Prime Video third-party billing: How outside payments work and what to watch out for

When you see a charge for Prime Video third-party billing, a payment processed through an external service instead of directly through Amazon, it’s not always Amazon itself pulling the money. This happens when you’ve signed up for a channel or add-on through a partner—like Starz, MGM+, or Discovery+—and they handle the billing, not Amazon. These are called third-party subscriptions, services that integrate with Prime Video but manage their own payments. You might think you’re just watching Prime Video, but behind the scenes, you’re paying two separate bills. And if you don’t know where to check, you could be paying for stuff you forgot about—or never even wanted.

Most of the time, these charges come from Prime Video Channels, add-ons you can subscribe to directly within the Prime Video app. They look like part of Prime Video, but they’re run by other companies. Think of them like renting a room in someone else’s house—you live there, but you pay the landlord, not the homeowner. That’s why you’ll sometimes see charges labeled "Amazon Prime Video: Starz" or "Prime Video: Paramount+" on your credit card statement. These aren’t mistakes. They’re normal. But they’re also easy to miss. If you canceled your Starz subscription last year but forgot to turn it off in Prime Video, you’re still paying. Amazon doesn’t cancel third-party subscriptions for you. You have to do it yourself.

And here’s the catch: even if you don’t use these add-ons, they can renew automatically. No warning. No reminder. Just a charge showing up. That’s why checking your account settings, the section in Prime Video where you manage subscriptions and payments every few months is critical. Go to Your Account > Memberships & Subscriptions > Prime Video Channels. You’ll see everything you’re paying for, even the ones you haven’t opened in months. Turn off what you don’t need. No phone call. No hassle. Just a toggle switch.

Some people get charged because they used a free trial and forgot to cancel. Others get billed because a family member signed up without telling them. And a few—unfortunately—get hit by scams that trick you into giving access to your Amazon account. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, don’t ignore it. Check your subscriptions. Look at the date. Compare it to when you last used that channel. If it doesn’t add up, cancel it right away. You’re not locked in. You’re not stuck. You just need to look.

Below, you’ll find real guides that help you take control. From how to spot fake billing notices to how to stop recurring charges without calling customer service, these posts give you the exact steps to fix it. No fluff. No jargon. Just what you need to stop paying for things you don’t use—and make sure your Prime Video experience stays yours, not someone else’s.