Between dorm essentials, textbooks, apartment supplies and everyday expenses, young adults can spend hundreds of dollars before the semester even begins. That's why Amazon's Prime for Young Adults program is worth a closer look.
Eligible adults ages 18 to 24 can get six months of Prime completely free and then continue at roughly half the cost of a standard membership. For students moving into a dorm, graduates starting their first job or anyone furnishing a first apartment, the savings can add up quickly through free shipping, streaming benefits and ongoing cash-back offers.
Right now, members can also earn 5% cash back on select home, kitchen and office purchases through September 15, making the program especially useful during back-to-school shopping season.
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Here’s what to know about who is eligible for this discounted Prime membership and how to sign up today.
What is Amazon Prime for Young Adults?
Amazon Prime for Young Adults is a discounted membership designed for people ages 18 to 24. Instead of paying full price, eligible members get:
- 6 months of Prime for free
- Then just $7.49 per month (or $69 per year)—about 50% off the standard rate
It’s built for anyone navigating that “first big chapter” moment—college, a new career or their first apartment.
What benefits are included with Prime for Young Adults?
The beauty of a Prime for Young Adults membership is that it doesn’t skimp on the perks just because it’s half the price. It includes full, unrestricted access to the complete suite of standard Amazon Prime benefits, plus a few exclusive financial kickbacks designed specifically to increase a young person's spending power. Here are some of the featured benefits of having a Prime for Young Adults membership:
The ultimate shopping perk: Automatic cash back
One of the most valuable perks of Prime for Young Adults is its built-in cash-back program, helping members save on everyday purchases without clipping coupons or opening a new credit card.
- Every day 5% Cash Back: Members automatically earn 5% cash back on the categories they shop most: beauty, apparel, electronics and personal care. There are no credit cards required, no coupons to clip and no promotional codes to track—the savings accumulate automatically in their account.
- Limited-Time Cash Back Expansion: Now through September 15, members earn 5% cash back on home, kitchen and office products.
Explore Prime for Young Adults Cash Back Program
Stream, listen and play without paying extra
From binge-worthy TV shows to ad-free music and gaming bonuses, Prime for Young Adults bundles multiple entertainment subscriptions into one discounted membership.
- Prime Video: Unlimited streaming of thousands of movies, hit TV shows, and exclusive Amazon Originals to unwind after a long day of classes or work.
- Amazon Music: Access to a massive catalog of ad-free music and top podcasts to fuel intense study sessions or daily workouts.
- Prime Gaming: Free in-game content, a monthly Twitch channel subscription, and a rotating selection of free PC games every single month.
Save time and money with fast delivery and travel perks
Whether you're ordering last-minute dorm essentials or heading home for the weekend, Prime's shipping benefits and fuel savings can help cut everyday costs.
- Prime Delivery: Fast, free delivery on over 300 million items, including free Two-Day, One-Day, and even Same-Day delivery options on eligible essentials.
- Early Access to Deals: Members get a 30-minute head start on Amazon's fast-moving Lightning Deals—a crucial advantage for scoring the best doorbusters on Prime Day.
- Prime Fuel Savings: Save on gas at thousands of participating stations nationwide to help make weekend road trips home much more affordable.
Hidden Prime perks that can save students even more money
Prime for Young Adults includes several overlooked benefits designed to help members save beyond the checkout page—from free books to discounted open-box deals.
- Prime Reading: Unlimited, free access to a rotating library of thousands of eBooks, digital magazines, comics, and audiobooks.
- Amazon Photos: Secure, unlimited full-resolution photo storage (plus 5GB for video), allowing them to back up all their campus memories without draining their phone's storage.
- Amazon Resale & Prime Exclusives: Direct access to deep discounts on open-box or pre-owned items through the Resale marketplace, plus access to year-round, member-only pricing.
How much does Amazon Prime for Young Adults cost?
Eligible young adults can get a six-month trial membership for free right now.
- First 6 months: Free
- After trial: $7.49 per month or $69 per year
- No student verification is required—just proof of age (18–24)
To verify your age while signing up, Amazon will prompt you to upload an image of an official government document. Acceptable forms of verification include:
- A valid driver’s license
- A state-issued identification card
- A passport
(Note: If you happen to be a college student who is 25 or older, you can still qualify for the same discount by verifying your school enrollment using a .edu email address, tuition bill, or current class transcript!)
Do you have to be a college student to get Prime for Young Adults?
No. Adults ages 18 to 24 can qualify based on age verification alone. Student enrollment is not required.
Can you switch from a regular Prime membership?
Yes, and you don’t even need to cancel your Amazon Prime membership to switch to the Young Adult plan.
If you are eligible to switch to the Young Adult plan, you’ll get a prorated refund for any unused time on your current plan and Amazon will automatically update your membership
Get started with a Prime for Young Adults membership
Can you share Prime for Young Adults through Amazon Household?
No. Unlike a standard, full-price Prime membership—which allows you to split delivery and streaming perks with another adult via Amazon Household—the Prime for Young Adults plan is strictly for a single user. If you switch an account from regular Prime to the Young Adult tier, any existing household sharing links will be automatically deactivated, and those shared members will lose access to the perks.
What happens when you turn 25?
The Amazon Prime for Young Adults discount isn't permanent. The membership structure has built-in limits based on how you signed up:
- If you verified by age (18–24): On the next account anniversary date after you turn 25, your subscription will automatically transition into a standard, full-price Amazon Prime membership.
- If you verified by student status: You can enjoy the student discount for a maximum of four years. Once those four years are up (or if you can no longer provide proof of active college enrollment), the account will automatically roll over to a regular Prime membership.
Start a free 6-month trial to Amazon Prime for Young Adults now
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon is practically giving Prime away to young adults right now