What is Amazon Digital Charge? [The Begginer-Friendly Guide]

Here are two important questions:

Why are you seeing AMZN DIGITAL on your credit or debit card report?  And what is Amazon Digital charge? 

Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers - most people are confused by the concept.

So, we’re here to explain it all and stop you from blocking Amazon from future transactions.

This is how it goes:

What are Amazon Digital Services?

You can order almost everything from Amazon - from a new garden tool or interior additions to digital products, like movies, e-books, or audiobooks. The latter falls under the umbrella of Amazon Digital Services.

Let’s look at them in detail:

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a streaming platform for video content such as movies, TV shows, sports, live events, etc. These contents can be viewed on any compatible smart device, from TV to phone.

This, however, is not your typical service - it allows you to view content from other platforms. There are more than 100 of the so-called Amazon Prime Video Channels. For example:

• HBO
• Cinemax
• Showtime
• Starz
• CBS All Access
• Hallmark Movies

And many more. 

With a Prime subscription, you get access to all content on Amazon Prime Video at no additional charge.

Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited is a dream come true for all digital bookworms. It offers unrestricted access to over two million ebooks, thousands of audiobooks, and even magazine subscriptions. 

Kindle services charge a monthly subscription, but there is a 30-days free trial period for new users.

Amazon Audible

Amazon Audible offers audiobooks in different languages, podcasts, audio tracks that, for example, help you sleep better, and more.

Depending on the plan you opt for, there you will have to pay for membership. You can also run a 30 days trial period to get a feel of the service before you commit. 

Amazon Music Unlimited

You get access to over 75 million songs in HD, millions of podcasts, stations, and well-curated playlists. All content is ad-free, and you can also download for offline listening without an added Amazon digital downloads charge.

Devices that support Amazon Music Unlimited include:

• Smart TVs
• Android devices
• Apple devices
• PCs
• Alexa-enabled devices
• Some cars

Amazon Kids+

Children between three to 12 years can access premium age-appropriate content in the form of books, movies, games, TV shows, and educational apps. 

Parents can filter out any content they are not comfortable with, set screen time limits, and fix educational goals. 

Amazon Drive

Amazon Drive is a cloud-based storage service. It allows you to store files, photos, and videos safely. 

As a first-time user, you get the first 5GB for free. You’ll, however, need to pay a subscription if you need more space.

What is Amazon Digital Charge?

To simplify, Amazon charges you for using their service.

You will be charged monthly or annually, depending on your preference. All services have a 30-day free trial.

Prime members might get discounts or free access to some of the services.

The typical charge for Amazon Digital Service apps is $0.99.  But, for example, Kindle users will have to pay a persisting $2.99 fee. 

Let’s tackle the rest one by one:

• Amazon Prime 

After the 30 days free trial period of Amazon Prime, you can choose to pay $12.99 monthly or $119 annually. Other options include Prime Student Monthly at $6.49 and Qualified Government Assistance at $5.99 monthly.

All charges are tax inclusive. 

• Amazon Prime Video

Prime members get access to the service without paying an extra Amazon service charge. Other users will have to pay $8.99 monthly(tax inclusive). 

But:

You’ll need a separate subscription for Amazon Prime Channels.

• Kindle Unlimited

To gain access to the service, you will have to pay an Amazon service charge of $9.99 per month, or $119.98 annually. Tax included.

• Amazon Audible

Both Prime members and non-members are required to pay a subscription fee to gain full access to Audible materials. You’ll have to pay between $7.95 monthly and $229.50 yearly, depending on the plan you choose and the available credits.

The credits are perks that come with the different digital services. One credit equals one premium selection title of your choice to keep. The more credits you have, the more premium titles you can own.

• Amazon Music Unlimited

Prime members pay a discounted charge of $7.99 monthly and $79 yearly to gain access to Amazon digital music goods. The rest will need to pay $9.99 monthly.

• Amazon Kids+

Prime members get a discount on Amazon Kids+ subscriptions. There are four different plans, each with a different charge for Prime members and Non-Prime members. You will be charged anything between $2.99 monthly and $99.00 annually, depending on the plan you choose and any existing subscriptions.

• Amazon Drive

Prime members stand to enjoy this service more as it gives them unlimited high-resolution photo storage. Everyone with an Amazon account also gets 5GB worth of space for free. You’ll have to pay more for additional space.

Are There Any Free Amazon Digital Services?  

Unfortunately, no.

But.

There are two cases in which you can avoid the Amazon digital charges. 

The first is during the free trial period. It usually lasts 30 days, but it can be up to 90 days, as is the case with Amazon Music Unlimited(terms and conditions included).

The second is when the user is an active Prime member. But, as mentioned earlier, this only includes some of the services.

Wrap Up

To sum up:

An Amazon Digital charge is the fee you pay for services and non-physical products. Those include music, e-book, movies, etc.

It will show up on your credit or debit card report as AMZN DIGITAL.

The price depends on whether you’re a Prime member and the subscription plan you choose. 

So, don’t be freaked out by it! It’s all for good measure.