Amazon Prime is a popular subscription service that offers a wide array of benefits to its members, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services like Prime Video and Prime Music, and exclusive deals and discounts. Many consumers sign up for the 30-day free trial to test out these features without committing to a full paid subscription. However, if you decide that Prime isn‘t right for you, it‘s crucial to know how to cancel your free trial to avoid being charged the full membership fee.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll provide a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to cancel your Amazon Prime free trial, as well as expert tips and considerations to help you make an informed decision.
The Benefits of Amazon Prime
Before we dive into the cancelation process, let‘s take a closer look at the benefits of Amazon Prime and why it has become so popular among online shoppers. As of 2021, Amazon Prime boasts over 200 million subscribers worldwide, with around 147 million members in the United States alone (Source).
Some of the key benefits of Amazon Prime include:
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Free Two-Day Shipping: Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible items, with some areas even offering same-day or one-day delivery.
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Prime Video: Access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, all included with your Prime membership.
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Prime Music: Ad-free access to over 2 million songs and playlists.
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Prime Gaming: Free games, in-game content, and a subscription to Twitch.tv, all included with your Prime membership.
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Prime Reading: Access to a rotating selection of free e-books, magazines, and comics.
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Early Access and Exclusive Deals: Prime members often get early access to lightning deals and exclusive discounts during events like Prime Day.
For frequent Amazon shoppers, a Prime membership can offer significant savings on shipping fees alone. According to a 2019 study by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the average Prime member spends $1,400 per year on Amazon, compared to $600 per year for non-members (Source).
When Does Amazon Charge for Prime?
When you sign up for the 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, you won‘t be charged anything upfront. However, once the trial period ends, Amazon will automatically enroll you in a paid subscription and charge the credit card associated with your account.
The cost of a Prime membership varies depending on the plan you choose. As of 2023, the standard annual Prime membership costs $139 per year, while the monthly plan costs $14.99 per month. There are also discounted plans available for students ($7.49/month or $69/year), low-income individuals on government assistance ($6.99/month), and others who qualify (Source).
To avoid being charged for a Prime subscription, you must cancel your free trial before it expires. You can cancel at any time during the trial period and still take advantage of the full benefits of Prime until the trial end date.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Free Trial
Canceling your Amazon Prime free trial is a straightforward process that can be done through your account settings on the Amazon website or app. Follow these steps to cancel your trial:
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Log in to your Amazon account and click on "Account & Lists" in the top right corner of the screen.
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From the dropdown menu, select "Your Prime Membership."
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On the left side of the screen, under "Membership Management," click on "End Trial and Benefits."
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Amazon will display a message asking you to confirm that you want to cancel your Prime trial. Click "End My Benefits" to proceed.
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On the next page, Amazon may try to persuade you to continue your subscription by highlighting the benefits of Prime. If you still wish to cancel, click "Continue to Cancel" at the bottom of the page.
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Finally, on the confirmation page, click "Cancel Membership" to finalize the cancelation process. You should see a message confirming that your Prime trial has been canceled and the date on which your benefits will end.
It‘s worth noting that Amazon may present various offers or discounts to encourage you to keep your subscription. Be sure to carefully review these offers and click "Continue to Cancel" if you still wish to end your trial.
What Happens After Canceling Your Prime Trial?
After canceling your Amazon Prime free trial, you will continue to have access to all Prime benefits until the trial end date. This means that even if you cancel on the first day of your trial, you can still enjoy free shipping, streaming services, and other perks for the full 30 days.
Once your trial period ends, your account will revert to a regular Amazon account without Prime benefits. You will no longer have access to free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, or any other Prime-exclusive features.
If you decide that you want to subscribe to Prime again in the future, you can always sign up for a new membership at any time. Keep in mind that you may not be eligible for another free trial if you‘ve already used one on your account.
Expert Tips for Managing Your Prime Free Trial
To make the most of your Amazon Prime free trial and avoid any unwanted charges, consider these expert tips:
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Set a reminder: Mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone for a few days before your trial end date. This will help you remember to cancel your trial if you don‘t want to continue with a paid subscription.
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Maximize your benefits: During your free trial, explore all the features and benefits of Prime to determine whether it‘s worth the cost for you. This may include ordering items with free two-day shipping, streaming movies and TV shows on Prime Video, or taking advantage of Prime-exclusive deals.
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Share a Prime account: If you have family members or roommates who also use Amazon regularly, consider sharing the cost of a Prime subscription. Amazon Household allows you to share your Prime benefits with up to one other adult and four children in your household.
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Pause your membership: If you don‘t want to cancel your Prime membership outright but won‘t be using it for a short period, you can pause your membership for up to three months. During this time, you won‘t be charged, but you also won‘t have access to Prime benefits.
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Evaluate your spending habits: Take a close look at your Amazon shopping history and spending habits to determine whether a Prime membership is cost-effective for you. If you find that you‘re not ordering enough to justify the annual fee, it may be better to cancel your trial and pay for shipping on individual orders as needed.
The Environmental Impact of Amazon Prime
While Amazon Prime offers many benefits to consumers, it‘s important to consider the environmental impact of the company‘s shipping practices. The rise of fast, free shipping has led to an increase in carbon emissions from delivery vehicles and packaging waste.
According to a 2019 report by Amazon, the company‘s carbon footprint increased by 15% in 2018, largely due to the growth of Prime shipping (Source). However, the company has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and is investing in renewable energy and sustainable packaging solutions.
As a consumer, you can help mitigate the environmental impact of your Amazon purchases by choosing slower shipping options when possible, consolidating your orders to reduce packaging waste, and recycling your Amazon packaging materials.
Conclusion
Canceling your Amazon Prime free trial is a simple process that can be completed through your account settings in just a few steps. By following the expert tips outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision about whether a Prime membership is right for you and avoid any unwanted charges.
Remember to set a reminder to cancel your trial before it expires, and take full advantage of the Prime benefits during your trial period to determine whether the service is worth the cost. By being a savvy and informed shopper, you can enjoy the perks of Amazon Prime without breaking the bank or contributing to unnecessary environmental waste.
| Membership Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $139 | $14.99 |
| Student | $69 | $7.49 |
| Low-Income | N/A | $6.99 |
Prices as of 2023. Subject to change.