Amazon launches new monthly Prime membership option in Canada

Nicole Gibillini, BNN Bloomberg

In this Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, file photo, a clerk reaches to a shelf to pick an item for a customer order at the Amazon Prime warehouse, in New York. , The Canadian Press

Amazon Canada announced Tuesday a new monthly membership option for Prime members as an alternative to the current annual offering.

"With the launch of a monthly membership, we have added yet another easy way to enjoy Prime benefits," said Mike Strauch, country manager for Amazon Canada, in a release.

Prime members will now be able to purchase a monthly membership for $7.99 versus $79 for the yearly option.

Monthly members will be able to opt out at any time and current Prime members can switch to the monthly option after their annual membership term ends.

Amazon Canada’s annual Prime membership program first launched in January 2013. The ecommerce giant says its rate of membership sign-ups has doubled in the last 18 months.

Prime members in Canada receive access to Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Photos and a number of free shipping options.