Amazon Prime membership costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month as of 2024, though Amazon has raised these prices multiple times in the past decade

The annual plan ($139) works out to about $11.58 per month if you pay upfront. The monthly plan ($14.99) costs more per month but requires no commitment — you can cancel anytime. Amazon also offers a discounted Prime membership for students, people on government information, and seniors, each with different pricing structures.

The price you pay depends on which membership tier you choose and whether you lock in an annual or monthly payment schedule. Amazon frequently adjusts these prices, so the amounts listed here may change. The company typically announces price changes in advance and gives existing members time to decide whether to continue.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Prime membership costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month, with the annual plan saving you money if you pay upfront.
  • Prime Student costs $69 per year or $7.49 per month and requires a valid .edu email address or other proof of student status.
  • Prime for government information recipients costs $6.99 per month and requires verification through the National Verifier system.
  • Prime for seniors (age 62 and older) costs $7.99 per month or $79 per year and requires proof of age and may be able to access.
  • Amazon Prime Video can be purchased separately for $14.99 per month if you want video streaming without the full Prime membership.

Annual versus monthly payment: which costs less

Paying $139 upfront for a full year saves you $39.88 compared to paying $14.99 each month for twelve months ($179.88 total). That difference matters if you use Prime regularly — the annual plan breaks even after about nine months of the monthly rate.

The monthly plan has no lock-in period. You can cancel after one month, three months, or whenever you choose. This flexibility costs more per month but makes sense if you are unsure whether you will use Prime long-term or if you only need it for a specific season (holiday shopping, for example).

Prime Student pricing and how long it lasts

Amazon Prime Student costs $69 per year or $7.49 per month and includes the same benefits as standard Prime: free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading. To join, you must verify that you are a full-time student at an accredited four-year university or college using a valid .edu email address or by providing other proof of enrollment.

Prime Student membership lasts for four years from the date you join, then converts to standard Prime pricing unless you cancel. If your student status ends before four years (you graduate or leave school early), you can keep the discounted rate until your four-year period ends. After that, you pay the full Prime price.

Discounted Prime for people receiving government information

Amazon offers Prime membership for $6.99 per month to people who receive benefits through SNAP (food stamps), TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or certain other federal information programs. This plan includes the same shipping and video benefits as standard Prime.

To join, you must verify your benefit status through the National Verifier system, which checks your may be able to access without requiring you to upload documents. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely online. Your membership lasts one year from the date you join, and you can renew it annually as long as you remain may be able to access.

Prime for seniors: age 62 and older

Amazon Prime for seniors costs $7.99 per month or $79 per year for people age 62 and older. You must provide proof of age (a driver's license, passport, or other government ID) when you join. The membership includes all standard Prime benefits: shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading.

Unlike Prime Student, senior Prime does not have an expiration date. You can keep the discounted rate as long as you remain a member and continue to meet the age requirement. There is no four-year limit or renewal important date.

Prime Video as a standalone subscription

If you want Prime Video (the streaming service) without paying for full Prime membership, Amazon sells it separately for $14.99 per month. This gives you access to movies, TV shows, and original series but does not include free shipping, Prime Music, Prime Reading, or other Prime benefits.

Prime Video is also included in Amazon Prime Video Premium, which costs $19.99 per month and adds ad-free viewing. This is different from standard Prime Video, which shows ads unless you pay extra. If you already have a Prime membership, Prime Video is included at no additional cost.

What happens when Amazon raises Prime prices

Amazon has raised Prime prices several times: from $99 annually in 2014 to $119 in 2018, then to $139 in 2022. When the company announces a price increase, existing members usually receive an email notification and a grace period (often 30 days) to decide whether to keep their membership at the new rate or cancel.

If you have an active annual membership when a price increase takes effect, your current year is usually not affected — the new price applies when you renew. Monthly members may see the price change take effect on their next billing date. Discounted memberships (student, senior, government information) have historically increased at a slower rate than standard Prime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a free trial of Prime before I pay?

Amazon offers a 30-day free trial of standard Prime membership to new members who have never had Prime before. You must provide a payment method to start the trial, and your membership will automatically convert to a paid plan when the 30 days end unless you cancel before that date.

Do I have to pay for Prime if I only want to watch Prime Video?

No. You can buy Prime Video separately for $14.99 per month without purchasing a full Prime membership. However, if you use Prime for shipping or other benefits, the annual Prime membership ($139 per year) is usually cheaper than paying for Prime Video alone for a full year.

What if I cancel Prime mid-year?

If you paid for an annual membership and cancel before the year ends, Amazon does not refund the unused portion. If you are on a monthly plan, you can cancel anytime, and your membership ends on your next billing date with no additional charges.

Does Prime pricing vary by state or region?

Standard Prime pricing is the same across all U.S. states. However, some discounted programs (government information, for example) may have different verification requirements depending on your state. Check Amazon's website or contact customer service to confirm whether a specific discount program is available in your area.