5 Ways to Get Amazon Prime for Free or at a Discount

Amazon Prime typically costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, but many shoppers can access the full suite of benefits without paying full price. Qualifying groups—including students, EBT/Medicaid cardholders, and select government assistance recipients—can get Prime for about half the standard rate. Students, for instance, enjoy a six-month free trial followed by a discounted monthly rate, while verified government assistance recipients pay just $6.99 per month. Even existing members can sometimes extend their membership by sharing benefits through Amazon Household, which allows two adults and up to four teens to split one Prime account at no extra cost. Why it matters: with inflation squeezing household budgets, trimming recurring subscription fees is an easy way to save over $100 a year. Before renewing at full price, check whether you already have a perk through your mobile carrier, credit card, or employer that covers the fee. A few minutes of verification could keep Prime’s fast shipping, streaming, and exclusive deals in your life for much less.