Amazon is shutting down a long-running program that allowed Prime members to share their free shipping perks with people outside their household.

The move, which will be introduced from October 1, mirrors the streaming giants’ recent crackdowns on password sharing.

The change applies only in the US for now, with no confirmation from Amazon on whether it will extend to other markets such as Australia.

The “Prime Invitee Program,” which launched back in 2009, is being replaced with Amazon Family. Under the new rules, Prime members can share benefits, including free delivery, Prime Video and Prime Reading, but only with people living under the same roof.

Eligible sharing is capped at one other adult, up to four child profiles, and (if set up before April 7 this year) up to four teen accounts.

For non-household invitees who previously enjoyed free shipping, Amazon is offering a discounted sign-up deal: US$14.99 for the first year, then US$14.99 a month (or US$139 annually) after that.

Analysts suggest that by limiting benefit-sharing, Amazon is looking to push more individual subscriptions.

The move comes as Amazon faces slowing Prime sign-up growth in the US. Reuters recently reported the company fell short of its internal membership targets during July’s extended Prime Day sales push, despite record global sign-ups.

For now, Australian Prime members remain unaffected and can continue sharing within their existing household arrangements.