Amazon Prime just got a little more expensive

It’s official. Amazon is raising the membership fee for Prime and Student Prime customers.



The company sent out emails today to Prime and Student Prime consumers letting them know of the new fees. Prime customers will be paying an annual rate of $99 whenever their membership renews — that’s up from $79 per year.



Student Prime consumers will pay $49 a year, up from $39. Students with questions about renewal rates should click here for details.



Amazon has also posted an announcement in its Help & Customer Service page, which also includes links for people who wish to make changes to their membership, including canceling it.



The company pointed out in the emails that went out and on the website that it is the first time it is increasing the price of Prime and Student Prime since introducing the membership program nine years ago.



“Even as fuel and transportation costs have increased, the price of Prime has remained the same for nine years. Since 2005, the number of items eligible for unlimited free two-day shipping has grown from one million to more than 20 million,” the email read.



Current members will still receive all the benefits of Amazon Prime, the company said in its announcement, including unlimited free two-day shipping for eligible purchases, unlimited streaming with Prime Instant Video and the ability to borrow books from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library.