Amazon Prime—those two words most likely conjure images of quick deliveries, limitless streaming choices, and many other benefits that help to somewhat simplify life. For many, though, at a cost of $139 annually, it is no minor commitment.
Some of us would question whether it is truly worth it or whether there are any strategies to acquire the same advantages without shelling out the entire cost. The excellent news is There are certain ways to avoid that annual cost, though.
Whether you’re a student on government aid, trying to make your purchasing more effective, or just looking for some creative ideas, there are some smart ones to think about. Before delving into those, though, let’s first discuss Amazon Prime itself and the reasons behind its appeal.
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is similar to having a VIP pass into the Amazon universe. Having a Prime membership opens a range of tools meant to improve your online buying experience.
For most, the primary attraction is free two-day shipping on millions of products. Whether your birthday gift is last-minute, house basics, or a new device, Prime guarantees fast delivery of your shopping free from additional shipping charges.
While some members find this benefit sufficient for their subscription, Prime offers so much more.
Additionally available to Prime members are Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video. See it like Netflix or Hulu, but combined with your shopping benefits.
You can see Prime Video’s extensive TV series, films, and Amazon Originals anywhere, at any time. There is something for every taste from intense dramas to funny comedies and even documentaries.
Then there is Prime Music, where you may listen to more than two million songs free from commercials upsetting your mood. Should that prove insufficient, you might explore Prime Reading, which offers access to a changing assortment of books, periodicals, and comics.
For any bookworm, this is a great little extra regardless of whether you enjoy leisurely page flipping or binge-reading.
Prime Gaming offers in-game content, free monthly PC games, and a free Twitch membership to gamers. Additionally treated are Amazon Photos, a cloud-based storage system allowing you to safely backup images and videos.
Benefits like Prime Try Before You Buy, which lets you try on garments before deciding whether or not to buy them, and early access to Lightning Deals, where you get a head start on limited-time bargains, abound on the list.
Given all of these capabilities combined into one subscription, it makes sense why millions of people join Amazon Prime. For some, though, the $139 annual cost could seem hefty, particularly if you are not fully utilizing all these services.
As was already noted, however, there are methods to savor many of these advantages for a fraction of the cost—or even for free.
How to Avoid Paying $139 for Amazon Prime
1. Join Amazon Student
If you’re a student, Amazon has a sweet deal just for you. Amazon Prime Student offers all the great perks of Prime at a fraction of the cost.
First off, you get a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime Student, which means six whole months of free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music and all the other goodies Amazon Prime offers.
It’s basically a free ride for half a year! On top of that, you also get access to some exclusive perks like discounts on services such as Calm and Course Hero, which are perfect for managing the chaos of school life.
After your six-month trial ends, instead of paying the regular $139 fee, you’ll only be charged $69 per year or $7.49 per month for up to four years or until you graduate—whichever comes first. This is an incredible deal for students who need the convenience of Amazon but don’t want to pay full price.
To sign up, all you need is a valid .edu email address. So, if you’re in school, why pay full price when you can take advantage of these student-friendly rates?
2. Get an EBT or Medicaid Discount
If you have an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card or are on Medicaid, Amazon offers a fantastic discount on Prime. For just $6.99 per month, you can enjoy nearly all the benefits of a full Prime membership—like two-day shipping, Prime Video and Amazon Photos.
That’s less than half the normal cost, and you still get access to all the perks that make Prime worth it.
Signing up is simple. Amazon will verify your EBT or Medicaid card, and once you’re approved, you’re set to start enjoying your discounted Prime membership.
This is a great option if you’re on government assistance and want to save money while still getting the benefits of Amazon Prime.
3. Spend $35 or More
Let’s say you’re not interested in a monthly subscription but still want to dodge shipping fees—this is where the $35 minimum comes in handy. Amazon offers free shipping on orders of $35 or more for non-Prime members on eligible items.
While this used to be set at $25, Amazon recently raised the threshold, but if you plan your shopping carefully, it’s pretty easy to hit that mark.
The key is to make sure you’re ordering items that “Ship from Amazon” and are eligible for free shipping. Look for that specific FREE Shipping option at checkout, and you’re good to go.
And even though gift cards don’t count toward the $35 total, it’s still a solid option if you’re stocking up on household essentials or treating yourself to a little online shopping spree. Plus, Amazon sometimes offers one-day shipping for free on gift card purchases, which is an added bonus if you’re in a hurry to send a gift.
4. Get a Subscribe & Save Membership
Another clever way to save money and skip shipping costs is to sign up for Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program. If you regularly buy the same items, like groceries, toiletries, or cleaning supplies, this program is a no-brainer.
Not only do you get free shipping on all eligible orders, but you also save up to 15% on the items you subscribe to. The best part? You can choose the delivery schedule that works best for you, so you’ll always have your essentials on hand when you need them.
It’s perfect for those recurring purchases that tend to sneak up on you—think paper towels, shampoo, or your favorite coffee beans. Plus, the more items you subscribe to, the bigger the discount.
While Subscribe & Save doesn’t cover every item on Amazon, if you stick to eligible products, you can cut down on your costs without having to pay for Prime.
5. Swap Amazon Prime for Walmart+
If you’re open to trying something new, consider swapping out Amazon Prime for Walmart+. Walmart launched its subscription service in 2020 as a direct competitor to Amazon Prime, and at $98 per year, it’s more than $40 cheaper than Amazon Prime.
Walmart+ offers many of the same perks, like free shipping, same-day grocery delivery, and early access to exclusive deals.
One standout perk is the gas discount you get with Walmart+, which can save you a few extra bucks at the pump. Plus, Walmart+ includes a free subscription to Paramount+ Essential Plan, which offers a variety of shows and movies—though keep in mind, it’s ad-supported.
While the express delivery options aren’t quite as robust as Amazon’s, if you live in an area where Walmart has a strong presence, this service might meet your needs just as well as Amazon Prime, at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Given what Amazon Prime provides, it makes sense why so many people are ready to pay for it. Fast shipping’s ease combined with the entertainment choices might help to simplify life considerably and increase enjoyment of it.
You have choices, though, if you want to save the $139 annual charge. There are various ways to save expenses while still reaping many of Amazon’s advantages.
The secret is to evaluate your own demands and behaviors. The full Prime subscription could be well worth it if you enjoy streaming movies, ordering often, and fully utilizing the other features.
But take into account the less expensive options we have discussed if your only interests particular benefits like free shipping or audio streaming. In either case, you can still get a lot out of Amazon without going broke with a little imagination.
