Amazon Prime costs $139 per year (or $14.99/month), and while it’s a great deal for frequent shoppers, not everyone needs or wants to pay for a subscription. The good news? There are plenty of ways to get free shipping on Amazon without being a Prime member.
Quick Summary
- Easiest Method: Order $35+ for free standard shipping
- Fastest Free Method: Amazon Day delivery (consolidate orders)
- Best Hack: Use Amazon Locker for free pickup
- Student?: Get 6 months of Prime FREE
- Low Income?: Prime for $6.99/month with EBT/Medicaid
10 Ways to Get Free Shipping Without Prime
1. Meet the $35 Minimum Order Threshold
The simplest way to get free shipping without Prime is to spend at least $35 on eligible items. Amazon offers free standard shipping (5-8 business days) on qualifying orders.
2. Choose Amazon Day Delivery
Amazon Day lets you pick one day per week to receive all your Amazon orders. By consolidating shipments, Amazon rewards you with free delivery (even under $35).
3. Use Amazon Locker or Hub Counter
Amazon offers free shipping to Amazon Lockers and Hub Counter locations, often with no minimum purchase required. Benefits include secure pickup and no porch pirates.
4. Subscribe & Save for Extra Discounts
Amazon Subscribe & Save offers up to 15% off plus free shipping on recurring orders of household essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and pet food.
5. Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods
Free delivery on orders $100+ (or $35+ in some areas). Whole Foods also offers free pickup in most locations.
6. Get the Free Prime Trial
New to Amazon? You can get a 30-day free trial of Prime, which includes unlimited free 2-day shipping. Set a reminder to cancel before renewal!
7. Amazon Prime Student (6 Months FREE)
College students get 6 months of Prime completely free, then 50% off ($7.49/month) while enrolled. Just need a .edu email address.
8. Prime for EBT/Medicaid ($6.99/month)
If you receive government assistance, Amazon offers Prime at a steep discount – just $6.99/month with full Prime benefits.
9. Share Prime with Amazon Household
Know someone with Prime? Amazon Household lets 2 adults share one Prime membership, both getting free Prime shipping.
10. Wait for Free Shipping Promotions
Amazon occasionally offers free shipping promotions during Black Friday, Prime Day, and the Holiday Season.
Comparison Table
| Method | Speed | Minimum | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | 1-2 days | None | $139/year |
| $35+ Orders | 5-8 days | $35 | Free |
| Amazon Day | 5-8 days | None | Free |
| Prime Student | 1-2 days | None | Free 6 months |
| Prime EBT | 1-2 days | None | $6.99/month |
Pro Tips for Amazon Savings 💡
- Use Honey or Capital One Shopping – Automatically find coupon codes
- Check CamelCamelCamel – See price history before buying
- Shop Amazon Warehouse – Open-box items up to 50% off
- Check “Other Sellers” – Often lower prices with free shipping
FAQ
Q: Is Amazon Prime really worth $139/year?
A: It depends on how often you shop. For occasional shoppers, the methods above work great.
Q: How long does free shipping take?
A: Standard free shipping is usually 5-8 business days. Prime is 1-2 days.
Conclusion
You absolutely don’t need Prime to get free shipping on Amazon. By using the $35 threshold, Amazon Day, Lockers, or Subscribe & Save, you can avoid shipping fees on most orders.
Ready to save more? Check out the latest Amazon promo codes and coupons!
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