Is Amazon ending free shipping sharing in October? Not if you do this

Amazon’s announcement that it is scrapping a program that allowed users to share free shipping benefits has caused confusion, leaving customers wondering if, and with whom, they can continue enjoying the perk.

The bad news is that things are changing for the worse. Previously, the Prime Invitee Program, which you could sign up for between 2009 and 2015, allowed members to share free shipping benefits with anyone they wanted, regardless of their address. The program will be discontinued beginning Oct. 1, to the frustration of many.

Amazon Family offers alternative

The good news is that Amazon Prime customers can still enjoy similar benefits using the Amazon Family program, although its conditions are more restrictive.

Whereas the Invitee Program allowed members to share shipping perks with anyone, Amazon Family limits the benefit to household members. Prime members who sign up can share their account with one other adult, up to four teens (added before April 7, 2025), and up to four children. All must live at the same address to qualify for free delivery.

Perks beyond free shipping

In addition to shipping, Amazon Family also allows members to share other digital benefits, including Prime Video content, Amazon Music, exclusive deals and shopping events such as Prime Day, free Grubhub+ membership, and fuel savings at BP, Amoco, and AMPM.

How to share benefits

Prime members who want to share benefits through Amazon Family must link their accounts, share the same primary address, and use shared payment methods (for household verification). A valid U.S. billing address is also required for sharing Prime Video.

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