Why Am I Being Charged for Prime Video if I Have Amazon Prime?

If you are seeing charges for Prime Video despite having an Amazon Prime membership, it's highly likely these charges are for Prime Video add-on subscriptions. These are distinct, paid subscriptions that allow you to access content from third-party premium networks and other specialized streaming channels directly through your Prime Video app, but they are not included in your standard Amazon Prime membership fee.

Understanding the Difference: Amazon Prime vs. Prime Video Add-Ons

Your Amazon Prime membership provides access to a vast library of movies and TV shows known as "Prime Video," along with benefits like free fast shipping, Prime Music, and more. However, this membership does not automatically include all available content on the Prime Video platform.

Prime Video add-on subscriptions are separate, additional services you can subscribe to, similar to subscribing to a standalone streaming service. They are managed through Amazon for convenience but represent agreements with other content providers.

What Are Prime Video Add-On Subscriptions?

These add-ons are essentially individual streaming channels that you can add to your Prime Video experience. They function like premium cable channels, offering content from specific networks or content libraries that are not part of the standard Prime Video catalog.

Common examples of Prime Video add-on subscriptions include:

• Premium Movie & TV Channels: HBO, Showtime, STARZ, Paramount+, Cinemax, etc.
• Specialized Content: BritBox, NBA League Pass, PBS Masterpiece, Shudder, etc.

These channels typically come with their own separate monthly fee.

How Do These Charges Occur?

There are several common ways users unintentionally subscribe to Prime Video add-ons:

• Free Trials: Many add-on channels offer a free trial period (e.g., 7 days). If you sign up for a free trial and do not cancel before it ends, the subscription automatically converts to a paid monthly subscription.
• Accidental Subscription: It's possible to accidentally subscribe to a channel when browsing content, especially if prompts for trials or subscriptions are not carefully read.
• Family Members/Guests: Someone else with access to your Amazon account (e.g., family member, friend) might have subscribed to a channel without your direct knowledge.
• Bundled Offers: Occasionally, Amazon might offer promotional bundles that include an add-on, and if auto-renewal is enabled, it could lead to charges after the promotional period.

Managing Your Prime Video Add-On Subscriptions

To identify and manage any unwanted Prime Video add-on subscriptions, follow these steps:

1. Access Your Memberships & Subscriptions:

   • Go to the Amazon website.
   • Hover over "Account & Lists" in the top right corner.
   • Click on "Memberships & Subscriptions."
   • You might be prompted to sign in again for security.

2. Review Subscriptions:

   • On the "Memberships & Subscriptions" page, you will see a list of all active subscriptions associated with your Amazon account.
   • Look for any entries under "Prime Video Channels" or "Digital Subscriptions."
   • Each add-on channel will be listed separately with its monthly cost and renewal date.

3. Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions:

   • Next to each add-on subscription, you should see options like "Cancel Channel" or "Manage Subscription."
   • Click the appropriate option for any subscription you wish to terminate.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the cancellation. You may be offered the option to continue access until the end of your current billing period.

Key Differences at a Glance

To clarify the distinction between your Amazon Prime membership and Prime Video add-ons, consider this table:

For more information and to manage your digital subscriptions, you can visit Amazon's help page on Prime Video add-ons. By regularly reviewing your subscriptions, you can ensure you are only paying for the content you intend to access.