Prime members are about to see a big change in how they share benefits. Starting October 1, 2025, Amazon will officially end the option for members to share free Prime shipping with people outside their household. This update has raised many questions, as millions of users have relied on the shared shipping perk to save money. The new rule means only those living at the same address will continue enjoying shared Prime benefits.
Amazon announced that its long-standing feature allowing Prime members to extend free shipping to friends or relatives outside their home will be discontinued. From October 1, anyone not living with the account holder will need their own subscription. To ease the transition, Amazon is offering a one-time discounted yearly plan before switching to the standard monthly pricing. This move aligns with Amazon’s push to tighten access while encouraging more individual memberships.
Instead of free shipping sharing, Amazon is expanding its Amazon Family program. This service allows members to share benefits, but only with people living under the same roof. Amazon defines this as the “primary residential address” where members spend the majority of their time. This ensures that Prime perks stay within immediate households rather than being spread across extended networks of friends and relatives.
For long-time Prime users, this shift could be frustrating. Many have enjoyed the flexibility of sharing free shipping with children away at college, relatives in different cities, or friends. With the new rule, those users will either need to pay separately for Prime or adjust shopping habits. While some may view this as restrictive, Amazon emphasizes that the change strengthens the value of Prime for households that use the service together.
Prime members should prepare by reviewing their account sharing settings before October 1, 2025. Those outside a household who currently enjoy free shipping will need to decide whether to purchase their own membership or look for alternatives. With the focus now on Amazon Family, the company is clearly signaling its intent to keep Prime benefits more exclusive while maintaining flexibility for families living at the same address.
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