Unexpected Amazon Prime charges can be frustrating, especially when you thought you’d canceled your membership. Let me help you understand why this might be happening and how to fix it.
Why You’re Still Being Charged for Prime
The most common reason for continued Prime charges is that people often don’t complete the full cancellation process. Amazon actually makes you go through several confirmation screens – it’s not as simple as clicking “cancel” once. They’re hoping you’ll change your mind along the way, which is why they show you all the benefits you’ll be missing.
Another sneaky situation I’ve seen is when multiple Amazon accounts are linked to the same credit card. You might have canceled Prime on one account, but it’s still active on another account you forgot about. This happens more often than you’d think, especially if you’ve ever set up separate accounts for work and personal use.
How to Stop Prime Charges Right Now
First, log into your Amazon account and head to Your Prime Membership (you can find this under Accounts & Lists). Look for the “End Membership and Benefits” option – it’s usually tucked away in a corner. As of 2025, Amazon has made this slightly easier to find, but it’s still not exactly front and center.
Here’s what you need to do:
– Click through ALL confirmation screens
– Don’t just close the window halfway through
– Screenshot the final cancellation confirmation
– Check your email for a cancellation confirmation
Getting Your Money Back
If you’ve been charged recently, there’s good news. Amazon typically refunds Prime membership fees if you haven’t used any Prime benefits during the billing period. Contact customer service right away – I’ve found that the chat function works best for this kind of issue.
Preventing Future Charges
Here’s a pro tip I share with all my clients: remove your credit card information from Amazon after canceling Prime. Yes, it makes future purchases slightly less convenient, but it prevents any automatic renewals from sneaking through.
Also, mark your calendar for when any trial periods end. Amazon often offers free Prime trials during big shopping events, and it’s easy to forget when these convert to paid memberships.
Remember, Amazon’s business model relies on making Prime memberships sticky – they want you to keep the service. Don’t feel bad about being firm with your cancellation request. If you’re still seeing charges after following these steps, don’t hesitate to dispute them with your credit card company. You have the right to stop services you no longer want.
