What AARP Members Pay for Amazon Prime
AARP members do not receive a discount on the standard Amazon Prime subscription itself. Amazon Prime costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month for all customers, regardless of AARP membership status. However, AARP members can access Amazon Prime Video — the streaming service only — through a separate AARP benefit that costs $6.99 per month or $69 per year, which is less than the full Prime membership.
The confusion often arises because AARP advertises partnerships with Amazon, but the partnership does not reduce the price of the full Prime service. Instead, it offers a lower-cost way to watch Prime Video content without paying for shipping benefits, storage, or other Prime features you may not need.
If you want the complete Prime membership — which includes free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and other benefits — you will pay the standard rate. The Prime Video–only option through AARP is useful only if streaming is what you actually want.
Key Takeaways
- AARP does not negotiate a discount on full Amazon Prime membership; the price remains $139 per year or $14.99 per month for all customers.
- AARP members can purchase Prime Video alone (streaming only) for $6.99 per month or $69 per year through the AARP benefit portal.
- The Prime Video discount is worth considering only if you want to watch shows and movies but do not need shipping, music, or other Prime perks.
- You must have an active AARP membership to access the discounted Prime Video rate through AARP's partner offers.
How to Access the Prime Video Discount Through AARP
Log into your AARP account on the AARP website and navigate to the "Discounts & Deals" or "Member Offers" section. Search for Amazon or Prime Video in the partner offers list. The offer will show the current price ($6.99 per month or $69 per year) and a link to set up or switch your subscription.
Click the link to Amazon and sign in with your Amazon account. You will be directed to confirm the Prime Video subscription at the AARP member rate. The discount applies when ready if you are a new subscriber, or at your next billing cycle if you are switching from a different plan.
Keep your AARP membership active. If your membership lapses, you will lose access to the discounted rate and your subscription may revert to the standard price at renewal.
Comparing Full Prime Membership to Prime Video Only
Full Amazon Prime membership includes free and fast shipping on millions of items, Prime Video streaming, Prime Music (ad-free music streaming), Prime Reading (rotating selection of books and magazines), and Photo Storage. The annual cost is $139, or $14.99 per month if you pay monthly.
Prime Video through AARP includes only the streaming service — access to movies, TV shows, and original Amazon content. It does not include shipping, music, reading, or photo storage. The annual cost is $69, or $6.99 per month.
If you live alone, do not shop much online, and mainly want to watch television and movies, the Prime Video discount saves you $70 per year. If you order from Amazon regularly or use Prime's other services, full Prime membership usually makes more financial sense despite the higher price.
Other AARP Discounts on Streaming and Entertainment
AARP negotiates discounts on other streaming services beyond Amazon. These offers change periodically, so check your AARP member offers page regularly. Common entertainment discounts have included reduced rates on services like The Washington Post digital subscription, Audible audiobooks, and various entertainment platforms.
AARP also offers discounts on phone plans, internet service, insurance products, and travel. The full list of current offers is available in the "Discounts & Deals" section of the AARP website, and you can filter by category to find what matters to you.
Discounts vary by state and change throughout the year as AARP renegotiates partnerships. Not all offers are available to all members, so check the terms for your location before assuming a discount applies to you.
What Happens If You Cancel or Pause Your AARP Membership
If you let your AARP membership lapse, you lose access to the discounted Prime Video rate when ready. Your subscription will not automatically cancel, but at your next billing date, Amazon will charge you the standard Prime Video price ($14.99 per month) or the full Prime membership price if you are enrolled in that plan.
If you pause or cancel your AARP membership temporarily, you should also pause or cancel your Prime Video subscription to avoid unexpected charges. You can restart both when you renew your AARP membership.
Some members have reported that reactivating the AARP discount after a lapse requires contacting AARP customer service or re-enrolling through the member offers portal. It is not always automatic, so plan ahead if you know your membership will end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a discount on full Amazon Prime if I have AARP membership?
No. AARP does not negotiate a lower price for the complete Prime membership. The full Prime service costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month for all customers. The AARP discount applies only to Prime Video (streaming only), not to the full service.
Is the Prime Video discount through AARP the same as a regular Prime Video subscription?
Yes, the content is identical. You get the same movies, shows, and original series. The only difference is the price — AARP members pay $6.99 per month or $69 per year, while non-members pay $14.99 per month or $139 per year for Prime Video.
Do I need to have an Amazon account before I sign up for the AARP Prime Video discount?
You do not need an existing account, but you will need to create one to use Prime Video. You can create a new Amazon account during the sign-up process when you click through from the AARP offers page.
Can I switch from full Prime to the discounted Prime Video through AARP?
Yes. Log into your Amazon account, go to "Manage Your Prime Membership," and downgrade to Prime Video only. Then access the AARP offer to lock in the member rate. The change usually takes effect at your next billing cycle.
What if the AARP Prime Video offer is not showing up in my member offers?
Offers vary by state and membership type. Log out of your AARP account and log back in to refresh the offers list. If it still does not appear, contact AARP customer service to confirm your membership is active and may be able to access for partner discounts.