How Young Adults are Doing Prime on a Budget
In a time when expenses are really piling up for young adults, Amazon Prime is making it easier for them to access one of the world’s largest online marketplaces. The price for Prime starts at a $14.99 monthly fee, which may not seem like much, but stretched over a year, you are paying almost $200 a year just to get some of Amazon’s premium features like free shipping, access to their streaming service, and more.
To help alleviate the cost, Amazon has introduced its Prime for Young Adults program and expanded its Prime Access offering, both designed to make Prime’s perks affordable to people who need them most. So now, college students to new parents can access Prime when they are really on a budget.
A Response to Real-World Pressures
Amazon has cut its Prime membership in its Prime for Young Adults plan that costs $7.49/month or $69/year. It also offers a six-month free trial, increased from the typical 30 days. The Prime Access program is even more affordable, starting at just $3.50/month for the first three months, then $6.99/month for those enrolled in qualifying government programs like Medicaid or SNAP.
When all other prices continue to increase, Prime has decided to offer younger adults, often associated with trying to stay afloat in finances, a cheaper alternative. It’s no surprise that budget-friendly services are gaining popularity and should give Amazon some good grace among the younger generations.
Prime for Young Adults: Half the Price, All the Perks
Amazon’s Prime for Young Adults isn’t just for students anymore. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 24 qualifies—no .edu email address required. To sign up, you just need to upload a valid ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
Once enrolled, members can take advantage of:
Free same-day, one-day, or two-day shipping on millions of items
Prime Video has access to over 25,000 movies and TV shows
Grubhub+ membership with $0 delivery fees
Prime Gaming perks, including free games and Twitch channel subs
Prime Reading for digital books, magazines, and comics
5% cash back on beauty, apparel, electronics, and more
Fuel savings at select gas stations
Amazon Photos for secure cloud storage
Exclusive early access to lightning deals
Prime Access: E-Commerce for Everyone
For Americans relying on government assistance, everyday costs can be overwhelming. Amazon’s Prime Access makes Prime more affordable for these households, while still offering premium benefits.
Eligible participants include recipients of:
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Medicaid
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Puerto Rico’s NAP (Nutrition Assistance Program)
Tribal assistance programs
Why Now Is the Time to Sign Up
With Prime Day 2025 running July 8–11, there’s no better time to enroll. New members can grab exclusive deals early, save on back-to-school items, and stock up on essentials at record-low prices.
Need a mini fridge for your dorm? Want to upgrade your headphones or bedding? Prime Day will be loaded with offers that can easily offset the membership cost in a single purchase.
For parents of young adults, now is the time to gift a Prime membership or encourage them to sign up with their own verification.