Amazon Prime has three main subscription tiers, each with different prices and benefits

Amazon Prime comes in three versions: Prime (the standard plan), Prime Student, and Prime Video. The standard Prime plan includes fast shipping, Prime Video streaming, Prime Music, and other perks. Prime Student costs less and runs for six months at a time. Prime Video is the streaming service alone, without the shipping benefits. Each plan renews automatically, and you can cancel anytime through your Amazon account settings.

The price of each plan varies by region and changes periodically. In the United States, the standard Prime plan costs a set monthly rate or an annual rate (the annual option usually saves money compared to paying month-to-month). Prime Student is cheaper and requires a valid .edu email address or other proof of student status. Prime Video costs the least but does not include shipping or other Prime member perks.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Prime includes two-day shipping on may be able to access items, Prime Video, Prime Music, and other member benefits, and renews monthly or annually depending on which option you choose.
  • Prime Student offers the same benefits as standard Prime but at a lower price, and the membership runs for six-month periods rather than one year.
  • Prime Video is a separate plan that gives you access to the streaming service only, without shipping or other Prime member perks.
  • All three plans renew automatically, and you can cancel or change your plan type at any time through your Amazon account.

Standard Prime: What shipping and other benefits cost

The standard Prime plan is the full membership. It includes fast shipping on millions of items sold by Amazon and third-party sellers, Prime Video (the streaming service with movies and TV shows), Prime Music (ad-free music streaming), Prime Reading (access to a rotating library of books and magazines), and exclusive deals during Prime Day and other shopping events.

You can pay for standard Prime monthly or annually. The monthly option renews on the same date each month. The annual option renews once per year and typically costs less overall than twelve months of the monthly plan. Both options charge your payment method automatically unless you cancel before the renewal date.

Standard Prime also includes other perks that vary by region, such as discounts at Whole Foods Market, early access to Lightning Deals, and the ability to share your membership with household members through Amazon Household.

Prime Student: Lower cost for students with proof of enrollment

Prime Student is designed for people with a valid student email address or proof of current enrollment. It includes all the same benefits as standard Prime — shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and exclusive deals — but costs less per month or per term.

Prime Student memberships run for six months at a time rather than one year. After your first six-month term, the plan renews automatically at the regular Prime Student rate unless you cancel. You can switch to standard Prime at any time, and the cost difference will be prorated to your account.

To sign up for Prime Student, Amazon asks you to verify your student status using your school email address, a photo of your student ID, or other documentation. The verification process usually takes a few minutes.

Prime Video: Streaming only, without shipping or other perks

Prime Video is a standalone subscription to Amazon's streaming service. It does not include fast shipping, Prime Music, Prime Reading, or any other Prime member benefits — only access to movies, TV shows, and original content through the Prime Video app and website.

Prime Video costs less than standard Prime because it is a narrower service. It renews monthly and charges your payment method automatically. You can cancel anytime through your Amazon account or through the Prime Video app.

Prime Video is useful if you want to watch Amazon's shows and movies but do not need or want the shipping benefits of a full Prime membership. Some people also use it as a way to try Amazon's streaming content before committing to the full Prime plan.

How to change or cancel your Prime plan

You can change between Prime plans or cancel your membership through your Amazon account. Go to "Your Account," then "Memberships and Subscriptions," then "Prime Membership." From there you can view your current plan, see when it renews, and choose to cancel or switch to a different plan type.

If you cancel before your renewal date, your membership stays active until that date. You will not be charged again. If you switch from monthly to annual (or vice versa), Amazon prorates the cost — if you have already paid for part of a month, that amount is credited toward your new plan.

If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can sign up again at any time. Amazon does not penalize you for canceling and restarting.

What happens when your plan renews

All three Prime plans renew automatically on your renewal date. Amazon sends you an email a few days before the renewal to remind you. The charge appears on your payment method on the renewal date itself.

If your payment method is declined, Amazon usually tries again over the next few days. If the payment continues to fail, your membership may be suspended until you update your payment information. You can add or change your payment method in your Amazon account settings under "Your Account" and "Payment Options."

If you want to avoid the automatic renewal, you must cancel before the renewal date. Canceling after the renewal date will not refund the charge you just received, but it will stop future charges.

Sharing Prime with household members

Standard Prime and Prime Student memberships can be shared with other adults and children in your household through Amazon Household. This feature lets up to two adults and up to four children use the same Prime membership, each with their own Amazon account.

To set up Amazon Household, go to "Your Account," then "Memberships and Subscriptions," then "Prime Membership," and look for the Household option. You will need to verify the other adult's identity, and children can be added without verification. Everyone in the household gets access to Prime shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and other benefits.

Prime Video subscriptions cannot be shared through Amazon Household — each person who wants Prime Video must have their own subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try Prime for free before I pay?

Amazon sometimes offers a free trial period for new Prime members, but the length and availability of the trial varies. Check your Amazon account to see if a trial is available to you. If you start a trial and decide you do not want to continue, you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

What is the difference between Prime Video on its own and Prime Video as part of Prime?

Prime Video as a standalone subscription gives you access to movies and shows only. Prime Video as part of a standard Prime or Prime Student membership includes the same streaming content plus fast shipping, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and other perks. The standalone Prime Video costs less because it is a narrower service.

Does Prime Student ever convert to standard Prime?

No, Prime Student does not automatically convert. Your membership will continue to renew as Prime Student as long as you maintain student status and keep the membership active. If you lose student status or want to switch to standard Prime, you can change your plan type in your account settings.

Can I pause my Prime membership instead of canceling?

Amazon does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel your membership and rejoin later without penalty, but there is no way to temporarily suspend it while keeping your account active. If you cancel and rejoin within a short time, you will not lose any benefits or history.

What happens to my Prime Video watchlist if I cancel Prime?

Your watchlist and viewing history are tied to your Amazon account, not your Prime membership. If you cancel Prime and rejoin later, your watchlist will still be there. If you switch from standard Prime to Prime Video only, you keep access to your watchlist.