You need an Amazon account and a payment method to become an Amazon Prime member

Amazon Prime membership starts with an active Amazon account — the same login you use to buy things on Amazon.com. You then choose a membership plan (monthly or annual), enter a payment method, and your membership begins when ready. Amazon charges your card on the date you sign up and then on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you pick.

The process takes about five minutes. You do not need to visit a store, call anyone, or wait for approval. If you already shop on Amazon, you likely have an account ready to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Prime membership requires an active Amazon account and a valid payment method — a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account.
  • Monthly membership costs less per month than annual membership, but annual membership costs less overall if you keep it for a full year.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your current billing period.
  • Amazon offers a free trial period (usually 30 days) so you can test the membership before you are charged.
  • Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on most items, access to Prime Video, and other benefits that vary by region.

What payment methods Amazon accepts

Amazon takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also link a debit card or a bank account directly. If you have an Amazon Store Card or Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, those work too. The payment method you choose will be charged on your billing date each month or year.

If your payment method fails — the card expires, the account closes, or the charge is declined — Amazon will attempt to charge you again over the next few days. If all attempts fail, your membership will pause until you update your payment information in your account settings. You can add or change your payment method anytime by logging into Amazon, going to Your Account, and selecting Payment Options.

Monthly versus annual membership plans

Amazon offers two main membership tiers. A monthly plan charges you a smaller amount each month and can be cancelled anytime. An annual plan charges a larger amount once per year and also can be cancelled anytime — you will receive a refund for the unused portion of your year if you cancel before your renewal date.

The annual plan costs less per month over a full year than the monthly plan does, but it requires a larger upfront payment. If you are unsure whether you will use Prime regularly, the monthly plan lets you test it without committing to a full year. If you know you will use it throughout the year, the annual plan saves money.

Some regions and countries have different pricing or plan options. Amazon also occasionally offers promotional pricing for new members — a discounted first month or a longer free trial — so check the Prime sign-up page to see what is available in your area.

How to sign up step by step

Start by going to amazon.com and logging into your account. If you do not have an account, create one with your email address and a password. Once you are logged in, look for the Prime link in the top navigation menu or search for "Amazon Prime" in the search bar.

On the Prime membership page, you will see the monthly and annual plan options with their prices. Click the button for the plan you want. You will be taken to a page showing your current payment method. If you want to use a different card or payment method, click Change Payment Method and add a new one. Review the membership details, then click Confirm Membership or Start Your Free Trial. Your membership will begin when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email.

Free trial periods and how they work

Amazon typically offers a free trial for new Prime members — usually 30 days, though the length varies by region and by current promotions. During the trial, you have full access to all Prime benefits. You will not be charged during the trial period.

A few days before your trial ends, Amazon will send you an email reminder. If you want to keep your membership, you do not need to do anything — your membership will convert to a paid plan on your renewal date and you will be charged. If you want to cancel before being charged, log into Your Account, go to Memberships and Subscriptions, find Prime Membership, and click Cancel Membership. You must cancel before the trial period ends to avoid the first charge.

What happens after you sign up

Once your membership is active, Prime benefits are available when ready. You can use Prime shipping on may be able to access items right away — look for the Prime badge on product pages. Prime Video access begins when ready if you are in a region where that benefit is included. Other benefits like Prime Music, Prime Reading, or exclusive deals may take a few minutes to appear in your account.

You will receive a confirmation email with your membership details and a link to manage your account. Save this email or bookmark your account settings page so you can check your membership status, update your payment method, or cancel anytime.

How to cancel or pause your membership

You can cancel Amazon Prime at any time without penalty. Log into Your Account, go to Memberships and Subscriptions, select Prime Membership, and click Cancel Membership. Amazon will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay — you can accept or decline.

If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you will receive a refund for the unused portion. For example, if you paid for an annual membership and cancel after six months, you will get back half the annual fee. The refund is issued to your original payment method and typically appears within 3 to 5 business days. Your Prime benefits will remain active until the end of your current billing period, even after you cancel.

Amazon does not offer a pause or temporary suspension option — cancellation is the only way to stop being charged. However, you can sign up again anytime, and if you cancelled within the last year, you may be offered a discount to rejoin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's Amazon account to get Prime?

No. Each Amazon account can have only one active Prime membership. If you want your own Prime membership, you need your own Amazon account with your own payment method. Amazon does offer Prime Household, which lets you link up to two adult accounts and up to four teen or child accounts to share benefits — but each adult account is a separate membership.

What if I sign up for Prime but do not use it?

You will still be charged on your billing date each month or year. Amazon does not refund membership fees for non-use. If you do not think you will use Prime, cancel before your free trial ends or before your next billing date to avoid being charged.

Does Prime membership include anything besides shipping?

Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on most items, but also Prime Video (streaming movies and TV shows), Prime Music (ad-free music streaming), Prime Reading (access to books and magazines), and exclusive deals. Benefits vary by country and region. Log into your account to see which benefits are available to you.

Can I change my membership plan after I sign up?

Yes. Go to Your Account, select Memberships and Subscriptions, and click Prime Membership. You can switch between monthly and annual plans anytime. If you switch from monthly to annual mid-cycle, you will be charged the difference. If you switch from annual to monthly, your annual membership will end on its renewal date and monthly billing will begin.

What if my payment method is declined?

Amazon will attempt to charge your payment method several times over a few days. If all attempts fail, your membership will pause and you will lose Prime benefits until you update your payment information. Log into Your Account, go to Payment Options, and add or update your card or bank account. Once your payment method is valid, your membership will reactivate.