Amazon Prime Benefits and Costs

Explore the benefits and costs associated with an Amazon Prime membership. This article provides an overview of the features that come with Amazon Prime, as well as the pricing structure, helping consumers decide if it's the right choice for them.


Amazon Prime offers a range of benefits and services to its subscribers for a monthly or annual fee.  here are the key Amazon Prime benefits and costs:

Amazon Prime Benefits:

  1. Free Two-Day Shipping: Subscribers can enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible items sold by Amazon. This is one of the most popular features of Amazon Prime, providing fast and convenient delivery.

  2. Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime members gain access to a vast library of streaming video content, including movies, TV shows, Amazon Originals, and exclusive content.

  3. Amazon Prime Music: Prime members can stream a wide selection of ad-free music, create playlists, and access Amazon Music's extensive catalog.

  4. Amazon Prime Reading: Subscribers can borrow eBooks, magazines, comics, and more from the Prime Reading library, allowing for reading on Kindle devices or the Kindle app.

  5. Amazon First Reads: Get early access to new books across various genres and enjoy free or deeply discounted titles.

  6. Amazon Family: Prime members can access family-oriented offers, including 20% off diaper subscriptions and baby registry benefits.

  7. Amazon Photos: Enjoy unlimited photo storage and 5 GB of additional storage for videos and documents with Amazon Photos.

  8. Twitch Prime: Gamers can link their Amazon Prime account to Twitch for free in-game loot, monthly channel subscriptions, and ad-free viewing on Twitch.

  9. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market Discounts: In select locations, Amazon Prime members can use Amazon Fresh for grocery delivery and enjoy exclusive discounts at Whole Foods Market.

  10. Prime Wardrobe: Try on clothing and accessories before purchasing them with Prime Wardrobe, which allows you to return items you don't want within a specified timeframe.

  11. Early Access to Lightning Deals: Get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon.com.

  12. Amazon Household: Share select Amazon Prime benefits with another adult in your household.

Amazon Prime Costs:

Amazon Prime offers different pricing options:

  • Monthly Subscription: The monthly cost was around $12.99 per month.

  • Annual Subscription: Subscribers can choose an annual plan, which is typically around $119 per year. This option provides a cost savings compared to the monthly plan.

  • Student Prime: Amazon offers a discounted Amazon Prime membership for eligible students, which includes a 6-month free trial and reduced rates.

Please note that Amazon Prime benefits and costs may change over time, so I recommend visiting the official Amazon Prime website to get the most up-to-date information on pricing and available features. Amazon occasionally introduces new benefits and promotions for Prime members, so it's a good idea to review the latest offerings to maximize the value of your membership.

A detailed look at the advantages and expenses of an Amazon Prime membership..

Advantages of an Amazon Prime membership:

  • Free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This is the most popular benefit of Amazon Prime, and it can save you a lot of money on shipping costs, especially if you order from Amazon frequently.
  • Prime Video streaming service. Prime members have access to a wide selection of movies and TV shows to stream, including Amazon Originals like "The Boys" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."
  • Amazon Music Prime. Prime members can stream millions of songs and podcasts without ads.
  • Prime Reading. Prime members have access to a selection of ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks to read for free.
  • Prime Gaming. Prime members get free games, exclusive in-game content, and a free subscription to Twitch.tv.
  • Other benefits. Prime members also get early access to deals, discounts on select products, and free same-day delivery on eligible items in select areas.

Expenses of an Amazon Prime membership:

  • Annual membership fee. An Amazon Prime membership costs $139 per year, or $14.99 per month.
  • Cost of eligible items. While Prime members get free two-day shipping on millions of items, there are still many items that are not eligible for free shipping. Additionally, some items that are eligible for free shipping may have a higher price than items that are not eligible for free shipping.
  • Other costs. In addition to the annual membership fee and the cost of eligible items, there may be other costs associated with an Amazon Prime membership, such as the cost of taxes and fees.

Is an Amazon Prime membership worth it?

Whether or not an Amazon Prime membership is worth it depends on your individual needs and spending habits. If you order from Amazon frequently and take advantage of the other benefits that Prime offers, such as Prime Video and Amazon Music Prime, then a Prime membership can be a great value. However, if you don't order from Amazon that often or you don't use the other Prime benefits, then a Prime membership may not be worth the cost.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Amazon Prime membership:

  • Make a list of the items you need before you start shopping. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and save money.
  • Compare prices on different items before you buy. Prime members often get the best prices on Amazon, but it's always a good idea to compare prices to other retailers before you make a purchase.
  • Take advantage of Prime Video and Amazon Music Prime. These are two great benefits of Prime that can save you money on entertainment.
  • Use Prime Reading to read ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks. This is another great way to save money on entertainment.
  • Sign up for Amazon Family. If you have children, you can sign up for Amazon Family to get additional benefits, such as a 20% discount on diapers and wipes.

Overall, an Amazon Prime membership can be a great value for people who order from Amazon frequently and take advantage of the other benefits that Prime offers. However, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding whether or not a Prime membership is right for you.