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All the perks you get when you sign up for Amazon Prime
Most people probably think of Amazon Prime as a free two-day shipping service.
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After all, that was the only benefit to the retailer's loyalty program when it started in 2005 and cost $79 per year.
But Prime has changed a lot since then, and it's no longer just about the free shipping.
A membership also now costs $99 per year.
Here's an overview of everything you now get as a member of Amazon Prime.
Prime subscribers can stream content from Prime Video, Amazon's Netflix-like streaming service. It's mostly older shows and movies, but it has a mix of newer programming, original content, and even a back catalog of HBO shows. Noteworthy original shows that you can't stream anywhere else include "Transparent," "The Man in the High Castle," and "Mozart in the Jungle." You also have access to movies and TV shows.
Prime subscribers can add additional video services to their Prime accounts. They're not free, but some are discounted. A subscription to Showtime's standalone service, for example, is regularly $10.99 per month, but Amazon discounts it to $8.99.
Amazon Prime also gives you access to a streaming music catalog. It doesn't have the selection that Spotify or Apple Music has, but it's a great perk that's included with Prime.
Prime members get unlimited photo storage. You can upload photos from your computer or phone and access them whenever you want.
The library allows Kindle owners to borrow one book per month for free. Kindle First gives Prime members early access to books before they're published, and allows members to download one title per month for free.
Members of Prime get a 30-minute head start on Amazon's Lightning Deals and sales at the Amazon-owned deals site MyHabit.com.
Prime members also get discounted diaper subscriptions through Amazon Family.
Prime members now not only get 20% off any new video games within the first two weeks they come out, but also on any preordered games.
Prime members get access to Amazon Elements, the company's line of environmentally friendly household and baby goods. Currently, however, baby wipes are the only Elements product, as the company stopped selling its diapers last year.
Prime Pantry is a grocery and household product-delivery service, though it works in a unique way: You fill a box with various products, and shipping is a flat $5.99 per box.
Prime members get free same-day shipping on certain products, as long as they order by the day's cut-off time and spend at least $35.
For now, it's only available in parts of Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle/Tacoma, the Tampa Bay area, and Washington, D.C.
This is the perk that started it all: free two-day shipping on millions of Amazon items.
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