Yes, for many Amazon Prime members who pay monthly, the effective annual cost will be close to $180, specifically $179.88.
While Amazon announced that its annual Prime membership fee would increase by $20 to $139, a significant portion of its members will face a higher effective annual cost. This is primarily due to the rise in the monthly subscription fee.
The monthly Prime membership fee has increased from $12.99 to $14.99. For members who choose to pay month-to-month, this new monthly rate accumulates to an annual total of $179.88 ($14.99 x 12 months). This means that slightly more than half of Prime members, those who opt for the monthly payment plan, will end up paying almost $180 per year.
Understanding the New Amazon Prime Membership Costs
Amazon Prime offers different payment structures, and understanding these is key to knowing what you will pay.
| Membership Type | Old Price | New Price | Annual Equivalent (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $119 | $139 | N/A |
| Monthly | $12.99 | $14.99 | $179.88 |
Who Pays More?
- Annual Subscribers: If you pay for an entire year upfront, your cost has risen to $139.
- Monthly Subscribers: If you prefer the flexibility of paying month-to-month, your annual outlay will be approximately $179.88. This group represents a substantial portion of Prime members.
In essence, while the official annual membership is $139, the structure of the monthly payments means that a considerable number of Amazon Prime members will experience an annual cost nearing $180.
