How much is Amazon Prime?
About $139 a year, or $14.99 a month.
That's been the standard US price for a while, but Amazon has raised it before and could again. Check the current price before you commit.
Checked Sep 8
Which plan are you looking at?
Why?
Annual beats monthly Paying yearly usually saves you a couple of months' worth compared to monthly.
Discounts exist Students and people on government assistance often get a lower rate.
If your situation is different
Which plan are you looking at: Monthly. About $14.99 a month. That's the usual monthly rate, but it's more per year than the annual plan.
Which plan are you looking at: Annual. About $139 a year. That's the typical annual price, and it's the better deal if you'll use it all year.
Which plan are you looking at: Student. About half price. Student plans usually run around $69 a year, but you need a .edu email to qualify.
Who is an Amazon Prime membership right for?
Right for
- People who order from Amazon at least once a month
- Households that watch Prime Video regularly
- Families with school-age kids who need fast shipping
- Students who can get the discounted rate
Wrong for
- People who rarely shop online or can wait for shipping
- Those who only want video streaming and don't shop
- Budget-conscious households that don't use the extras
- People who live far from Amazon's delivery network
What does an Amazon Prime membership cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Annual membership | $139 a year, 2026 | The standard US price; paying yearly is cheaper than monthly. |
| Monthly membership | $14.99 a month, 2026 | That's about $180 a year, so you overpay if you stay monthly. |
| Student membership | About $69 a year, 2026 | Half price for students, but you need a valid .edu email. |
| Prime Video standalone | $8.99 a month, 2026 | If you only want video, this is cheaper than full Prime. |
What's the biggest Amazon Prime membership mistake?
The biggest mistake is paying monthly without realizing you're spending about $40 more a year than the annual plan. People also forget to cancel after a free trial, or they keep Prime for the shipping but never use the video, music, or other perks. Set a reminder to review your usage before the renewal date, and switch to annual if you're staying.
How do you decide if an Amazon Prime membership is worth it?
- List your last 12 Amazon orders and count how many were under $35, since free shipping requires that threshold.
- Check if you've watched Prime Video or used Prime Music in the last month.
- Compare the annual cost of $139 to what you'd pay for shipping alone, roughly $5 to $10 per order.
- If you're a student, apply for the discounted rate before paying full price.
People also ask
Does the student discount still exist?
Yes, the student discount is still around. Amazon Prime Student still exists at half the regular price, with a six-month free trial. Just be ready to re-verify your enrollment each year.
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