Amazon is redefining how its Prime members can share benefits, a shift that comes after years of more flexible sharing policies. Starting October 1, customers who want to share Prime benefits—including fast shipping, digital content, and entertainment perks—will need to live under the same roof as the primary account holder. This marks the official end of the company’s Prime Invitee Program, which allowed members to share Prime shipping perks with anyone, regardless of where they lived.

“This change ensures that Prime benefits are shared more securely and within households,” an Amazon spokesperson told USA TODAY. “With Amazon Family, members can now share not only shipping, but also a broad range of digital and entertainment perks with people living in the same home.”

The company had first introduced the Prime Invitee Program in 2009, allowing members to extend Prime delivery to friends or family members anywhere. The program stopped accepting new members in 2015, but existing invitees continued enjoying shared benefits—until now.

Story Highlights

• Prime Invitee Program Ends: October 1 is the cutoff date, after which invitees will lose access to shared Prime delivery.

• Household Rule for Sharing: Members must live at the same primary residential address and link accounts via Amazon Family.

• Eligible Members: One adult, up to four teens added before April 7, 2025, and up to four children in the household.

• Shared Benefits Include: Fast, free delivery; Prime Day and exclusive shopping deals; Prime Video including movies, series, and live sports; Amazon Music; Prime Reading; Grubhub+ membership; and fuel savings at over 7,500 locations.

• Next Steps for Lost Access: Invitees can either join an Amazon Family or create their own Prime membership for $14.99/month.

The announcement made waves on social media, as many customers were unaware of the impending end of the Prime Invitee Program. Amazon clarified that notices were sent to customers who had registered for the program between 2009 and 2015.

“For members who want to continue sharing benefits, we recommend creating an Amazon Family account,” Amazon said. “Members in the same household can share a wide variety of perks, from shipping to digital entertainment, as long as they verify payment methods for household verification.”

Under Amazon Family, Prime members can share benefits with one other adult, as well as children and teens living at the same address. Benefits include fast, free delivery, access to exclusive deals and Prime Day events, streaming content on Prime Video, ad-free Amazon Music, and additional digital entertainment such as audiobooks, eBooks, and games.

Prime members can manage their family settings by visiting the Prime membership page, selecting “Share your Prime Benefits,” and sending invitations to household members. Amazon also allows members to leave and rejoin a family account, though joining a different Amazon Family requires a 12-month waiting period.

The timing of the change comes after Amazon reported 5.4 million U.S. sign-ups in the 21 days leading up to Prime Day 2025, slightly below its previous year’s numbers and corporate targets. Analysts suggest that tightening Prime benefits sharing may help the company focus on verified household users and reduce misuse of shared accounts.

“Amazon Family gives households the opportunity to enjoy the full spectrum of Prime perks,” the spokesperson said. “From free shipping to exclusive digital content, members can get the most out of their membership while keeping account usage secure.”

The company’s clear message is now that Prime members who want to share benefits must be part of a household. Those outside the household wishing to continue enjoying benefits will need to sign up for a Prime membership of their own.

Amazon’s shift from the Prime Invitee Program to Amazon Family marks a major change in how Prime members can share benefits. Starting October 1, sharing will be limited to household members, ensuring account security and streamlined access to perks. Members who previously shared with friends or distant relatives will need to join an Amazon Family or sign up for their own Prime membership. With options like fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, Prime Video, Amazon Music, and more, Amazon Family offers a comprehensive way for households to fully enjoy the benefits of Prime membership, all under one roof.

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