In a significant shift from its previous paid-sharing model, Amazon has introduced a new 'Invitee' programme for its UK Prime members. This feature allows a subscriber to extend a selection of their coveted Prime benefits to one other adult in their household—completely free of charge.
What Benefits Can You Share?
The programme is designed for shared households. The primary member, or the 'inviter,' can share a suite of practical benefits with their chosen 'invitee.' These include:
- Free Premium Delivery: Access to fast, free delivery on millions of eligible items.
- Prime Video Access: The ability to stream movies and TV shows from the Prime Video library.
- Prime Gaming Benefits: Monthly free games and exclusive content for gamers.
However, it's crucial to note that not all perks are transferable. The invitee will not receive access to Prime Music, Prime Reading, or any exclusive discounts during major sales events like Prime Day.
How Does It Differ From The Old Model?
This new system replaces the older 'Amazon Household' setup, which required both adults to have their payment methods linked and fully shared their digital content libraries. The Invitee programme offers a more privacy-conscious approach.
Under the new rules, the two accounts remain financially separate. Most importantly, the invitee does not gain access to the inviter's personal payment information, purchase history, or digital content libraries. This creates a clearer boundary, making it ideal for flatmates or adult family members who want to share delivery benefits without merging their entire Amazon ecosystems.
How to Set Up Your Prime Invitee
Adding your chosen invitee is a straightforward process:
- Log into your Amazon UK account.
- Navigate to 'Your Account' and find the 'Amazon Prime' section.
- Select the 'Share your Prime Benefits' option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the name and email address of your chosen invitee.
- They will receive an email invitation which they must accept to activate the benefits.
Remember, as the primary account holder, you are responsible for the account. The invitee's benefits are tied to your membership and will cease if your Prime subscription ends.
Is There a Catch?
The main limitation is capacity: a single Prime membership can only support one invitee at a time. This makes it perfect for a couple or two people sharing a home, but not for larger groups. For families, the existing option to share benefits with up to four teenagers (who do not have shopping privileges) remains available.
This strategic move by Amazon is widely seen as an effort to increase the value proposition of a Prime membership in a competitive market, encouraging loyalty and potentially reducing subscription churn by making it more useful for entire households.
