Think you’re paying $139 for Amazon Prime? Think again

August 27, 2025

By Kim Komando

When’s the last time you checked how much Amazon is pulling from your bank account? If you guessed around $100 a year, you’re in for a surprise. You could be spending over $300 annually without realizing it. Let’s break it down.

🧓 Back in my day…

When Amazon Prime launched in 2005, it was a sweet deal: $79 a year for free two-day shipping. That price held until 2014, when it jumped to $99. Then $119 in 2018. By 2022? We hit $139 a year, and I’m predicting it now: Next year, it’ll go up to $159.

Oh, and that’s just the base price.

Now there’s a $9.95 delivery fee for Whole Foods orders, a $36 annual upcharge if you want Prime Video without ads, and sky-high grocery minimums for Amazon Fresh (originally $35, now $100). Want more?

• Amazon Music Unlimited: $99/year
• Audible: $14.95/month
• Amazon Kids+: $5.99/month
• Kindle Unlimited: $11.99/month
• Streaming add-ons (HBO Max, Paramount+, etc.): $7.99 to $20.99/month each

That $139 membership? It’s just an appetizer.

✅ Here’s how to check what you’re paying:

• Go to Your Prime Membership to see if you’re billed monthly or annually.
• Then check Your Subscriptions for all those sneaky add-ons like Kindle Unlimited, Music, channel bundles and more.
• From your account, click Memberships & Subscriptions or Subscribe & Save Items for a full list.

(Pro tip: The layout may shift depending on the browser, the app or which way the tech winds are blowing that day.)

🤑 Easy ways to save

• Amazon Family: Share your Prime perks at no extra cost.
• Pay annually: It’s $40 cheaper than month-to-month.
• Gas savings: Get 10¢ off a gallon at 7,000+ stations.
• Grubhub+: Unlimited $0 delivery fees for as long as you’re a Prime member.
• Rx savings: Discounts on prescriptions at almost 60,000 pharmacies.
• Amazon Photos + Shutterfly: Get 45% off regular-priced orders and free shipping if it’s $35+.
• Prime for Young Adults: Half off & a six-month free trial.
• EBT/Medicaid: Get Prime for just $6.99/month.
• Prime Visa: If you shop a lot on Amazon, this card gives you cash back to help offset the cost. Bonus: Get a $50 gift card when you’re approved.

⚠️ Bottom line: Check your account. Do the math. And share this with someone who needs a wake-up call.

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