Amazon’s Prime subscription service has seen a few price hikes over the years, from $79 to $99 per year in 2014 and again to $119 in 2018. Since 2022, it’s been $139 per year.
Prime is free to join for 30 days for first-time subscribers, so you can try it without making a year-long commitment. Sign up ahead of Prime Day 2025 get free shipping and then cancel, for example. A monthly Prime subscription is $14.99, though if you plan to use it for any length of time, an annual fee is a better deal.
The main Prime perk is free, two-day shipping, but Prime members also get streaming via Prime Video, as well as Prime Music, Prime Reading, and Amazon Photos. If you’re a regular Amazon user, Prime is a pretty good deal. But perhaps you’re on a budget and are looking for ways to pay less than $139 for Amazon Prime free shipping and other perks. Here are some options.
Best Tips for Prime Day 2025
1. Join Prime for Young Adults
(Credit: Tom Werner/Getty Images)
Prime for Young Adults offers students and those aged 18 to 24 a six-month trial that includes free, two-day shipping on Prime items, free same-day delivery in certain areas, and two-hour grocery delivery, as well as 5% cash back on eligible purchases (10% on Prime Day), Prime Video, Prime Gaming, Prime Reading, and Amazon Photos. Other perks include discounted access to services like Grubhub+ and savings on gas. Once the six-month trial is up, Amazon charges $69 per year or $7.49 per month.
Get Exclusive Savings!
Amazon Prime Day Returns July 8- 11
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
2. Get Prime Access
If you have a valid Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or Medicaid card, you can sign up for Amazon Prime Access for $6.99 per month for up to four years. After Amazon verifies your accounts, you’re eligible for free, two-day shipping, Prime Video, Amazon Photos, and more.
3. Spend $35 or More
(Credit: Amazon)
If free shipping is your game, Amazon offers free shipping on select orders. On its website, Amazon says: “Free shipping is available…on eligible orders of $35 or more.” With millions of items, it’s not hard to rack up enough items to hit the $35 mark, though some items are not eligible; look for items that “Ship from Amazon” and choose “FREE Shipping” at checkout. You can get free, one-day shipping when buying gift cards, but they don’t apply to the $35 total, Amazon says. If you’re just shy of $35, select a cheap add-on item.
Recommended by Our Editors
4. Get a Subscribe & Save Membership
(Credit: Amazon/PCMag)
Similarly, shoppers who tend to buy the same things should look into a Subscribe & Save Membership. Although it does not cover everything on the site, members can save up to 15% on orders and receive free shipping on every Subscribe & Save order. Members must select eligible items, and choose a delivery schedule to subscribe. While it’s not as expansive as an Amazon Prime membership, it is convenient and worth a look.
5. Swap Amazon Prime for Walmart+
Amazon isn’t the only shipping giant with a subscription service; Walmart+ debuted in 2020 and at $98 per year, it’s more than $40 cheaper than Amazon Prime. There are similar perks, like free shipping and early access to special deals, plus gas discounts. For video streaming, Walmart offers free access to the ad-supported Paramount+ Essential Plan. Express delivery options are not as robust as those found on Amazon, so double-check that Walmart has a presence in your area if something like grocery delivery is a priority.
About Chloe Albanesius
Executive Editor for News
