Amazon is ending the popular Prime Invitee program, a move that will change how many people receive free shipping. Learn what the policy shift means for your account and what options are available before the October 1 deadline.
For years, a hidden gem of Amazon Prime membership was the ability to share a key benefit with a friend or family member, no matter where they lived. That quiet perk, known as the Prime Invitee program, is now coming to an end. This significant policy change, effective as of October 1, 2025, means many shoppers are about to lose their free shipping benefit, a convenience they’ve enjoyed for years. The move mirrors a broader industry trend seen with streaming giants like Netflix, as companies seek to consolidate their user base and encourage individual subscriptions. For those who have relied on a shared account, understanding these changes is critical to avoiding a frustrating surprise at checkout.
The shift away from the Invitee program is a pivotal moment for Amazon. The company is now focusing on the Amazon Family program, which offers a broader range of shared benefits—including Prime Video, Music, and more—but with one very important condition: everyone must reside at the same primary residential address. Imagine a college student who has been using a parent’s Prime account from their off-campus apartment; this is precisely the type of scenario that the new policy will impact. They will no longer be able to place their own orders for free two-day shipping unless they live at home with the account holder. This change, which affects those who were “grandfathered in” from a program that stopped accepting new members years ago, has been a long time coming and now requires a decision from many households.
While the new rules may feel like a setback, Amazon is offering an olive branch to soften the blow. Affected invitees are being offered a discounted Prime membership for a limited time—a full year for just $14.99. This offer is a practical way to transition without immediately paying the full monthly or annual fee. It’s worth noting that the ability to ship gifts to a different address remains unchanged. The policy only affects a separate individual placing their own order on their own account and receiving the free shipping benefit. This change truly highlights the value of a Prime membership and the company’s strategic push to turn shared users into paying subscribers. What are your thoughts on this major Amazon Prime update?
Will you be signing up for your own membership or exploring other options for online shopping? Share your plans and feedback in the comments!
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