazon account.

Student Prime and discounted memberships

If you have a valid .edu email address, you can get Prime Student for $7.49 per month or $69 per year. Student Prime includes all the same benefits as standard Prime — shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and the rest — with no restrictions. The discount lasts for four years from the date you sign up, then converts to standard Prime pricing unless you cancel.

Amazon also offers a discounted Prime membership for people receiving certain government benefits. The cost is $5.99 per month (no annual option). You must provide proof of current enrollment in SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain other programs. The process happens through Amazon's website, and you will need to verify your benefits status.

Prime Video as a standalone service

If you only want to watch Prime Video and do not need shipping or music, you can subscribe to Prime Video alone for $14.99 per month. This gives you the same shows and movies as Prime members, but you lose the shipping benefits, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and photo storage. There is no annual payment option for Prime Video standalone — you pay monthly only.

Some people find this useful if they already have another shipping membership (like Costco) or if they only want access to Prime's shows. However, the monthly cost of $14.99 adds up to $179.88 per year, which is more than the full Prime annual membership at $139.

How to check if a price increase is coming

Amazon raises Prime prices occasionally. The most recent increase in the US happened in September 2023, when the annual price went from $119 to $139. Before any price change takes effect, Amazon notifies current members by email at least 30 days in advance. You will see the new price in your account settings under "Manage Prime Membership."

If you receive a price increase notice, you have 30 days to cancel before the new rate applies. After that window closes, you are charged at the new price on your next renewal date. There is no way to lock in the old price — once the increase goes into effect, everyone pays the new amount.

Comparing Prime to other shipping and streaming options

Walmart+ costs $12.98 per month or $98 per year and includes free shipping on most items, fuel discounts, and access to Walmart's streaming service. Target Circle+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year and gives free shipping, but does not include streaming. Costco membership costs $65 per year (Gold Star) or $130 per year (Executive) and includes shipping benefits but no streaming.

For streaming alone, Netflix Standard costs $15.49 per month, Hulu costs $7.99 per month (with ads) or $14.99 per month (ad-free), and Disney+ costs $7.99 per month (with ads) or $13.99 per month (ad-free). Many people subscribe to multiple services rather than relying on one. The choice depends on whether you prioritize shipping, streaming, or a mix of both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel Prime anytime or am I locked in?

You can cancel anytime. If you pay monthly, your membership ends at the end of your current billing cycle and you are not charged again. If you pay annually, you can request a refund for the unused portion of your membership, though Amazon's policy on refunds can vary.

Does Prime membership include free returns?

Prime members get free returns on most items, with return windows typically lasting 30 days from delivery. Some items (like electronics or certain clothing) may have different return policies. Check the product page before you buy to see the specific return window.

What happens to my Prime membership if I move to another country?

Your US Prime membership does not work in other countries. You would need to sign up for Prime in that country separately. If you move temporarily, contact Amazon customer service to discuss your options — they sometimes allow brief pauses or transfers depending on your situation.

Is Prime membership worth it if I only use it for shipping?

That depends on how often you order. If you place at least 12 orders per year and would otherwise pay for shipping, the annual membership usually pays for itself. If you order less frequently or mostly buy from sellers with free shipping anyway, the membership may not save you money.

Do I have to pay for Prime shipping on every order?

No. Prime shipping is included in your membership at no extra charge per order. However, some items are not may be able to access for Prime shipping — the product page will show whether Prime shipping is available. Items sold by third-party sellers sometimes take longer to ship than items sold by Amazon directly.