How to Sign Up for Amazon Prime: Step-by-Step Guide to Exclusive Deals and Benefits

Amazon has announced its annual Prime Day sales event for Monday, June 21, and Tuesday, June 22. If it feels like it hasn't been a full year since the last one—you're right. Last year's event was delayed to October 13 and 14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we're back on the traditional schedule, with deep discounts on countless products exclusively for Prime members.

New to Amazon Prime? Signing up is straightforward, unlocking not just Prime Day savings but a suite of premium perks designed for everyday value.

Beyond Prime Day access, Prime delivers: Prime Video streaming; free two-day (or same-day in select areas) shipping; Whole Foods discounts; Amazon Music (distinct from the $7.99/month add-on Amazon Music Unlimited); free Twitch channel subscriptions; unlimited photo storage; and Prime Reading with thousands of books, magazines, and comics.

Share benefits with one other adult household member. Plus, enjoy a 30-day free trial to test it all, including Prime Day exclusives.

Follow this expert-tested process to get started.

Choose Your Plan

• Visit amazon.com/amazonprime and select "See more plans."
• Standard Prime: $12.99/month or $119/year (under $10/month). Prime Video standalone is $8.99/month but excludes Prime Day.
• Students: Select "Are you a student?" for Prime Student—6-month free trial, then $6.49/month. Extras include Showtime for $0.99/month (up to 1 year), Amazon Music Unlimited for $0.99/month, and 2-month Kindle Unlimited trial.
• Government assistance or EBT users: $5.99/month via Prime Access.
• Birthday gift? Friends/family can gift 3 months ($39) or a year ($119).

Create or Link Your Account

• Pick your plan, then "Try Prime." No account? Click "Create your Amazon account," enter name, email, password. Enable two-factor authentication for security—we always recommend it.
• Verify via OTP emailed to you: copy, paste, and hit "Verify."
• Add payment details (credit/debit card).
• You're in! Start shopping.

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Pro tip: Use the 30-day trial for Prime Day, then cancel if needed—but only once per account. You might miss out next year.

Updated June 9, 2021, 3:30 PM ET: Originally published July 10, 2019; refreshed with latest Prime details.