If signing up for Amazon Prime has been on your to-do list, you might want to take the plunge ASAP. Last night, the retail giant announced they’ll be raising prices for the first time in four years, with the annual fee increasing from $119 to $139. Additionally, Prime monthly fees will jump from $12.99 to $14.99
For new members, the Amazon Prime price increase will take effect beginning February 18, 2022. (Existing members won’t see the new pricing reflected until after March 25, 2022 on the date their membership renews.)
Not the best news to wake up to, but as any parent who’s depended on diapers, toilet paper or coffee landing on their doorstep can tell you, it’s well worth the cost–even with the increase. (It wasn’t around when my teenager was a baby and he once suffered the indignity of a patched together maxi pad MacGyver diaper when we ran out. So there’s that…)
It’s a requirement for nabbing deals on Prime Day, gives you access to Prime Video (one word: Fleabag) and if you plan to spend more than $139 in shipping costs over the year, well, right there it paid for itself. Does it make it way too easy to impulse buy things you don’t really need, like somewhat ridiculous $40 dollar shiatsu neck massagers? Or highly rated water bottle organizers because you’re spending so much time between four walls that home organization is now a legit hobby? Hands down, yes, 1000% and I’m sorry. It’s happened to the best of us.
The price increase comes at a time where seemingly everything costs more. And while it’s hard to believe Amazon needs more of our hard-earned dollars, Jamil Ghani, VP of Amazon Prime explains the hike:
“Amazon continues to invest heavily in Prime. In the last few years, we’ve added more product selection available with fast, free, unlimited Prime shipping; more exclusive deals and discounts; and more high-quality digital entertainment, including TV, movies, music and books.”
Maybe a third season of Fleabag? I’ll pay $20 for that.
If you don’t have a membership yet, try Amazon Prime’s 30-Day Free Trial.