Amazon is ending a longtime Prime perk—here’s what it means for you
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If you’re an Amazon Prime member—or have been enjoying the benefits thanks to someone generous enough to share—the service is about to change in a big way.
After more than 15 years, Amazon is ending a program that let non-members piggyback on Prime’s free shipping and other delivery perks.
Starting this fall, you’ll need your own subscription if you want to keep those fast, free deliveries coming.
The decision follows a growing trend among major companies cracking down on account sharing.
So, what’s ending, what remains, and how should you decide if Prime is still worth the price?
On October 1, Amazon will officially retire its Prime Invitee program.
For those unfamiliar, this perk allowed paying Prime members to share free shipping benefits with friends and family who weren’t subscribers.
Many households used it to help college students, neighbors, or relatives save on deliveries without paying for their own plan.
That option will soon disappear—if you want the benefits, you’ll need to subscribe directly.
Amazon’s decision mirrors what other companies have already done.
Netflix restricted password sharing last year, and Costco tightened rules around who can use a membership card.
The reason is simple: companies want paying members only. Amazon has stated that the move ensures “non-members don’t enjoy the same advantages as subscribers,” which in practice encourages more sign-ups.
Currently, Prime costs $14.99 a month or $139 per year in the US.
Not all sharing is disappearing.
Amazon’s Household program will remain, allowing Prime members to split benefits with one other adult at the same address and add up to four child profiles.
This covers free shipping, Prime Video access, and other included perks.
The key difference is that sharing will now be limited strictly to those living under the same roof.
Amazon isn’t alone in tightening rules:
It’s a clear trend: “one for all” memberships are becoming a thing of the past.
Amazon says affected Prime members will receive notifications by September 5.
If you’ve been sharing your benefits outside your home, it’s time to give family or friends a heads-up.
For non-members, this means making a choice: sign up for your own plan, or go without.
Remember, Prime includes more than just shipping—streaming TV and movies, music, exclusive discounts, and even grocery delivery are bundled in.
Whether or not Prime makes sense depends on how you use it:
For students and young adults (ages 18–24), Amazon also offers discounted plans and a six-month free trial.
The change has sparked debate online. Some longtime members call it a “money grab” and say it may lead them to cancel altogether, while others believe the convenience still outweighs the cost.
For many, it comes down to how often they shop and whether they take full advantage of Prime’s extras.
Amazon Prime remains one of the most popular subscription services in the country, but this change marks the end of a quiet perk many people relied on.
If you’ve been sharing benefits outside your household, now’s the time to weigh your options.
Decide whether the membership is worth the cost—or if it’s finally time to scale back.
Read next: Got a text about an Amazon refund? Don’t click—it’s a scam
How often do you use your Prime perks—enough to keep the subscription, or are you considering letting it go after this change? Let us know in the comments below!
After more than 15 years, Amazon is ending a program that let non-members piggyback on Prime’s free shipping and other delivery perks.
Starting this fall, you’ll need your own subscription if you want to keep those fast, free deliveries coming.
The decision follows a growing trend among major companies cracking down on account sharing.
So, what’s ending, what remains, and how should you decide if Prime is still worth the price?
Amazon will retire its Prime Invitee program on October 1, ending the ability to share shipping perks with friends and family outside the household. Image Source: YouTube / WGN News.
The end of the Prime Invitee program
On October 1, Amazon will officially retire its Prime Invitee program.
For those unfamiliar, this perk allowed paying Prime members to share free shipping benefits with friends and family who weren’t subscribers.
Many households used it to help college students, neighbors, or relatives save on deliveries without paying for their own plan.
That option will soon disappear—if you want the benefits, you’ll need to subscribe directly.
Also read: Amazon warns Prime customers of rise in scam attempts: What to know and how to stay safe
Why is Amazon making this change?
Amazon’s decision mirrors what other companies have already done.
Netflix restricted password sharing last year, and Costco tightened rules around who can use a membership card.
The reason is simple: companies want paying members only. Amazon has stated that the move ensures “non-members don’t enjoy the same advantages as subscribers,” which in practice encourages more sign-ups.
Currently, Prime costs $14.99 a month or $139 per year in the US.
Also read: Amazon Prime delivery is speeding up—here’s how it could change life in your town
What benefits can households still share?
Not all sharing is disappearing.
Amazon’s Household program will remain, allowing Prime members to split benefits with one other adult at the same address and add up to four child profiles.
This covers free shipping, Prime Video access, and other included perks.
The key difference is that sharing will now be limited strictly to those living under the same roof.
Also read: Target is ending price matching with Amazon and Walmart—what that means for shoppers
How does this compare to other companies?
Amazon isn’t alone in tightening rules:
- Costco: Requires card scans at entry; only members and one household partner can use the membership to buy.
- Netflix: Restricts accounts to a single household, with extra charges for outside use.
- YouTube: Has also begun limiting account sharing for its premium services.
It’s a clear trend: “one for all” memberships are becoming a thing of the past.
Also read: Major retailers cut key healthcare services—here’s what’s changing and why it matters
What does this mean for you?
Amazon says affected Prime members will receive notifications by September 5.
If you’ve been sharing your benefits outside your home, it’s time to give family or friends a heads-up.
For non-members, this means making a choice: sign up for your own plan, or go without.
Remember, Prime includes more than just shipping—streaming TV and movies, music, exclusive discounts, and even grocery delivery are bundled in.
Also read: Is Walmart losing its crown? The business giant that’s ending a 12-year dominance—you won’t believe who it is!
Is Prime still worth the cost?
Whether or not Prime makes sense depends on how you use it:
- Track your orders: If you only shop on Amazon a few times a year, paying for shipping as needed may be cheaper.
- Check alternatives: Many retailers offer free shipping once you hit a minimum purchase.
- Use Amazon Household: If you share a home with another adult, make sure both of you benefit from one membership.
For students and young adults (ages 18–24), Amazon also offers discounted plans and a six-month free trial.
Also read: Could you get a free year of Target Circle 360? Here’s how to find out
What are people saying?
The change has sparked debate online. Some longtime members call it a “money grab” and say it may lead them to cancel altogether, while others believe the convenience still outweighs the cost.
For many, it comes down to how often they shop and whether they take full advantage of Prime’s extras.
Amazon Prime remains one of the most popular subscription services in the country, but this change marks the end of a quiet perk many people relied on.
If you’ve been sharing benefits outside your household, now’s the time to weigh your options.
Decide whether the membership is worth the cost—or if it’s finally time to scale back.
Read next: Got a text about an Amazon refund? Don’t click—it’s a scam
How often do you use your Prime perks—enough to keep the subscription, or are you considering letting it go after this change? Let us know in the comments below!
