How to Get Free Shipping on Amazon

Updated: Aug, 11 2025

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Don't have Amazon Prime? Students can get a free 6-Month Amazon Prime trial with free 2-day shipping, unlimited video streaming & more.

If you're not a student, there's also free 30-day trial of Prime.

Amazon is known for a wide range of products and its fast delivery, but shipping costs can still add up, especially for non-Prime members. There are several easy ways to avoid shipping fees, from meeting a minimum order amount on eligible items (with Free Shipping marks) to signing up for Amazon Prime. In this guide, we’ll show you how to save on shipping every time you order, whether you're a frequent buyer or an occasional shopper.

Free Shipping by Amazon

According to Amazon’s delivery policies, shipping is free if your order includes at least the minimum threshold of eligible items (usually $35). Any item marked with “FREE Shipping” on the product detail page that is fulfilled and shipped by Amazon is valid and contributes to your free shipping total.

To place an order with free shipping:

Add at least the stated minimum threshold of eligible items to your Shopping Cart.
Proceed to checkout.
Enter a U.S.-eligible delivery address.

Note that some items shipped to Alaska or Hawaii may not be eligible for FREE shipping.

Select FREE Shipping.

Common reasons why your order does not qualify for free shipping:

Third-party sellers may charge their own shipping fees.
Gift cards ship free in One-Day but don’t count toward the minimum free shipping total of eligible items.
A special product, order or handling fee may still apply even if your order qualifies.

For international orders, you will get free international shipping when your shipment to an eligible international destination meets the required minimum order amount. Free shipping order minimums vary by country and are based on US dollars (USD).

Extended Free Shipping by Amazon

Extended Free Shipping offers free shipping on any eligible order placed within 24 hours of your qualifying order.

To qualify for Extended Free Shipping, place an order that meets the minimum threshold of eligible items shipped by Amazon and choose Free Shipping at checkout. Once you qualify, you will unlock Extended Free Shipping for the next 24 hours without an order minimum.

Restrictions:

Only items shipped by Amazon qualify.
Orders must be shipped to the same address as your first order.
For special products or orders, an additional handling fee may still apply.
Some items shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico may not be eligible.

Free Shipping with Amazon Prime Membership

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you get access to a variety of delivery benefits, including several speed options if you need to expedite your delivery. Even outside the contiguous U.S. (Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), Prime still delivers value.

However, Amazon Prime is not just about free shipping; it also brings you the peak of entertainment: Prime Video, Prime Music, and exclusive deals.

Prime comes with a 30-day free trial, which provides all the same benefits as paid Amazon Prime Membership.

Here is what you need to do to join Amazon Prime's free trial:

Go to Amazon Prime.
If you are offered a free trial, you will have an option to select “Start your free 30-day trial”.
Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted.

Unless you’re shown the trial option, you can still sign up for Prime as a paid member directly from the same page.

Subscribe & Save

With Subscribe & Save, you will enjoy free standard shipping on auto-deliveries and discounted prices on eligible items. Non-Prime customers may pay shipment fees for the first delivery. You can set the delivery schedule on your Subscribe & Save delivery day.

FAQs

Can I get free shipping without Amazon Prime?

Yes. You can qualify for free shipping by ordering at least $35 of eligible items fulfilled and shipped by Amazon. Look for products labeled “FREE Shipping” on the product page.

Can I try Amazon Prime for free?

Yes. New customers can sign up for a 30-day free trial and enjoy all Prime benefits, including free shipping and access to exclusive content and deals.

Does Amazon charge for shipping if I cancel Prime after the trial?

Yes. After the trial ends, you’ll lose Prime shipping benefits unless you subscribe.

Can digital products count toward free shipping?

No. Only physical items shipped by Amazon count toward the minimum free shipping threshold.

Elissa Sanci

Elissa Sanci is the founder of RetailCoupons.com and New York Garden. She used to study at Santa Barbara City College, a famous public school in California with many diverse training professions, and she majored in horticulture. Follow @elissasanci.