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You Don't Need a Prime Subscription to Score the Best Amazon Deals

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is on now, and some of the best deals are restricted to Prime members. Don't let that stop you.

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Headshot of Peter Butler
Peter Butler Managing Editor
Peter is a writer and editor for the CNET How-To team. He has been covering technology, software, finance, sports and video games since working for @Home Network and Excite in the 1990s. Peter managed reviews and listings for Download.com during the 2000s, and is passionate about software and no-nonsense advice for creators, consumers and investors.
Expertise 20 years of editorial experience with a focus on software and the internet
Peter Butler
2 min read
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Amazon Prime lets you test out the service with a 30-day trial.

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The Amazon Big Spring Sale launches today, and you'd better be quick if you want to score the hottest lightning deals. But do you really need to cough up $15 a month for Amazon Prime to get the best prices?

If you're shopping the sales on Amazon this week and discover a Prime-qualifying deal, don't let your lack of a Prime subscription discourage you. Read on to learn about the simple trick to unlock the best Prime deals on laptops and tablets, TVs and more, and test-drive the Prime experience without paying a cent.

Do I need a Prime Membership to shop Amazon Big Spring Sale deals? 

The short answer is no. However, to access the best deals, you'll need a Prime membership.

Amazon Prime costs $15 per month, or $139 per year. There's also an option for students that costs $7.50 per month, and an option for those on a qualified government assistance plan for $7 per month. But if you want to get Prime Deals without paying a cent, the trick is to take advantage of Amazon's free 30-day Prime trial.

Your 30-day Amazon Prime trial will include access to all the benefits of Amazon Prime, including Prime Video, discounted prescription drugs, free two-day delivery and yes, access to Prime Day deals. The only catch? You can't use the same email address you've used before for an Amazon Prime trial.

Once the Amazon sales are over or you've shopped for everything you wanted, just cancel your Prime free trial within 30 days of signing up, and you won't be charged for a subscription. 

Prime Day requires an Amazon Prime membership, though you don't have to be a paying member to get in on the savings. Start your 30-day Prime free trial now and you'll be able to shop the best deals without paying for a subscription -- just remember to cancel before it renews.

Details

When should I cancel my Amazon Prime free trial?

You'll want to be sure to cancel your trial before Amazon auto-renews your membership after 30 days, or you'll be charged. It's fairly easy to cancel your Amazon Prime subscription. However, if you forget, Amazon will automatically renew your membership for $15 (or your discounted price) each month.

If you're looking for Prime-exclusive deals at the Big Spring Sale, you'll need an Amazon Prime subscription. Using an Amazon Prime trial is a low-risk method for accessing the bargains while checking out the service's other benefits without being locked into something you may not be ready to pay for.