Amazon Prime membership tiers and what they include
Amazon offers three main Prime subscription options: Prime Video, Prime (the full membership), and Prime Student. The tier you choose determines what services you get and how much you pay each month or year.
Prime Video is the lowest tier. It gives you access to Amazon's streaming video library — movies, TV shows, and original series — but nothing else. You do not get free shipping, Prime Music, Prime Reading, or any other Prime benefits.
Prime is the full membership. It includes free two-day shipping on most items sold by Amazon, Prime Video, Prime Music (ad-supported streaming), Prime Reading (rotating selection of books and magazines), and access to Amazon Photos (unlimited photo storage). Prime also includes early access to Lightning Deals and discounts on certain items like groceries through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods.
Prime Student is a discounted version of full Prime for college students. It includes the same benefits as Prime but costs less per month. It requires proof of enrollment at an accredited four-year university or college.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Video costs less than full Prime but only includes streaming video, not shipping or other benefits.
- Full Prime membership includes free two-day shipping, video streaming, music, photo storage, and reading access, with pricing that varies by region and payment frequency.
- Prime Student offers the same full Prime benefits at a lower price for enrolled college students.
- You can cancel or change your subscription tier at any time through your Amazon account settings without penalty.
- Some Prime benefits like shipping speed and availability vary by location and item type.
Monthly and annual pricing for each tier
Amazon charges different prices depending on whether you pay monthly or annually, and prices vary by country. In the United States, full Prime membership costs less per month if you pay for a year upfront than if you pay month-to-month. The annual plan spreads the cost over twelve months, so you save money overall even though you pay a larger amount at once.
Prime Video as a standalone subscription costs less than full Prime but more than Prime Video included with a Prime membership. If you already have full Prime, adding Prime Video separately makes no sense — you already have it.
Prime Student costs roughly half the price of full Prime for the first six months, then drops to a lower annual rate after that. The discount applies as long as you remain enrolled and can verify your student status through SheerID or another verification service Amazon uses.
Prices change periodically and vary by country. Check your Amazon account or Amazon's pricing page for current rates in your region.
How to start, pause, or cancel your subscription
To start a Prime subscription, go to Amazon.com, sign in to your account, and navigate to "Your Account" and then "Memberships and Subscriptions." From there you can choose which tier to start and select monthly or annual billing. Your membership begins immediately after payment processes.
To pause your subscription temporarily without canceling, go to the same "Memberships and Subscriptions" page, select your Prime membership, and choose "Pause Membership." Amazon allows you to pause for up to three months. After the pause ends, your membership resumes automatically unless you cancel it.
To cancel, go to "Memberships and Subscriptions," select your Prime membership, and choose "Cancel Membership." Amazon will ask why you are canceling but does not require a reason. If you paid for an annual membership and cancel partway through, Amazon refunds the unused portion as a credit to your account or to your original payment method, depending on how long you have been a member.
You can also downgrade from full Prime to Prime Video only without canceling entirely. This keeps your account active but removes shipping and other benefits.
What happens to your account when your subscription ends
When your Prime membership expires, you lose access to Prime benefits immediately. Free two-day shipping ends, Prime Video stops working, and you can no longer use Prime Music or Prime Reading. Your Amazon account itself remains active — you can still shop and use your saved addresses and payment methods — but you pay standard shipping rates on orders.
If you had a recurring monthly subscription, it stops automatically when you cancel. If you had an annual subscription and let it expire without renewing, it also stops. Amazon does not charge you again unless you manually restart the membership.
Your Prime Video watchlist and viewing history remain saved in your account even after your membership ends. If you restart Prime later, that information is still there.
Differences between Prime Video and full Prime membership
The main difference is scope. Prime Video is video streaming only. Full Prime includes video streaming plus free shipping, music, photo storage, reading access, and shopping perks. If you only want to watch movies and shows and do not care about shipping or the other services, Prime Video alone is cheaper. If you shop on Amazon regularly or want the full bundle, full Prime is usually the better value.
Prime Video content is the same whether you have Prime Video standalone or full Prime — you get access to the same library of movies, shows, and original series. The difference is what else comes with your membership.
Some Prime benefits like early access to deals or discounts at Whole Foods only come with full Prime, not Prime Video alone. If those matter to you, you need the full membership.
How to change your subscription tier or payment method
To switch from one tier to another, go to "Your Account," then "Memberships and Subscriptions," select your current membership, and choose "Change Membership." You can upgrade from Prime Video to full Prime, downgrade from full Prime to Prime Video, or switch between monthly and annual billing. Changes take effect immediately or at your next billing date, depending on what you change.
To update your payment method, go to "Your Account," then "Memberships and Subscriptions," select your Prime membership, and choose "Update Payment Method." Enter your new card or payment details. Amazon will use the new method for your next billing cycle.
If your payment method fails, Amazon sends you a notification and gives you time to update it before your membership is paused. You can fix it through the same "Memberships and Subscriptions" page.
Prime membership for household members and shared accounts
Amazon allows you to share Prime benefits with household members through Amazon Household. You can add up to four other adults and up to four children to your household. All members get access to Prime shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading from a single Prime membership — you do not need separate subscriptions for each person.
To set up a household, go to "Your Account," then "Memberships and Subscriptions," select Prime, and choose "Manage Your Household." You can add family members by email address or phone number. They receive an invitation and can accept it to join. Each person has their own Amazon account and watchlist, but they all use the same Prime membership for shipping and benefits.
Children added to the household have limited access — they can watch Prime Video and use other services, but cannot make purchases without approval from an adult. You control what they can see and do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel Prime mid-year?
Yes. If you paid for an annual Prime membership and cancel before the year is up, Amazon refunds the unused portion. The refund goes to your account as a credit or to your original payment method. The exact timing depends on how long you have been a member and your location.
Does Prime Video work on all devices?
Prime Video works on most devices — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. Check Amazon's device compatibility page to confirm your specific device is supported. You may need to download the Prime Video app or use a web browser.
What is the difference between Prime Music and other music services?
Prime Music is included with full Prime membership and offers ad-supported streaming of a limited music library. It is not the same as Amazon Music Unlimited, which is a separate paid subscription with a much larger catalog and ad-free listening. Prime Music is a basic option; Unlimited is for people who want more music and no ads.
Can I use Prime in other countries?
Prime membership is country-specific. A Prime membership in the United States does not work in the United Kingdom, Canada, or other countries. Each country has its own Prime program with its own pricing and benefits. If you travel or move, you may need to start a new membership in that country.
What happens to my Prime membership if I close my Amazon account?
Your Prime membership ends when you close your Amazon account. You lose access to all Prime benefits immediately. If you had an active annual subscription, Amazon refunds the unused portion according to its refund policy.