How to maximize the perks of Amazon Prime

As Prime Day (which is, confusingly, actually two days) approaches, perhaps you're considering an Amazon Prime membership. If you're going to spring for it, now is the time: You'll need a Prime membership to access Prime Day deals when October 13 rolls around.

The flagship Prime perk is free shipping (one-day, two-day, or same-day, depending on the purchase) on select items. You probably already know about that one. But Amazon offers lots of other members-only deals, too, which you can use to your particular advantage on Prime Day. It also comes with membership in various other Amazon services, including Prime Video, Prime Gaming, Prime Music, and more.

How to sign up for Amazon Prime

New Amazon Prime members start with a 30-day free trial, so you can jump ship if you decide Prime membership is not for you. (Just be sure to cancel within the 30-day time frame, because Amazon will have your credit card information on file.) After that, it'll be $12.99 per month or $119 per year, depending on which subscription you've picked.

If you want the $12.99 per month option, click any of the "TRY PRIME" buttons on this page to get started. Luckily, Amazon really wants you to sign up for Prime, so you shouldn't have trouble spotting one.

If you'd prefer the $119 annual option (which comes out to less than $10 per month, so it's a better deal if you don't mind paying up front), click "SEE MORE PLANS," which is underneath the big button. From there, you'll select a plan, create an account and a password, and enter your address and payment information.

Students with a valid .edu email can sign up for Amazon Prime for a discounted rate of $6.49 per month after a six-month free trial. (Check out our separate guide to Amazon Prime Student to learn more.) If you have Medicaid or EBT, you can also sign up at a discounted rate of $5.99 per month — you just won't be able to share your account with one other adult like you would at the higher rate.

You can also give Prime as a gift. Not the most romantic present out there, but hey: If they'll use it, they'll use it.

What comes with Amazon Prime?

Amazon has a pretty comprehensive list of Prime benefits here, but they're a lot to parse (and a few of them are out of date). Here are some highlights.

• Memberships: Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Gaming (formerly Twitch Prime)

• Discounted memberships: Amazon Music Unlimited (30-day free trial, then four months for $0.99 for Prime members), Amazon Kids+ (30-day free trial, then $2.99 per month for Prime members), and more

• Access to Prime Wardrobe, which allows you to try on select clothes (many of which are from Amazon's in-house brands) and send back the ones that don't work within seven days free of charge

• Deals and coupons that only work for Prime members, as well as early access to some deals (including 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals)

• Access to Amazon Fresh, a grocery delivery service in select cities

• Free unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos

• Members-only savings at Whole Foods (Amazon bought the grocery store chain in 2017.)

And, of course, only Amazon Prime members will get access to Prime Day.

Is Amazon Prime worth it?

Amazon certainly pushes Prime enough that it seems like everyone has it. While there are plenty of reasons to take your business to retailers other than Amazon, whether a Prime membership will benefit you from a financial standpoint depends on your priorities as a shopper.

First, consider how much you generally order things online, and how many of those things can feasibly come from Amazon. If you spent more than $119 on shipping in the past year and would've been cool with all of those items coming from Amazon, well, do the math. Another element to consider is shipping speed: A huge percentage of Prime purchases will come in two days or fewer.

PCMag: How to avoid paying for Prime free shipping

It's also worth considering the other services that come with Prime. If you would pay for Prime Video and full-rate Amazon Music Unlimited separately anyway, it might make mathematical sense to spring for the full Prime membership, which includes both. If you don't plan on using those features, though, the deal's allure might lessen.

If you don't think Amazon Prime is for you but still want access to Prime Day deals, consider opting for the free trial now and simply canceling your membership once Prime Day is over.

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