Amazon Prime membership starts with an Amazon account and a payment method

To become an Amazon Prime member, you need an active Amazon account, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and to confirm your membership choice on Amazon's website or app. The process takes about five minutes. Amazon offers several membership tiers — the standard annual plan, a monthly plan, and discounted rates for students and people receiving government benefits — so your first step is deciding which fits your situation and budget.

You do not need to be an existing Amazon customer. If you do not have an Amazon account yet, you will create one during the membership setup. Amazon will ask for your name, email address, and a password. Once your account exists and your payment method is saved, you can start your membership immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Prime membership requires an Amazon account, a valid payment method, and confirmation of your chosen plan on Amazon's website or mobile app.
  • Amazon offers annual membership, monthly membership, and discounted rates for students (Prime Student) and people receiving Supplemental Security Income or SNAP benefits.
  • Your membership begins the moment you confirm your plan, and you can cancel anytime without penalty if you are on a monthly plan.
  • Prime membership includes two-day shipping on may be able to access items, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and other benefits that vary by plan tier.

The three main membership options and their costs

Amazon Prime offers a standard annual membership, a month-to-month membership, and two discounted options. The annual plan costs less per month if you pay upfront, while the monthly plan lets you cancel without commitment. Both give you the same benefits — two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading.

Prime Student is a separate membership for college and university students with a valid .edu email address. It costs less than standard Prime and includes the same shipping and video benefits. Prime Student memberships last four years or until you graduate, whichever comes first.

Amazon also offers a discounted Prime membership for people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SNAP benefits. You will need to confirm your benefit status during signup. This plan includes the core Prime benefits but may have some restrictions on certain add-ons.

How to sign up on Amazon's website

Go to amazon.com and look for the "Prime" link in the top navigation menu. Click it, then select "Start your free trial" or "Join Prime" depending on whether Amazon is offering a trial period at that moment. You will land on a page showing the membership options and their costs.

If you do not have an Amazon account, click "Create your Amazon account" and enter your name, email, and a password. If you already have an account, sign in with your email and password. Amazon will then ask you to confirm or add a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Review the plan details, confirm your choice, and click the button to start your membership. Your membership is active immediately.

How to sign up on the Amazon mobile app

Open the Amazon app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Prime." You will see the membership options and their costs. Tap "Join Prime" or "Start your free trial" if one is available.

If you are not signed in, the app will ask you to create an account or sign in. Enter your email and password, then confirm or add a payment method. Once you confirm your plan choice, your membership starts right away. You can manage your membership from the same menu later if you need to change your plan or cancel.

What happens after you join

Your Prime benefits are active as soon as your membership starts. When you shop on Amazon, may be able to access items will show a Prime badge and two-day shipping option at checkout. You can also access Prime Video by opening the app or going to primevideo.com, and Prime Music through the Amazon Music app.

Amazon will send you a confirmation email with your membership details and a link to manage your account. Save this email or bookmark your account settings page so you can check your membership status, update your payment method, or cancel if you decide Prime is not right for you.

How to cancel your membership anytime

If you are on a monthly plan, you can cancel without penalty at any time. If you are on an annual plan, you can cancel and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership, though Amazon's refund policy varies by how long you have been a member.

To cancel, sign into your Amazon account, go to "Manage Prime Membership" in your account settings, and select "End membership." Amazon will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. If you decline, your membership will end on the date shown, and you will lose access to Prime benefits at that time.

Discounted membership for students

Prime Student offers the same core benefits as standard Prime — two-day shipping and Prime Video — at a lower cost. To join, you need a valid .edu email address from an accredited college or university. Go to amazon.com/primestu and enter your school email during signup.

Amazon will verify your student status automatically using your email domain. If your school is not in Amazon's system, you may be asked to upload a photo of your student ID or a current class schedule. Once verified, your Prime Student membership starts immediately. The membership lasts four years from the date you join or until you graduate, whichever comes first. After that, Amazon will offer you the option to switch to a standard Prime membership.

Discounted membership for people receiving government benefits

Amazon offers a reduced-price Prime membership for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SNAP benefits. The membership includes two-day shipping and Prime Video. To join, you will need to confirm your benefit status during signup.

Go to amazon.com and navigate to the Prime membership page. Look for the option for people receiving SSI or SNAP. You will be asked to verify your benefit status — Amazon may ask you to upload a document showing your current benefits, such as a benefit letter or EBT card. Once verified, your discounted membership begins. If your benefit status changes, you should update your information in your account settings to avoid unexpected charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a credit card to join Prime?

No. Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts as payment methods. During signup, you can choose whichever method you prefer. If you do not have a credit card, a debit card or bank account will work.

Can I try Prime before paying for a full membership?

Amazon sometimes offers a free trial period for new members, though the length and availability vary. Check the Prime membership page when you sign up to see if a trial is currently available in your region. If one is offered, you can cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

What is the difference between Prime and Prime Video?

Prime Video is one benefit included in a Prime membership. Prime membership also includes two-day shipping, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and other perks. You can also buy a Prime Video-only subscription separately if you only want the video service without the full Prime membership.

Can I share my Prime membership with family members?

Yes, through Amazon Household. You can add up to four adults and up to four children to your account, and they can use your Prime benefits on their own devices. Go to your account settings and select "Manage Your Household" to set this up.

What if I signed up for Prime but want to change to a different plan?

Sign into your Amazon account, go to "Manage Prime Membership" in your account settings, and select "Change Plan." You can switch between monthly and annual plans, or to Prime Student or the discounted benefit plan if you are may be able to access. Changes take effect on your next billing date.