Here's Why I Haven't Paid for Amazon Prime for 9 Years

Amazon Prime is popular, especially for frequent online shoppers. With Prime, you can enjoy fast, free shipping on qualifying orders and member-exclusive deals and sales. But that's only a fraction of the benefits. I used to pay for a Prime membership because I love a good deal and shop online often. But after canceling my membership in 2014, I haven't paid to join since. Here's why a membership isn't worth the cost to me. 

I got used to life without Prime 

I initially canceled my Prime membership because my husband and I were moving to South Korea, and I didn't want to continue paying for a membership we didn't need. We spent two years living abroad and quickly learned what local shopping websites were best for us to use.

After returning to the United States, I wasn't in a big hurry to resubscribe to Amazon Prime because I had already gotten used to life without it. 

I still get free shipping as a non-Prime member

If I were to rejoin Prime, some of the perks would go to waste. The main reason I would consider resubscribing would be for the fast, free shipping benefits. But I can still get free shipping (which is typically very fast!) without paying $139 per year. And you can, too!

Since I only place an order on Amazon every couple of months (I know, some readers may think that sounds impossible!), I usually order multiple items. That means it takes almost no effort to meet the minimum spending threshold to qualify for free shipping. My packages may take a little longer to arrive than when I had Prime, but I'm a planner, so I'm not usually in a rush to receive an online order. 

Most Amazon users must spend at least $35 on eligible items to qualify for free shipping. Until very recently, the threshold was $25. Whether it's $25 or $35 -- since I don't order often, it's easy to hit that threshold without draining my checking account. Because of this, I'm already getting free shipping without spending money on a Prime membership. 

I live right by a Target store

Another reason for not rejoining Prime is because I live within three miles of a Target. It's convenient for me to stop at Target once or twice a month whenever I run out of essentials.

Since I'm self-employed, I usually plan to go to the store soon after it opens in the morning. This way, I can quickly get my essentials before my work day begins. I can beat the crowds and long lines, and I'm less tempted to spend time buying non-essential fun stuff. 

Target also offers free shipping on orders of $35 or more, so I also have the option to place an online order -- and I can quickly return unwanted purchases in-store. 

I can sign up for a free trial to shop exclusive sales

My final reason for not paying for Prime is Amazon frequently promotes free trials to users who aren't Prime members. One of many perks of a Prime membership is access to Prime Day deals and other exclusive sale events. But I see no point in paying for a membership when I can sign up for a free trial to shop members-only events and deals. 

Consider whether memberships and subscriptions are a must

Now you can see why I haven't paid for a Prime membership for the last nine years -- and I have no plan of joining again anytime soon. Before you rush to sign up for a new-to-you paid membership or a subscription-based service, consider whether it's worth the cost. 

Look at all the benefits and offerings and ensure they're worthwhile before charging your credit card. If it fits your budget and you'll put the membership or service to good use -- great! 

But if not, you may end up wasting money that could be used in other ways. For additional money-related tips, check out our free personal finance resources.