5 Legitimate Ways to Get Amazon Prime for Free (or Cheap)
Amazon Prime normally costs $139/year, but there are several 100% legal ways to access Prime benefits for free or at a steep discount. Here are the best methods in 2024:
1. Sign Up for the 30-Day Free Trial
Amazon offers a full 30-day free trial for new Prime members. You get all benefits including:
- Free 2-day shipping on millions of items
- Unlimited Prime Video streaming
- Prime Music access
- Prime Gaming perks
- Prime Reading (free eBooks)
How to get it: Visit Amazon's Prime signup page and select "Try Prime." Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to pay.
2. Amazon Prime Student (6-Month Free Trial)
Students with a valid .edu email address can get:
- 6-month free trial (vs. 30 days for regular accounts)
- 50% off Prime membership after trial ($69/year)
- Exclusive student-only deals
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in at least one course at a college/university. Verification required.
3. Government Assistance Discount (EBT/Medicaid)
Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership ($6.99/month) for customers with a valid:
- EBT card (SNAP benefits)
- Medicaid card
How to apply: Upload a photo of your EBT/Medicaid card during signup. Discount renews every 12 months (re-verification required).
4. Share a Prime Membership (Amazon Household)
Amazon allows two adults + up to 4 teens/children to share one Prime account via Amazon Household. Benefits include:
- Shared free shipping
- Shared Prime Video (with some restrictions)
- Separate login for each adult
Note: Payment methods are not shared. Each adult keeps their own wallet.
5. Free Prime Shipping Without Full Membership
If you only need free shipping (not streaming/gaming), try these:
- Free Shipping on Orders $35+: No Prime needed for standard 5-8 day shipping.
- Amazon Day Delivery: Choose a weekly delivery day for free shipping on eligible items (no minimum).
- Subscribe & Save: Get free shipping on recurring deliveries (e.g., groceries, household essentials).
⚠️ Avoid Scams: Never Pay for "Free Prime"
Beware of websites or apps claiming to provide "free Prime accounts" or "Prime generators." These are scams that may:
- Steal your Amazon login credentials
- Install malware on your device
- Use stolen credit cards (leading to account bans)
Stick to Amazon's official offers to stay safe.
FAQs About Free Amazon Prime
Q: Can I get Prime for free forever?
A: No. The longest free option is the 6-month student trial. After that, you'll need to pay or use discounts (e.g., EBT rate).
Q: Does the free trial include Prime Day deals?
A: Yes! Prime Day access is included in all free trials.
Q: Can I stack discounts (e.g., student + EBT)?
A: No. You must choose one discount program at a time.
Q: What happens if I forget to cancel the trial?
A: Amazon will charge the full annual fee ($139). Set a calendar reminder or cancel immediately after signing up (you keep benefits until the trial ends).