A worker prepares orders at an Amazon fulfillment center.
Jason Alden | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Amazon is pulling the plug on its Prime Invitee Program, a move that allowed subscribers to its prized Prime service to generously extend free shipping perks to those outside their immediate household. The e-commerce titan is slated to sunset the program on October 1, CNBC has learned, according to a notification recently dispatched to affected users.
“We are writing to inform you that the Prime Invitee Program, which allowed sharing Prime’s fast, free delivery with others, will end on October 1, 2025,” the notice stated. “Your invited guests will be notified directly about this change by September 5, 2025.” The news underscores a strategic pivot as Amazon recalibrates its Prime benefit structure.
Previously, Prime members enjoyed the flexibility of sharing free, two-day shipping privileges with another adult, even if they resided at a different address – a feature valued by many navigating the complexities of modern households.
Next month marks the end of this era. Amazon will now require individuals benefiting from Prime perks, but not residing with the primary account holder, to secure their own Prime membership. Sources suggest this hard line may be a push to boost subscription numbers amid a shifting consumer landscape.
A company spokesperson confirmed the shift, indicating that the move is geared towards bolstering the adoption of Amazon Family. This program allows Prime members to share free shipping, along with a suite of other coveted benefits, with one other adult, up to four children, and a quartet of teenagers (those added before April 7, 2025).
Key to the Amazon Family framework is a shared domicile. All users must reside at the same primary residential address, defined by Amazon as “the address you consider to be your home and where you spend the majority of your time.” This criteria introduces a stricter geographical constraint compared to the outgoing Prime Invitee Program.
This change comes as concerns are mounting that growth of Amazon’s Prime signups may be slowing.
The Amazon spokesperson countered, stating that Prime membership “continues to show strong growth and customer engagement in the U.S. and internationally.” They further emphasized the company’s “record-breaking sign-ups worldwide” witnessed during Prime Day and in the three weeks beforehand, signaling confidence in the program’s enduring appeal and value proposition despite the structural adjustment.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/8510.html
