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

By Kim Komando

August 27, 2025

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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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Tags: Amazon, family, photos, tech, video