The fastest way to join Prime

To become an Amazon Prime member, go to amazon.com, click the "Prime" link in the top navigation, and select "Start your free trial" or "Join Prime." You'll enter your email address, create a password if you don't have an Amazon account, and add a payment method. Amazon charges $14.99 per month or $139 per year for a standard Prime membership. The free trial lasts 30 days and converts to a paid membership unless you cancel before it ends.

You can also join through the Amazon mobile app by tapping the account icon, selecting "Prime membership," and following the same steps. If you're a student, you can join Prime Student for $7.49 per month or $69 per year — you'll need a valid .edu email address or a student ID to verify your status.

Once your membership is active, you can use Prime benefits immediately. Your membership renews on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • The 30-day free trial gives you full access to all Prime benefits before you're charged, and you can cancel during the trial period.
  • Prime Student costs half the price of standard Prime and requires verification through a .edu email or student ID.
  • You need a valid payment method on file, but Amazon will not charge you until your free trial ends.

What payment methods Amazon accepts

Amazon accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and Amazon gift cards as payment for Prime membership. You can also pay using your Amazon Store Card or Amazon Visa card if you have one. The payment method you add during signup will be charged on your renewal date.

If your payment method fails when your membership renews, Amazon will attempt to charge you again using the backup payment method on your account. If all payment methods fail, your Prime membership will be suspended until you update your payment information.

How to manage your membership after joining

After you join, you can view your membership details and manage your subscription by going to amazon.com, clicking your account name, selecting "Your Prime membership," and then "Manage membership." From this page, you can see your renewal date, switch between monthly and annual billing, pause your membership for up to three months, or cancel anytime.

If you pause your membership, your renewal date will be pushed back by the length of the pause. When you cancel, your access to Prime benefits ends immediately, though you keep any digital content you purchased (like Kindle books or Prime Video rentals).

Prime benefits included with membership

Your membership includes free two-day shipping on millions of items, same-day and one-day delivery options in many areas, and free shipping on items marked with the Prime logo. You also get access to Prime Video (streaming movies and TV shows), Prime Music (ad-free music streaming), Prime Reading (rotating selection of magazines, books, and comics), and Amazon Photos (unlimited photo storage).

Prime members also receive exclusive deals during Prime Day (usually in July) and early access to other sales. You can share some Prime benefits with household members through Amazon Household, which lets up to two adults and four teens or children use the same membership.

Special membership options for specific groups

Prime Student is available to anyone with a valid .edu email address or a student ID from a four-year or two-year college. It costs $7.49 per month or $69 per year and includes all standard Prime benefits. The free trial for Prime Student is six months instead of 30 days.

Prime for government assistance recipients is a reduced-price option available to people who receive certain government benefits like SNAP, SSI, or TANF. This membership costs $5.99 per month with a 30-day free trial. You'll need to verify your benefit status during signup using your benefit card or account number.

Amazon Household lets you share Prime benefits with family members. One adult sets up the household and invites up to one other adult and up to four teens or children. Teens and children have limited access to purchasing, while adults have full access.

What happens during the free trial period

Your 30-day free trial (or six months for Prime Student) gives you full access to all Prime benefits at no cost. You can use Prime shipping, stream Prime Video, access Prime Music, and use all other member features. Amazon will send you an email reminder three days before your trial ends, telling you when you'll be charged.

You can cancel anytime during the trial without being charged. To cancel, go to "Your Prime membership" in your account settings and select "End membership." If you cancel after your trial ends, Amazon will refund your most recent payment if you request it within a few days of being charged.

Troubleshooting common signup issues

If you see an error message during signup, first check that your email address is correct and that you're using a valid payment method. If your payment method is declined, try a different card or update your card information with your bank. Some debit cards have daily spending limits that might block the charge.

If you already have an Amazon account but can't find the Prime signup option, make sure you're signed in. If you're still having trouble, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then visiting amazon.com again. If the problem continues, contact Amazon Customer Service through the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of any Amazon page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my Prime membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel during your free trial or anytime after your membership starts. There are no cancellation fees or penalties. Go to "Your Prime membership" in your account settings and select "End membership." If you cancel after being charged, you can request a refund within a few days.

What happens to my Prime benefits if I cancel?

Your access to Prime shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and other benefits ends immediately when you cancel. However, you keep any digital content you purchased, like Kindle books or Prime Video rentals. You can rejoin Prime anytime by starting a new membership.

Can I switch from monthly to annual billing or vice versa?

Yes. Go to "Your Prime membership" and select "Change to annual plan" or "Change to monthly plan." If you switch from annual to monthly mid-year, Amazon will refund you the difference. If you switch from monthly to annual, you'll be charged the annual price immediately.

Is Prime Student the same as regular Prime?

Prime Student includes all the same benefits as regular Prime — shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and more. The main differences are the lower price ($7.49 per month instead of $14.99) and the longer free trial (six months instead of 30 days). You lose Prime Student pricing once you graduate or are no longer a student.

What if I don't want to use my free trial right away?

You can't delay the start of your free trial — it begins immediately when you sign up. If you want to join later, don't start the trial now. You can always come back and sign up for Prime whenever you're ready to use it.