What the Amazon Prime free trial gives you

Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial that lets you use the full Prime membership at no cost. During those 30 days, you get the same benefits as a paid member: free two-day shipping on may be able to access items, access to Prime Video (movies and TV shows), Prime Music, Prime Reading, and other perks that come with the membership.

The trial is real access, not a limited version. You can order items with free shipping, watch full movies and series, and use every feature a paying member can use. After the 30 days end, Amazon will charge you for a monthly or annual membership unless you cancel before that date.

Key Takeaways

  • The free trial lasts 30 days and includes all standard Prime benefits like two-day shipping and Prime Video.
  • You must provide a valid payment method when you start the trial, and Amazon will charge you automatically after 30 days if you do not cancel.
  • You can cancel anytime during the trial period without being charged, as long as you do it before the 30 days end.
  • If you are a student, Amazon offers a separate Prime Student program with its own free trial period and lower membership cost.
  • The trial is available to new Prime members only — people who have had Prime before may not be able to use it again.

How to start the free trial

Go to the Amazon Prime membership page and select "Start your 30-day free trial." You will need to sign in with your Amazon account or create one if you do not have one yet. Amazon will ask for a valid payment method — a credit card, debit card, or other payment option linked to your account.

Once you enter your payment information and confirm the trial, your membership becomes active when ready. You can start using Prime shipping and Prime Video right away. Amazon will send you a confirmation email with your trial end date clearly listed.

When Amazon charges you and how to avoid it

Amazon charges your payment method automatically on the day your 30-day trial ends. The charge is for one month of Prime membership if you have a monthly plan, or the full annual amount if you chose an annual plan during signup. The amount varies depending on your region and membership type.

To avoid being charged, you must cancel your trial before the 30 days are up. Cancellation is not automatic — you have to go into your Amazon account settings, find your Prime membership, and select the cancel option. Once you cancel, your membership ends on day 30, and you will not be charged. If you cancel after you have already been charged, you can request a refund within a certain window, though policies vary.

Canceling your trial before you are charged

Log into your Amazon account and go to "Your Prime Membership" in the account settings. Look for the option that says "End membership" or "Cancel Prime." Amazon will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer you a discount to keep your membership — you can decline and proceed with the cancellation.

After you confirm the cancellation, your Prime membership will end on the last day of your trial period. You will receive a confirmation email. Your access to Prime benefits stops on that date, but any orders you placed during the trial with Prime shipping will still be delivered.

Prime Student and other trial options

If you are a full-time student at a four-year university or college in the United States, you may be able to use Prime Student instead. Prime Student offers a longer free trial — usually six months instead of 30 days — and costs less per month than regular Prime. You will need a valid .edu email address or proof of enrollment to sign up.

Prime Student includes the same shipping and video benefits as regular Prime. After your six-month trial ends, the membership renews at the Prime Student rate unless you cancel. Some schools or organizations may also offer Prime memberships as part of their benefits, so check with your employer or institution before starting a trial.

What happens if you have had Prime before

Amazon typically limits the free trial to people who have never been Prime members before, or who have not had an active membership in the past 12 months. If you had Prime in the past and let it lapse, you may still be able to use the trial, but this depends on how long ago your membership ended.

If you try to start a trial and Amazon tells you that you are not may be able to access, it means your account does not meet the requirements. In that case, you would need to pay for a membership directly. Some promotions or special offers may allow you to get a discounted first month instead of a full free trial, so it is worth checking the Prime page to see what options are available to you.

What to know about Prime Video during the trial

Prime Video is included in your Prime membership, so you can watch movies, TV series, and original shows during your trial at no extra cost. You can stream on multiple devices — phones, tablets, computers, and Fire TV devices — and read some titles to watch offline.

Prime Video content changes regularly, and not every movie or show is included in the membership. Some titles require an additional rental or purchase fee even with Prime. During your trial, you can explore what is available and decide whether the video library is worth keeping the membership for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the free trial more than once?

No, Amazon limits the free trial to one per person. If you have already used it, you cannot use it again unless your previous membership ended more than 12 months ago. Even then, Amazon may not allow a second trial depending on your account history.

What if I forget to cancel before the 30 days end?

Amazon will charge you for the next billing period. If you notice the charge quickly, you can contact Amazon customer service and request a refund. Refunds are usually granted if you ask within a few days of being charged, though the exact window varies.

Do I need a credit card to start the trial?

Yes, you need a valid payment method on file. Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, and other payment options linked to your account. The trial is free, but Amazon requires the payment method to charge you automatically when the trial ends if you do not cancel.

Can I change my membership plan during the trial?

Yes, you can switch between monthly and annual plans during your trial. If you switch to an annual plan, you will be charged the annual amount when the trial ends instead of a monthly charge. You can make this change in your account settings anytime.

What if I move to a different country during my trial?

Prime membership is tied to your country of residence. If you move, you may need to update your account and could be switched to that country's Prime program. Contact Amazon customer service to update your location and confirm how your membership will be affected.