NEW YORK — Amazon is raising the price of its popular Prime membership to $99 per year, an increase of $20.
It's the first price increase since the online retailer introduced its Prime membership program, which includes two-day free shipping on many products, in 2005. The company said it would probably raise the price by $20 to $40 in January.
The price increase will apply to users when they renew their membership. Users who renew membership before April 17 will pay $79 for the year. After April 17 the price will change to $99. New customers who start a free trial between now and March 20 will lock in the $79 rate for the first year.