This Workaround Could Buy You Another Year of Amazon Prime for $99 (2024)

Amazon has increased the price on Prime subscriptions. But that isn’t stopping some folks from finding ways around that price bump.

Over at Gizmodo’s deals site Kinja, writer Shep McAllister has come up with a novel way to sidestep Amazon’s $20 Prime subscription increase. He suggested you buy an Amazon Prime gift subscription now for the price of $99. When it’s time to renew your Prime subscription, simply redeem the gift card and take advantage of the lower price. That said, you’ll need to cancel your subscription ahead of the renewal so you can take advantage of the deal.

Amazon announced on Thursday that it would increase the price of its Amazon Prime subscription from $99 per year to $119 per year. The change goes into effect on May 11 for new customers and June 16 for those who already subscribe to Amazon Prime. If your subscription is set to auto-renew before June 16, you’ll be able to take advantage of the $99 pricing for one more year. If, however, your auto-renewal date is set to after June 16, you’ll need to drop $119.

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The workaround McAllister has pitched was used with success the last time Amazon increased its Prime pricing, he said. But it’s unknown whether the company will allow you to take advantage of this loophole this time around or change policies so you can’t use the gift card trick. If it does work, be aware that next year when it’s time to renew your subscription, you’ll be subject to the $119.

Fortune has reached out to Amazon to find out whether the gift card trick will be allowed. We’ll update this story when we learn more.

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This Workaround Could Buy You Another Year of Amazon Prime for $99 (2024)

FAQs

How much is Amazon Prime a year $99? ›

After your free trial, Amazon Prime is just CDN$ 99.00/year (plus any applicable taxes). Cancel anytime. Quebec residents receive an initial 13-month membership for CDN$ 99.00/year, instead of a free trial.

Is Amazon Prime $179 a year now? ›

When your free trial or membership period ends, we'll automatically charge for the next membership period. Current Amazon Prime membership pricing: $14.99 per month. $139 per year.

How much is Prime membership in 2024? ›

A Prime membership is $14.99 per month, or $139 per year if you pay annually—but Amazon also offers several discounted membership options with the same valuable benefits including fast, free delivery on millions of items, exclusive perks, and savings for eligible members.

How do I get a senior discount on Amazon Prime? ›

Amazon Prime does not have a discount for seniors who receive Social Security benefits. However, Social Security recipients who also receive SSI benefits may qualify for Prime Access. If you're eligible, you'll pay a reduced monthly cost of $6.99.

What is the cheapest way to get Amazon Prime? ›

Prime Access offers highly discounted Prime membership—just $6.99 per month, after a 30-day free trial—for qualifying government assistance recipients, including SNAP EBT and Medicaid. Access members can enjoy all of Prime's benefits at a reduced cost.

Is it cheaper to pay for a year of Amazon Prime? ›

Let's start with the cost. A Prime membership is $14.99 per month, or $139 per year if you pay annually.

How much is Amazon Prime for seniors? ›

While Amazon Prime doesn't offer a direct senior discount, it's already pretty affordable for that value at just $14.99 a month or $139 annually. If you are on government assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or SSI, you will qualify for the Prime Access package at a discounted $6.99 a month.

How to get Prime for free? ›

Step 1: From your desktop or mobile browser, go to go to amazon.com/prime. Eligible customers will see a “Start your free 30-day trial” button. Step 2: Click on the “Start your free 30-day trial” button to sign-in, or create your Amazon account.

How much is Amazon Prime for the whole year? ›

Prime annual membership: $139 per year. Those who pay an annual lump sum for the full membership will spend less in the long run. Prime monthly membership: $14.99 per month. If you want full Prime benefits but prefer to spread out your payments, you'll pay about $180 a year.

Is Amazon Prime changing in 2024? ›

Ads in Prime Video content will be introduced in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Canada in early 2024, followed by France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Australia later in the year. No action is required for Prime members. We're not making changes in 2024 to the current price of Prime membership.

Is Prime getting expensive? ›

The most recent hike came in 2022 and saw the annual Prime membership fee increase by a hefty 17% to $139 a year, significantly more than the original annual fee of $79.

Why am I being charged for Prime Video if I have Amazon Prime? ›

Prime Video Channels do not form a part of your Prime subscription. They are additional, paid subscriptions that allow you to add the content you want from third-party premium networks and other streaming entertainment channels.

Does AARP get a discount on Amazon Prime? ›

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP members can take advantage of benefits and discounts this winter from three new providers. The latest additions for the wide-ranging list of member benefits include savings and special offers from Amazon, Daily Harvest, and Paramount+.

How much is Amazon Prime if you are on social security? ›

How Much Is Amazon Prime If You're on Social Security? Unfortunately, there is no discount for Social Security recipients; Amazon Prime is the standard cost of $139 per year or $14.99 per month. However, you may qualify for Prime Access if you're receiving SSI benefits, which would lower your monthly cost to $6.99.

How much is Amazon Prime for AARP members? ›

To join Prime Access, you can visit Amazon's website. AARP members get access to hundreds of benefits. Sign up today for only $12 per year.

What's included with an Amazon Prime membership? ›

An Amazon Prime membership comes with much more than fast, free delivery. Check out the shopping, entertainment, healthcare, and grocery benefits, plus updates available to members.

How much would it cost to buy everything on Amazon Prime? ›

Answer by Kynan Eng, brain-related research and commercialization at universities and startups: It would cost about $12.86 billion to buy one of everything on Amazon.

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