Are you tired of paying for Amazon Prime every year? Well, you’re in luck! There are several ways to get Amazon Prime for free. From student discounts to credit card offers, this guide will show you how to take advantage of these opportunities and enjoy all the benefits of Amazon Prime without spending a dime. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in to explore the various ways to get Amazon Prime for free.
Understanding Amazon Prime
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a subscription-based service offered by Amazon.com that provides customers with a wide range of benefits and perks. These benefits include free two-day shipping on most items, access to exclusive deals and discounts, access to Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Kindle e-books, among other benefits. The service is designed to make online shopping more convenient and affordable for customers. With Amazon Prime, customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience and have access to a wide range of products and services at competitive prices. Additionally, Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial period, allowing new members to try out the service before committing to a paid subscription.
Benefits of Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by Amazon that provides customers with access to a range of benefits and services. The main advantage of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on eligible items, but there are many other benefits as well.
Here are some of the key benefits of Amazon Prime:
- Free two-day shipping: Prime members can enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible items shipped and sold by Amazon, as well as on select items from Amazon’s family of websites, including Whole Foods.
- Free same-day delivery: Depending on your location, you may be able to get your items delivered on the same day, if you order by 9pm local time.
- Release-date delivery: Prime members can get access to certain releases on the same day they are released.
- Amazon Prime Video: Members can access thousands of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Man in the High Castle.
- Amazon Music: Members can access a selection of two million songs and playlists, and can also access Amazon Music HD for a more advanced listening experience.
- Amazon Photos: Members can store and share unlimited photos and videos.
- Exclusive deals and discounts: Prime members get access to exclusive deals and discounts on a range of products.
- Free trial: New members can try out Amazon Prime for free for 30 days, giving them plenty of time to take advantage of all the benefits of the service.
These are just a few of the many benefits of Amazon Prime. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper, a movie buff, or just looking for a way to save money on everyday purchases, Amazon Prime is definitely worth considering.
Qualifying for Amazon Prime Free Trial
Who Can Get the Free Trial?
Amazon Prime offers a free trial period to eligible customers, allowing them to experience the benefits of Amazon Prime without any upfront cost. The free trial period lasts for 30 days, during which customers can access all the features of Amazon Prime, including free one-day shipping, streaming of movies and TV shows, and access to the Kindle lending library.
To be eligible for the Amazon Prime free trial, customers must meet the following criteria:
- New Amazon Prime customers: Customers who have not been an Amazon Prime member in the past 12 months are eligible for the free trial.
- Age requirement: Customers must be at least 18 years old to sign up for the free trial.
- Location: Customers must be located in a country where Amazon Prime is available, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and other select countries.
Once the free trial period ends, customers can choose to continue their Amazon Prime membership by paying the annual membership fee or cancel their membership. If customers do not cancel their membership before the end of the free trial period, they will be charged the annual membership fee and their credit card on file will be charged automatically.
In summary, to be eligible for the Amazon Prime free trial, customers must be new Amazon Prime customers, at least 18 years old, and located in a country where Amazon Prime is available.
How Long Does the Free Trial Last?
When you sign up for an Amazon Prime free trial, you might be wondering how long you’ll have access to the service without having to pay. The good news is that the free trial period for Amazon Prime is quite generous, giving you the opportunity to test out the service for a substantial amount of time.
The free trial period for Amazon Prime is currently set at 30 days. This means that you’ll have access to all of the benefits and features of Amazon Prime for a full month after signing up for the free trial. During this time, you can take advantage of free one-day shipping, access to Prime Video, and other perks without having to pay a single penny.
It’s important to note that the free trial period is only available to new Amazon Prime customers. If you’ve already signed up for a free trial in the past, you won’t be eligible for another one. However, if you’re a student, you may be eligible for a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime, which could be a great way to test out the service without committing to a paid subscription.
Overall, the 30-day free trial period for Amazon Prime is a great way to experience all of the benefits of the service without having to pay for a full subscription. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to sign up for Amazon Prime, the free trial period can give you a good idea of whether or not the service is right for you.
How to Sign Up for the Free Trial
If you’re interested in trying out Amazon Prime but don’t want to pay for the membership, you can sign up for the free trial. This allows you to access all the benefits of Amazon Prime for a limited time without any cost. Here’s how you can sign up for the free trial:
- Visit the Amazon Prime website and click on the “Start your free trial” button.
- Enter your Amazon account credentials or create a new account if you don’t already have one.
- Complete the sign-up process by providing your payment information. Note that you will not be charged during the free trial period.
- Once you’ve signed up, you’ll have access to all the benefits of Amazon Prime, including free shipping, streaming of movies and TV shows, and access to Amazon Prime Reading.
- Remember to cancel your membership before the end of the free trial period if you don’t want to be charged for the membership fee.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Free Trial
When you sign up for an Amazon Prime free trial, it’s important to make the most of it. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your trial:
Try Out All the Features
During your trial period, try out all the features that Amazon Prime has to offer. This includes free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, and the ability to borrow books from the Kindle lending library. By trying out all the features, you’ll be able to see which ones you use the most and which ones you might want to continue paying for after the trial ends.
Stock Up on Essentials
Use your Amazon Prime free trial to stock up on essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food items. Since these items are eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime, you can save money on your shopping trip by waiting until your trial period to make your purchases.
Take Advantage of Lightning Deals
Amazon Prime members have access to exclusive Lightning Deals, which offer deep discounts on a variety of products for a limited time. During your trial period, keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them to score great deals on items you need or want.
Sign Up for Subscription Services
During your trial period, sign up for any subscription services that you’re interested in trying out. This includes services like Amazon Music, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible. By signing up during your trial period, you’ll be able to try out these services without committing to a paid subscription.
Make Purchases from Small Businesses
Amazon Prime also offers access to exclusive deals on products from small businesses. During your trial period, make a point to shop from small businesses and take advantage of these deals to support local entrepreneurs.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your Amazon Prime free trial and decide whether or not it’s worth continuing with a paid subscription after the trial ends.
Extending Your Amazon Prime Membership Beyond the Free Trial
Options for Extending Your Membership
Extending your Amazon Prime membership beyond the free trial can be done by taking advantage of certain promotions, referral programs, or by linking your Amazon Prime account to other services. Here are some options to consider:
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Amazon offers promotions and discounts for Prime members from time to time. Keep an eye out for these promotions, which may offer a discounted rate for Prime membership or even a free trial extension.
- Referral Program: Amazon has a referral program for Prime membership, where existing Prime members can refer their friends and family to sign up for Prime. Once your referral signs up for Prime, you’ll receive a credit that can be used towards your membership fee.
- Amazon Student: If you are a student, you can sign up for Amazon Student, which offers a six-month free trial of Prime membership. After the trial ends, you will need to provide your .edu email address to continue receiving the discounted rate of $6.49/month.
- Amazon Family: If you are a parent, you can sign up for Amazon Family, which offers a 30-day free trial of Prime membership. After the trial ends, you will need to provide proof of your child’s age (under 18 years old) to continue receiving the discounted rate of $12.99/month.
- Amazon Business: If you own a business, you can sign up for Amazon Business, which offers a 30-day free trial of Prime membership. After the trial ends, you will need to provide proof of your business information to continue receiving the discounted rate of $12.99/month.
It’s important to note that some of these options may require you to provide additional information or documentation to qualify for the discounted rate. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the terms and conditions of these promotions and referral programs may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the details before signing up.
How to Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions
One of the best ways to extend your Amazon Prime membership beyond the free trial is by taking advantage of discounts and promotions. Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions: Amazon offers seasonal sales and promotions throughout the year, such as Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. During these events, you can get significant discounts on your Prime membership.
- Check for student discounts: Students are eligible for a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime, followed by a discounted rate of $6.49 per month. If you’re a student, take advantage of this offer to extend your membership beyond the free trial.
- Look for referral discounts: Amazon offers referral discounts to customers who refer their friends and family to sign up for Prime. If you know someone who is eligible for a referral discount, ask them to refer you to get a discount on your membership.
- Check for credit card discounts: Some credit card companies offer discounts on Amazon Prime membership fees. Check with your credit card issuer to see if they offer any discounts on Prime membership fees.
- Consider alternative payment methods: Some third-party websites offer alternative payment methods for Amazon Prime membership fees. For example, some websites offer gift cards that can be used to pay for Prime membership fees. Consider these options to get a discount on your membership.
By taking advantage of these discounts and promotions, you can extend your Amazon Prime membership beyond the free trial without having to pay the full membership fee. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and take advantage of them when you can to get the most out of your Prime membership.
Using Cash Back and Rewards Programs
For those who are unable to take advantage of the extended free trial or have already used it, there are other ways to get Amazon Prime for free. One such way is by using cash back and rewards programs. Here are some options to consider:
Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that include a free Amazon Prime membership for a certain period. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a 60-day free trial of Amazon Prime, which can be extended if you meet the minimum spend requirement. It’s important to note that you must be a new customer to take advantage of these offers.
Cash Back Websites
Some cash back websites offer Amazon Prime as a reward option. For example, Rakuten offers a $10 cash back reward for signing up for Amazon Prime, which can be used to cover the cost of the membership fee. However, it’s important to note that the availability of these rewards may vary and may require a minimum spend or specific purchases.
Rewards Programs
Some retailers and online platforms offer rewards programs that include Amazon Prime as a reward option. For example, the Amex Offers program offers a variety of discounts and cash back on Amazon purchases for eligible cardholders. Additionally, some airlines offer Amazon Prime as a reward option for frequent flyer programs.
It’s important to note that these options may have certain restrictions and limitations, such as a minimum spend requirement or a limited time offer. However, they can be a great way to get Amazon Prime for free or at a discounted rate. It’s always a good idea to do your research and compare offers to find the best deal for you.
Hidden Amazon Prime Benefits
While Amazon Prime is already a popular service, many people may not be aware of the full range of benefits it offers. Here are some hidden Amazon Prime benefits that you may not know about:
- Discounted Same-Day Delivery: Amazon Prime members can enjoy discounted same-day delivery on eligible items in select cities. This can save you money on last-minute purchases.
- Early Access to Lightning Deals: Prime members can access Lightning Deals 30 minutes before non-members. This can give you a significant advantage in snagging limited-time deals.
- Free In-Game Content: Prime members can receive free in-game content for certain games, such as in-game items or access to exclusive game modes.
- Free eBooks and Audiobooks: Prime members can borrow one free eBook and one free audiobook per month from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. This can be a great way to discover new books without spending any extra money.
- Access to Amazon Channels: Prime members can access certain channels, such as HBO and Showtime, at a discounted rate. This can be a great way to save money on streaming popular TV shows and movies.
- Exclusive Sales and Discounts: Prime members can access exclusive sales and discounts on certain products, such as electronics and home goods. These deals can save you money on items you were planning to buy anyway.
These are just a few examples of the many hidden benefits that Amazon Prime offers. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can get more value out of your Prime membership and potentially even save money on your purchases.
Alternatives to Amazon Prime
Comparing Other Streaming Services
While Amazon Prime is a popular streaming service, there are other alternatives that offer similar content at a lower cost or even for free. To determine which alternative is the best fit, it is important to compare the features and pricing of each service.
- Netflix: One of the most popular streaming services, Netflix offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and original content. Its standard plan costs $13.99 per month, but it offers a one-month free trial for new subscribers.
- Hulu: Hulu is another popular streaming service that offers a mix of current and classic TV shows, movies, and original content. Its basic plan costs $5.99 per month, but it also offers a one-month free trial for new subscribers.
- Disney+: Disney+ is a new streaming service that offers content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Its standard plan costs $6.99 per month, but it offers a one-month free trial for new subscribers.
- CBS All Access: CBS All Access is a streaming service that offers content from CBS, including current and classic TV shows, movies, and original content. Its standard plan costs $9.99 per month, but it offers a one-month free trial for new subscribers.
By comparing these and other streaming services, you can find one that offers the content you want at a price that fits your budget. Additionally, some services offer bundle deals with other services, such as Hulu and Spotify, which can help you save money on multiple subscriptions.
Subscription Boxes and Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to Amazon Prime, subscription boxes may be a good option. These boxes offer a range of products, often at a discounted price, and can be a cost-effective way to get the items you need without paying for a full Amazon Prime membership. Here are a few examples of subscription boxes to consider:
- Box of Awesome: This monthly subscription box offers a selection of 4-6 full-size products, including tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and home goods. Boxes start at $25 per month, and there’s a free trial available.
- Cratejoy: Cratejoy offers a variety of subscription boxes for hobbies and interests, including crafts, cooking, and beauty. Boxes start at $10 per month, and there’s a free trial available.
- Birchbox: This monthly beauty subscription box offers a selection of 4-5 beauty products, including makeup, skincare, and haircare. Boxes start at $15 per month, and there’s a free trial available.
- GQ Best Stuff Box: This quarterly subscription box offers a selection of 10-15 full-size grooming and style products, including clothing, accessories, and grooming tools. Boxes start at $100 per quarter, and there’s a free trial available.
It’s important to note that while subscription boxes can be a cost-effective way to get the items you need, they may not offer the same level of convenience and shipping benefits as Amazon Prime. Additionally, some subscription boxes may have additional fees or require a long-term commitment.
Shopping Without Amazon Prime
For those who are unable to get Amazon Prime for free or do not wish to pay for the service, there are several alternatives to consider when shopping on Amazon. While these alternatives may not offer the same level of convenience and benefits as Amazon Prime, they can still provide a good shopping experience and help you save money.
- RetailMeNot Coupons: RetailMeNot is a website that aggregates coupons and discount codes from various retailers, including Amazon. By using RetailMeNot, you can find and apply coupon codes to your Amazon purchases, helping you save money on your orders.
- Cashback Websites: Cashback websites like Honey, Rakuten, and Mr. Rebates offer cashback on your online purchases. By using these websites, you can earn a percentage of your purchase amount back in cash or store credit. Some of these websites also offer browser extensions that automatically apply the best available cashback deals when you shop online.
- Amazon Outlet: The Amazon Outlet is a section of the website where you can find discounted and clearance items from various categories. These deals are available to all Amazon customers, not just Prime members. You can find deep discounts on products, including electronics, home goods, and fashion items.
- Subscribe & Save: Even if you don’t have Amazon Prime, you can still take advantage of the Subscribe & Save program. This program offers discounts on certain products when you sign up to receive a recurring delivery. The discounts can be as high as 15% and can be stacked with other available discounts, such as coupons.
- Free Shipping Offers: While free shipping is a significant benefit of Amazon Prime, there are still other ways to qualify for free shipping on Amazon. You can meet the free shipping threshold by spending a certain amount of money on eligible items or by using certain payment methods like an Amazon Rewards Visa card.
By using these alternatives, you can still enjoy a good shopping experience on Amazon without the need for Amazon Prime. While you may not have access to all the benefits of Prime, these alternatives can help you save money and still find great deals on the products you need.
Final Thoughts on Getting Amazon Prime for Free
While there are ways to get Amazon Prime for free, it’s important to note that these methods may not be feasible or practical for everyone. Some alternatives to consider include:
- Sharing an Amazon Prime account with someone else: If you have a friend or family member who also enjoys the benefits of Amazon Prime, you can share your account with them. This way, you can split the cost of the subscription and still enjoy the perks of Amazon Prime.
- Using Amazon Prime during a free trial period: If you’re new to Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial period. During this time, you can enjoy all the benefits of Amazon Prime without paying a penny. Just be sure to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends if you don’t want to be charged.
- Purchasing items through Amazon Frugal Finds: Amazon Frugal Finds is a website that offers discounted and free items through Amazon. By using this website, you can still take advantage of Amazon Prime’s free shipping and other benefits without actually subscribing to Amazon Prime.
Ultimately, whether or not it’s worth it to try to get Amazon Prime for free depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper and take advantage of all the benefits of Amazon Prime, then the cost of the subscription may be worth it for you. However, if you only shop on Amazon occasionally or don’t need the extra benefits, then it may be more cost-effective to skip the subscription and find alternative ways to save money.
Additional Resources for Saving Money on Amazon
In addition to finding alternatives to Amazon Prime, there are several resources available to help you save money when shopping on Amazon. Here are some tips to consider:
- Look for deals and discounts: Amazon offers a variety of deals and discounts on products throughout the year. Be sure to check the “Deals” section of the website, as well as the “Lightning Deals” section for time-sensitive deals that last only a few hours.
- Use coupons and promo codes: Amazon offers coupons and promo codes that can be applied to your purchases. Check websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com for current codes, or sign up for Amazon’s own email newsletter to receive updates on new deals and promotions.
- Consider subscription services: Amazon offers several subscription services that can help you save money on certain types of products. For example, the Subscribe & Save program allows you to receive regular deliveries of household essentials at a discounted price.
- Shop during sales events: Amazon hosts several sales events throughout the year, such as Prime Day and Black Friday. These events offer significant discounts on a wide range of products, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
- Compare prices: Before making a purchase on Amazon, be sure to compare prices with other retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Amazon often matches the prices of its competitors, so it’s worth checking to see if you can find the same product for less elsewhere.
By taking advantage of these resources, you can save money on your Amazon purchases even if you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership.
FAQs
1. What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by Amazon that provides customers with access to a wide range of benefits and services, including free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to streaming of movies, TV shows, and music, exclusive deals and discounts, and more.
2. How much does Amazon Prime cost?
The cost of Amazon Prime varies depending on the country you are in. In the United States, the cost of Amazon Prime is $119 per year or $12.99 per month. However, there are several ways to get Amazon Prime for free or at a discounted price.
3. Is there a free trial for Amazon Prime?
Yes, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new customers who sign up for Amazon Prime. During the trial period, you can access all the benefits and services of Amazon Prime for free. After the trial period ends, you will be charged the regular price of Amazon Prime unless you cancel your subscription.
4. How can I get Amazon Prime for free?
There are several ways to get Amazon Prime for free or at a discounted price. One way is to qualify for a free trial and then cancel your subscription before the trial period ends. Another way is to sign up for a free trial through an invitation from an existing Amazon Prime member. Additionally, some students are eligible for a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime Student, which provides the same benefits as regular Amazon Prime.
5. Can I share my Amazon Prime account with others?
It is against Amazon’s terms of service to share your Amazon Prime account with others. Each Amazon Prime account is only valid for one user and cannot be shared with multiple people. If you are living with roommates or family members, you can each sign up for your own Amazon Prime account to take advantage of the benefits and services.
6. What benefits and services do I get with Amazon Prime?
With Amazon Prime, you get access to a wide range of benefits and services, including free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to streaming of movies, TV shows, and music, exclusive deals and discounts, and more. Additionally, Amazon Prime members can also access Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, which offer additional content and services.