Amazon introduced its Prime membership program in the United States in 2005.
Prime initially offered members unlimited two-day shipping on eligible purchases for an annual fee. The program changed online retail by encouraging customers to consolidate more of their shopping with one marketplace in exchange for predictable delivery benefits.
Amazon later added digital services such as Prime Video, Prime Music, reading benefits, gaming promotions, and special shopping events. The exact benefits and pricing have varied by country and over time, so descriptions of Prime’s original launch should not be confused with the much broader modern bundle.
Prime is also distinct from Fulfillment by Amazon. FBA is a logistics service for sellers, while Prime is a consumer membership program. Many products sold by independent merchants can qualify for Prime when Amazon fulfills them, which helped connect the two parts of Amazon’s retail model.