When Amazon.com, Inc., the Seattle‑based e‑commerce giant founded by Jeff Bezos, updates its Prime terms, millions of shoppers wonder how to pull the plug without losing value.
As of October 20, 2025, the annual fee sits at $139 or $15 a month, according to a guide from Business Insider (owned by Axel Springer SE in Berlin). The service bundles free fast delivery, Prime Video, Prime Music, and exclusive sales. Canceling is a straightforward two‑step dance, but the devil’s in the details—especially if you’re after a partial refund.
Desktop Cancellation: Step‑by‑Step
First, log in on a computer and hover over the Accounts & Lists menu at the top‑right of Amazon.com’s homepage. Select Prime Membership from the dropdown. On the next screen, move to the Manage Membership section and click the End Membership button. Amazon will prompt you to confirm; you can either end immediately or let the plan run until the end of the current billing cycle.
Why let it run? Because the platform guarantees you’ll keep the benefits until the last day you’ve already paid for—a small cushion if you’ve got a package slated for delivery.
Mobile App Cancellation: Quick on the Go
Open the Amazon Shopping app on iOS or Android, tap the silhouette‑shaped Profile button at the bottom, scroll to Manage Prime Membership, and hit End Membership. A secondary screen asks if you’d rather pause; choose Continue to Cancel to finalize. The app mirrors the desktop flow but adds a “pause” toggle that many users miss.
Prime Video‑Only Subscriptions: Separate Path
If you only pay for Prime Video, the process shifts a bit. Navigate to Account & Settings on the Prime Video site, click the Your Account tab, and select End Subscription. For bundled Prime members, the same Account & Settings page shows an Edit link under Prime Membership. Press it, then follow the same end‑membership prompts.
Refund Policies and Timing: What You Can Expect
Amazon’s official stance: canceling a subscription doesn’t automatically generate a refund for past charges. However, if you quit within the first 30 days of a paid cycle, you may be eligible for a prorated refund—subject to a quick review by the billing team. The refund, when approved, lands back on the original payment method within 3‑5 business days.
For add‑on services purchased through Apple’s App Store, you must cancel at least 24 hours before renewal. Missing that window can trigger an extra charge that won’t be refunded by Amazon.
What Happens to Add‑On Subscriptions?
Any extra channels (like HBO Max or Showtime) tied to Prime automatically stop renewing once your core membership ends. You can still use them until the next billing date, but you won’t be charged again. To pull the plug early, go to Account & Settings, pick Your subscriptions, find the add‑on, and click Unsubscribe. Confirmation screens display the exact end date.
Expert Tips and Common Mistakes
- Double‑check the cancellation confirmation email. If you don’t receive it, the process may not have completed.
- Don’t forget to cancel the “Prime Student” trial if you’re a student; it has its own renewal schedule.
- Pause instead of cancel if you’re unsure—your benefits stay active, but you won’t be billed for the paused months.
- Keep an eye on your bank statement for a “$0.00” re‑authorization; that’s Amazon testing the payment method for future renewals.
Key Facts
- Annual Prime fee: $139 (2025); monthly: $15.
- Cancellation can be done on desktop or mobile in under two minutes.
- Partial refunds are possible only within the first 30 days of a paid cycle.
- Add‑on subscriptions stop renewing automatically when Prime ends.
- Apple‑mediated subscriptions require a 24‑hour pre‑renewal cancel window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a full refund if I cancel on the day my membership renews?
Amazon generally offers a prorated refund only if you cancel within the first 30 days after a payment. Canceling on the renewal day usually means you’ll keep the full year’s benefits and won’t receive any money back.
What happens to my Prime Video downloads after I cancel?
Downloaded titles remain accessible until the end of the billing period. Once that date passes, the app disables playback and prompts you to re‑subscribe if you want to keep watching.
Is there a way to pause Prime without losing my free shipping benefits?
Yes. During the cancellation flow, Amazon offers a “Pause Membership” option that freezes billing for up to three months while retaining all shipping perks. After the pause, you’re automatically re‑activated.
Do I need to cancel my Prime Student plan separately?
Prime Student runs on its own renewal schedule. If you’re switching to a regular Prime account, you must end the student plan first; otherwise you could be double‑charged.
How can I verify that my cancellation actually went through?
Amazon sends a confirmation email with a cancellation reference number. You can also log back into the Prime Membership page; it will show the status as “Cancelled” and display the final active date.
