How to become an Amazon Prime member
To become an Amazon Prime member, you create or sign into your Amazon account, go to the Prime membership page, and choose a plan. Amazon offers three main options: a monthly plan that renews each month, an annual plan that renews once a year, and a discounted annual plan for students. You enter a payment method, confirm your choice, and your membership begins immediately. You can start using Prime benefits right away — free two-day shipping on may be able to access items, Prime Video streaming, Prime Music, and other perks depending on your plan.
The process takes about five minutes. You do not need to provide anything beyond what Amazon already has on file if you are an existing customer. If you are new to Amazon, you will need to create an account with an email address and password first.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Prime membership starts the moment you choose a plan and confirm payment — there is no waiting period.
- Monthly and annual plans cost different amounts, and students can get a discounted annual rate if they verify their student status.
- You can cancel your membership at any time, and if you cancel within the first 30 days, Amazon refunds the full amount.
- Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on millions of items, but some products and sellers do not may have access to.
- You can share certain Prime benefits with household members through Amazon Household, though each person needs their own account.
Where to find the Prime membership page
On Amazon.com, look for the "Prime" link in the top navigation bar or search for "Amazon Prime membership" in the search box. This takes you directly to the membership options page. On the Amazon mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Prime" or "Try Prime" depending on whether you already have a membership.
If you are not logged into your Amazon account, you will be asked to sign in or create an account before you can proceed. Once you are logged in, the page shows all available plans with their prices and renewal dates clearly listed.
Choosing between monthly, annual, and student plans
The monthly plan renews automatically each month and can be cancelled anytime. This works well if you want to try Prime without a long commitment or if you only need it for a few months. The annual plan costs less per month than paying monthly, but you pay the full year upfront and it renews automatically after 12 months. The student plan is an annual membership at a lower price, available to students who can verify their status through SheerID, a third-party verification service.
Students get the same benefits as regular Prime members but pay a reduced rate. Student membership lasts four years from the date you sign up, then converts to a regular annual plan unless you cancel. You will need a valid .edu email address or other proof of enrollment to verify your student status during signup.
Payment methods and billing
Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards as payment for Prime membership. You can also use an Amazon Store Card or other payment methods already saved to your account. When you choose a plan, Amazon charges your payment method immediately and sends a confirmation email with your membership details and renewal date.
Monthly memberships renew on the same day each month. Annual memberships renew on the same date one year later. You can change your payment method anytime by going to "Manage Your Prime Membership" in your account settings, and you can update your billing address there as well.
What happens after you sign up
Your Prime membership is active immediately after you confirm payment. You can use Prime shipping on your next order right away — just look for items marked "Prime" or "Prime may be able to access" when you shop. Prime Video and Prime Music are also available to use immediately through the Amazon app or website. If you have a Fire tablet or Fire TV device, you can log in with your Amazon account and access Prime Video there too.
Amazon sends you a welcome email with links to your membership benefits and instructions for setting up Prime Video on different devices. If you have questions about a specific benefit, you can find help articles and contact Amazon customer service through your account.
Cancelling your membership and refund policy
You can cancel your Prime membership anytime through your account settings under "Manage Your Prime Membership." If you cancel within 30 days of signing up, Amazon refunds the full amount you paid. After 30 days, you do not receive a refund, but your membership ends on the date you cancel — you do not have to wait for the next renewal.
If you cancel an annual membership before the year is up, you lose access to Prime benefits immediately, though you can rejoin anytime. Monthly memberships end at the end of your current billing cycle. Amazon does not charge you again after you cancel, and you can reactivate membership in the future without any penalty.
Sharing Prime with household members
Amazon Household lets you share certain Prime benefits with up to two adults and up to four children on the same account. Each person needs their own Amazon account, and you invite them through your account settings. Household members can use Prime shipping and Prime Video with their own login, but some benefits like Prime Music and Prime Gaming are shared across the whole household.
To set up Amazon Household, go to "Manage Your Prime Membership," select "Invite an adult" or "Add a child," and follow the prompts. The other person receives an invitation and can accept or decline. You can remove household members anytime, and they keep their own account but lose access to Prime benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try Prime for free before paying?
Amazon occasionally offers free trial periods for new members, but this varies by region and changes over time. Check the Prime membership page to see if a trial is currently available in your area. If no trial is shown, you will need to start a paid membership to access Prime benefits.
What if I forget to cancel before my renewal date?
If you are charged for a renewal you did not want, contact Amazon customer service within a few days and explain the situation. Amazon often refunds the charge as a one-time courtesy. To prevent this, set a reminder on your calendar a few days before your renewal date if you plan to cancel.
Do I need a credit card to sign up for Prime?
You need a valid payment method on file, which can be a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. If you have an Amazon Store Card or other payment method already saved to your account, you can use that instead. Amazon does not accept cash or checks for membership payments.
Can I change my membership plan after I sign up?
Yes. You can switch from monthly to annual, or vice versa, anytime through "Manage Your Prime Membership" in your account settings. If you switch from annual to monthly mid-year, Amazon credits the unused portion of your annual payment toward your new plan.
What if my payment method is declined?
Amazon sends you an email notification and gives you time to update your payment method before your membership is suspended. You can update it immediately through your account settings, and your membership continues without interruption. If payment fails multiple times, your membership may be cancelled, but you can rejoin anytime.