Benefits of Amazon Prime

There are quite a few benefits included in Prime Membership — not just the 2-day shipping which is its most popular perk.

1. Two-Day Shipping

This is the central benefit of Amazon Prime that is well-known by everyone who uses it. For the entire year, members receive free and unlimited two-day shipping on almost everything sold by Amazon with no minimum purchase required. (There are exclusions to this.)

If Amazon delivers after the two day mark, Amazon Prime Members may be eligible for a free one month extension. Get Your Deal!

2. Streaming Television and Movies

Amazon Prime members have free access to unlimited streaming of over 40,000 movies and television episodes through Amazon Instant Video. Granted, the selection doesn't include the newest properties, but it provides plenty of options. Get Your Deal!

3. Kindle Owners' Lending Library and Kindle First

The Kindle Store boasts 500,000 Kindle titles. Amazon Prime members can borrow one book a month for free to read on a Kindle or Kindle mobile app. Think of it as a personal mini-library with all of the latest and greatest titles at your fingertips. Additionally, Amazon Prime members receive a free Kindle First book every month. Each month, Amazon Publishing editors select four new books each month that will be released the following month. Kindle First subscribers can choose one of these four titles for $1.99 to read a month before it's released to the general public. Amazon Prime members get their Kindle First choice book for free. Get Your Deal!

4. Share the Shipping

Amazon Prime Members can share their shipping benefits with up to four additional household members. Small business owners who subscribe to Amazon Prime can invite up to four co-workers to shop with the corporate account. Get Your Deal!

5. Amazon Prime Music Streaming

Amazon is considering the possibility of getting in on the streaming music act. The company is rumored to be in negotiations with a number of record labels though the details are fuzzy at best, and the agreement, if there is one, may take quite a while to unfold.

Discounts on Amazon Prime

Here are a few ways to get Amazon Prime free or at a discount.

1. Amazon Student

It pays to be a student. With a .edu email address or proof of student status, you can sign up for Amazon Student, which offers Prime Membership at a reduced price of $49. Amazon Student provides all of the benefits of Amazon Prime plus special deals and promotions and a $10 refer a friend credit. Get Your Deal!

2. Amazon Mom

Moms, Amazon Prime has you covered with Amazon Mom. For three months, moms have a free trial of that includes 20% off diapers, wipes, and family essentials that are ordered through the Subscribe & Save Program, free two-day shipping, and 30 days of instant-streaming video. After the trial, Amazon Mom costs $99 and includes the discounts listed above, all Amazon Prime benefits, and a 15% baby registry completion discount. Get Your Deal!

3. Credit Card Benefit of Amazon Prime

American Express has a deep and ever-evolving relationship with Amazon. Amex's Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday cards offer one year of free Amazon Prime if you use the card to buy a new membership and fulfill the minimum spending requirements. 

4. Try It for Free

Everyone loves a free sample. Amazon Prime provides a free 30-day trial. Amazon automatically registers people who take advantage of a free trial after the 30-day mark. To cancel, you must take action and contact Amazon prior to the trial's end. Get Your Deal!