Are you getting the most out of Prime? Here’s what it costs and what you get.
What started in 2005 as a simple subscription for free shipping has evolved into a full-fledged membership program with over 200 million members. But what does an Amazon Prime membership get you in 2025? Subscribers receive shipping benefits, exclusive discounts, and access to multiple Amazon-owned services like Prime Video and Amazon Music. Black Friday might be the day after Thanksgiving, but Amazon is already loaded with deals. However, taking advantage of some of these steep discounts requires a Prime membership. If you’re having trouble keeping track of everything included in the program, or are trying to determine if it’s worth the money, here’s what you need to know about Amazon Prime.How Much Is Amazon Prime?
The cost of an Amazon Prime membership differs depending on how you want to pay. Since February 2022, it costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, so with the annual rate, you save $40. We’ve seen a few price hikes over the years as e-commerce exploded and Amazon added more perks: From $79 to $99 in 2014 and then to $119 in 2018, before reaching its current price. Prices across Europe have also increased by up to 43%.
If $139 is too much, there are ways to avoid paying full price for shipping. First-time subscribers can sign up for a free 30-day trial. The company has rebranded Prime Student as Prime for Young Adults, which costs $7.49 per month or $69 for the full year and offers 5% cash back rewards. First-time subscribers get six months free. Those who qualify for government assistance, such as EBT or Medicaid, can get Prime for $6.99 a month for up to four years.
If you want Prime just for the free shipping, you can get free delivery in 5-8 business days by spending $35 or more on eligible items. Or subscribe to specific items if you buy something regularly. This will knock 15% off the final price and qualify you for free delivery.What Does a Prime Membership Include?
The biggest benefit of an Amazon Prime membership is free shipping, but you also get unlimited access to many Amazon-owned services, such as Prime Video and Amazon Music, and extras are added all the time. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of what you get:Recommended by Our EditorsFree Delivery
Free two-day shipping on eligible items.
Free one-day shipping with no minimum purchase on select items.
Free same-day shipping on orders $25 and over in eligible ZIP codes (or a $2.99 fee for orders under the minimum).
Free release-date shipping for eligible pre-order items.
Free no-rush shipping.
Free Amazon Day Delivery, where all your weekly Amazon orders are delivered on the same day each week.
Free in-garage delivery through the Amazon Key service on your Amazon Day Delivery (a $1.99 fee on any other day), a great way to protect your front door deliveries.Shopping Perks
Prime Day/Big Deal Days: Prime members get access to special deals on Prime Day and Big Deal Days events, as well as Black Friday.
Whole Foods: Prime members get exclusive discounts when shopping at Amazon-owned Whole Foods. Two-hour delivery is also available in select cities.
Amazon Fresh: Amazon Fresh offers 1-hour pickup or 2-hour delivery windows in more than 2,000 US cities and towns. Prime members can get free delivery on purchases over $100 and save 10% on eligible in-store purchases at physical Amazon Fresh stores.
