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
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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.
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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.
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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
