Introduction
Amazon Prime has become a household name for online shoppers looking to enjoy fast shipping, exclusive deals, and entertainment options. However, the cost of an Amazon Prime membership may deter some people from subscribing. The good news is that there are several ways to get Amazon Prime for free or at a discounted price.
In this article, we will explore various methods and strategies that allow you to access Amazon Prime’s benefits without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student, an EBT or Medicaid cardholder, or simply looking to save some money, there’s a solution that might work for you.
Keep in mind that while these methods may provide temporary access to Amazon Prime’s services, some may require certain eligibility criteria or specific conditions. It’s important to evaluate the options and choose the one that best suits your needs and circumstances.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the different ways you can get Amazon Prime for free or at a reduced cost.
Amazon Prime Free Trial
If you’re new to Amazon Prime and have never had a membership before, one of the simplest ways to access Prime benefits for free is by taking advantage of the Amazon Prime free trial. With this trial, you can enjoy all the perks of a full Prime membership for a limited period without paying a dime.
The Amazon Prime free trial typically lasts for 30 days, during which you can experience the benefits of free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and more. It’s a great opportunity to try out the membership and see if it meets your expectations.
To sign up for the free trial, all you need to do is visit the Amazon Prime homepage and click on the “Start your 30-day free trial” button. You’ll be prompted to enter your payment information, but rest assured, you won’t be charged until the trial period ends. If you find that the membership doesn’t suit your needs, make sure to cancel it before the trial period expires to avoid any charges.
It’s worth noting that Amazon Prime free trials are for new members only. If you’ve already had a Prime membership in the past, you may not be eligible for another trial. However, if you haven’t been a Prime member for at least 12 months, you may still be able to take advantage of a discounted Prime membership specifically designed for previous members.
So, if you want to enjoy the benefits of Amazon Prime without committing to a paid membership right away, the free trial is an excellent option to explore all that Prime has to offer.
Amazon Prime Student
If you’re a student, Amazon Prime has a special offer just for you. Amazon Prime Student offers many of the same benefits as a regular Prime membership at a significantly discounted price. This program is designed to cater specifically to students’ needs while providing them with all the perks of a Prime membership.
With Amazon Prime Student, you get a six-month free trial, which includes free two-day shipping on eligible items, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows on Prime Video, access to Prime Music and Prime Reading, and exclusive deals and discounts. After the trial period ends, you can continue enjoying Prime benefits at a discounted rate for as long as you’re a student.
To be eligible for Amazon Prime Student, you must have a valid .edu email address and be enrolled in a college or university. The verification process is relatively simple; you just need to provide your school information and confirm your student status.
Once verified, you can enjoy the benefits of Amazon Prime Student for four years or until your graduation date, whichever comes first. After the trial period ends, you can choose to continue with Prime Student membership at a reduced price, which is currently 50% off the regular Prime membership fee.
Not only does Amazon Prime Student provide convenient and cost-effective options for students, but it also gives them access to exclusive deals and promotions tailored to their needs. Whether you’re buying textbooks, dorm essentials, or stocking up on everyday items, Prime Student can help you save money while enjoying the convenience of fast and reliable shipping.
If you’re a student looking for a way to access all the benefits of Amazon Prime without paying the full price, Amazon Prime Student is an excellent option that combines affordability and convenience.
EBT and Medicaid Discounts
Amazon understands the importance of making their services accessible to everyone, which is why they offer discounted Amazon Prime memberships to individuals with Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and Medicaid cards.
If you have an EBT card or are enrolled in Medicaid, you can qualify for an Amazon Prime membership at a reduced price. This discounted membership not only provides you with all the standard Prime benefits, but also gives you access to exclusive deals and discounts.
To avail of this discount, you’ll need to verify your eligibility through the Amazon website. Simply visit the Amazon Prime page and click on the “Sign Up Now” button under the EBT or Medicaid discount section. You’ll be asked to enter your EBT or Medicaid card information for verification purposes.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can enjoy the benefits of Amazon Prime at a discounted rate. This discount is available for up to 48 months or until you no longer qualify for the EBT or Medicaid programs, whichever comes first.
It’s important to note that this discounted Amazon Prime membership is only available to the primary cardholder. However, as we’ll explore later in this article, there are ways to share the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership with friends or family if you’d like to extend the benefits to others.
By offering discounted Amazon Prime memberships for individuals with EBT and Medicaid, Amazon aims to make its services more accessible to those who may benefit most from the convenience and savings that come with Prime perks.
If you have an EBT card or are enrolled in Medicaid, taking advantage of the discounted Amazon Prime membership is a great way to access the benefits at a more affordable price.
Amazon Household
Amazon Household is a feature that allows you to share your Amazon Prime benefits with family members or friends. This program aims to make it easier for multiple individuals to enjoy the perks of a Prime membership without needing separate subscriptions.
With Amazon Household, you can share your Prime benefits with one other adult and up to four children in your household. This means that the shared members can enjoy free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video and other digital content, and more.
To set up an Amazon Household, you’ll need to create a Family Library and invite the adult and child members you want to share the benefits with. Each member will have their own individual Amazon accounts, but the shared Prime benefits will be accessible to all.
It’s important to note that Amazon Household is meant for individuals who are living in the same physical address and are part of the same family or household. It cannot be used to share Prime benefits with friends or roommates who are not part of your immediate family.
Additionally, Amazon Household offers certain privacy features, allowing you to control what information and purchases are shared among the members. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the benefits while maintaining their own individual preferences and privacy settings.
By leveraging the Amazon Household feature, you can split the cost of an Amazon Prime membership with a family member or close friend, making it more affordable for everyone involved.
If you have a trusted family member or friend with whom you’d like to share the cost and benefits of Amazon Prime, setting up an Amazon Household is a great way to make the most out of your membership.
Sharing an Amazon Prime Membership with Family or Friends
If you want to share the benefits of your Amazon Prime membership with friends or extended family members who do not live in the same household, there is still a way to do so. While it may not be as straightforward as Amazon Household, it’s a great option to extend the perks to your loved ones without them needing separate subscriptions.
Amazon allows you to share certain Prime benefits with others through their Amazon Household and Amazon Family programs. These programs are specifically designed for families and close-knit groups who want to share content and enjoy the convenience of Amazon Prime together.
With Amazon Household, you can share select Prime benefits, such as Prime Shipping, Prime Video, and Prime Reading, with one other adult living at the same address. This means that you and another household member can enjoy the benefits of a Prime membership without the need for separate subscriptions.
Moreover, Amazon Family is an extension of Amazon Household that specifically focuses on benefits related to family and children. With Amazon Family, you can share exclusive discounts on baby and child-related products, access to parental controls, and more.
It’s important to note that while Amazon Household and Amazon Family are primarily designed for individuals living at the same address or immediate family members, there are ways to share benefits with friends or extended family members who live elsewhere.
One common method is to share your Amazon Prime account credentials with the trusted individuals you want to provide access to. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that sharing your account credentials violates Amazon’s terms of service and may result in the suspension or termination of your Prime membership.
An alternative method is to use Amazon’s “Amazon Household” feature to add the person as a “second adult” to the household, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. While this feature is primarily intended for individuals living at the same address, it can be used to share Prime benefits with extended family members or close friends who don’t reside with you.
By exploring the various options provided by Amazon, you can find a way to share the benefits of your Amazon Prime membership with your chosen loved ones, ensuring they can also enjoy the perks without needing a separate subscription.
Prime Video Free Access
Amazon Prime not only provides fast shipping and exclusive deals but also includes access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content through Prime Video. Even if you don’t have a Prime membership, you can still enjoy certain Prime Video content for free.
Prime Video offers a selection of movies, TV shows, and original series that are available to stream without a Prime membership. You can browse through the “Included with Prime” category to find free content that doesn’t require a subscription.
Additionally, Amazon occasionally offers free trials or limited-time promotions that allow you to access even more Prime Video content for a limited period. Keep an eye out for these promotions, especially during events like Amazon Prime Day, as they provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy Prime Video for free.
If you’re interested in exploring a deeper catalog of movies and TV shows, a Prime membership provides access to thousands of additional titles. It’s important to note that while Prime Video content is included with a Prime membership, not all Prime benefits are available without a subscription.
Prime Video can be accessed through various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. The streaming quality is generally excellent, allowing you to enjoy a seamless viewing experience.
Whether you’re looking to catch up on popular TV shows, discover new movies, or dive into exclusive original series, Prime Video offers a wide range of content to suit your entertainment preferences.
While Prime Video’s free access is a great option to explore limited content without a Prime membership, upgrading to a full Prime subscription will unlock a much larger and diverse selection of movies, shows, and exclusive content.
College-specific Amazon Prime Memberships
If you’re a college student, you may have access to a college-specific Amazon Prime membership program. Many colleges and universities have partnered with Amazon to offer their students discounted or even free access to Amazon Prime’s benefits.
These college-specific Prime memberships are a great way for students to enjoy the convenience and savings that come with a Prime subscription, without having to pay the full price. The specific terms and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the institution, so it’s worth checking with your college or university to see if they offer this program.
Typically, college-specific Amazon Prime memberships provide students with a reduced subscription fee or a limited-time free trial period. Students can take advantage of benefits like free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and more.
To sign up for a college-specific Amazon Prime membership, you may need to verify your enrollment with a valid .edu email address or through your institution’s student verification process. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can enjoy the benefits for the specified duration, typically lasting for the length of the academic year.
In addition to the Prime benefits, college-specific memberships often provide exclusive offers and promotions tailored to students’ needs, such as discounted textbooks or special deals on school supplies.
If your college or university offers a college-specific Amazon Prime membership program, it’s a fantastic opportunity to access all the perks of Prime at a discounted price or for free. Not only can you save money on essential items and entertainment, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of exclusive student offers.
Make sure to check with your college’s administration or student services department to see if this program is available to you and how you can sign up. It’s a valuable resource that can make your college experience more convenient and cost-effective.
Amazon Prime Day Promotions
One of the most anticipated events for Amazon Prime members is Amazon Prime Day. This annual shopping extravaganza features incredible deals and discounts across a wide range of products, making it an ideal time to save money on your purchases.
Amazon Prime Day typically takes place in July and lasts for 48 hours, offering exclusive deals and promotions for Prime members. During this time, you can find discounts on electronics, home appliances, fashion, beauty products, and much more.
As a Prime member, you’ll have early access to Lightning Deals, which are time-limited offers with deep discounts. Additionally, Amazon often offers exclusive deals and discounts on their own devices, such as the Amazon Echo, Kindle e-readers, and Fire tablets.
Prime Day promotions go beyond just product discounts. During Prime Day, you’ll also find special offers on Amazon services, such as deals on Amazon Music, Prime Video channels, and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions.
Prime Day provides an excellent opportunity to make the most of your Prime membership by taking advantage of significant savings. It’s a chance to purchase items you’ve had your eye on or stock up on essentials at a fraction of their regular price.
Leading up to Prime Day, it’s a good idea to create a wish list of the items you’re interested in purchasing. This way, you can quickly check if they go on sale during Prime Day and make your purchasing decisions more efficiently.
Remember, Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, so it’s another advantage of having a Prime membership. If you’re not a Prime member yet, you can take advantage of a free trial or one of the other methods mentioned in this article to make sure you don’t miss out on the benefits of Prime Day.
If you love scoring amazing deals and discounts, mark your calendar for Amazon Prime Day and get ready to enjoy exclusive promotions and savings.
Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
If you’re a frequent shopper on Amazon and want to maximize your savings, the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is worth considering. This credit card is exclusively available to Amazon Prime members and offers additional benefits and rewards when used for purchases on the Amazon platform.
As a Prime member, with the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, you can earn 5% cash back on eligible purchases at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. This can lead to substantial savings, especially if you frequently shop for a wide range of products on Amazon or regularly visit Whole Foods for your grocery needs.
In addition to the 5% cash back, the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card also offers 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The cash back rewards are automatically applied as a statement credit, allowing you to conveniently redeem your rewards towards future purchases.
Furthermore, cardholders have access to exclusive promotions and offers throughout the year. These promotions often include limited-time discounts or bonus cash back rewards, making the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card even more enticing for Amazon Prime members.
It’s worth mentioning that the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is issued by Chase and requires a credit application. Approval and credit limits are subject to the bank’s evaluation of your creditworthiness.
If you already have an Amazon Prime membership and frequently shop on Amazon, the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card can help you maximize your savings and earn cash back on your purchases. The 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases alone can amount to significant savings over time.
Remember to use the card responsibly and pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges. This way, you’ll fully enjoy the benefits of the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card while managing your finances wisely.
Returning Items for Prime Extensions
A lesser-known benefit of being an Amazon Prime member is the option to extend your Prime membership by returning eligible items. This feature, known as Return Extensions, allows you to get more value out of your Prime subscription while ensuring customer satisfaction.
If you encounter a problem with an item you purchased on Amazon and need to return it, you can initiate the return process through the Amazon website or app. Once your return is approved and processed, Amazon may offer you the option to extend your Prime membership by a certain period as a gesture of goodwill.
It’s important to note that not all returns will qualify for Prime extensions. The decision to offer an extension is at Amazon’s discretion and varies depending on factors such as the reason for the return, the item’s value, and your account history.
Returning an item for a Prime extension not only gives you the opportunity to receive a refund or replacement but also grants you additional time to enjoy the benefits of a Prime membership, at no extra cost.
It’s worth mentioning that Prime extensions are typically offered as a one-time courtesy for eligible returns. This means you cannot repeatedly return and re-purchase items to continuously extend your Prime membership.
If you find yourself needing to return an item, consider checking if it is eligible for a Prime extension. The specific terms and conditions for extending your Prime membership through returns can be found in the Amazon Help Center.
By taking advantage of the Return Extensions feature, you can get the most out of your Amazon Prime membership while ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to access Amazon Prime benefits for free or at a discounted price. Whether you’re a new member taking advantage of the free trial, a student benefiting from the Prime Student program, or an EBT or Medicaid cardholder availing of the discounted membership, there’s a method that suits your needs.
Furthermore, by utilizing Amazon Household or sharing your Prime membership with friends or family, you can extend the benefits to others and split the cost. This not only makes Prime more affordable but also enhances the convenience and savings for everyone involved.
Additionally, Prime Video offers free access to a selection of content, and college-specific Amazon Prime memberships provide exclusive benefits for students. These options cater to specific needs and circumstances, making Prime more accessible to different groups of individuals.
If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, consider applying for the Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card to earn cash back on your purchases, maximizing your savings even further.
Lastly, the option to extend your Prime membership by returning eligible items allows you to enjoy the benefits for a longer period while ensuring customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re looking for fast shipping, exclusive deals, or entertainment options, Amazon Prime offers a wide range of benefits. By exploring the various methods and programs mentioned in this article, you can enjoy these benefits without breaking the bank.
Remember to check the specific terms and eligibility criteria for each method to determine the best option for you. With careful consideration, you can access all the perks of Amazon Prime while saving money and enhancing your overall shopping and entertainment experience.
