New lower pricing structure at FamilyTreeDNA

The FTDNA sale has now ended but the good news is that the prices haven’t gone back up to the old pricing levels and the new prices are now much lower. When ordering direct from the FTDNA home page there are now only five tests available:

• Y-37 $119 (previously $169)
• Y-111 $249 (previously $359)
• BigY-700 $449 (previously $649)
• mtDNA full sequence $159 (previously $199)
• Family Finder autosomal DNA test $79 (no change)

The old price of the BigY-700 test included access to the raw data file (the BAM file). However, most people did not want the raw data file which meant that the price was artificially inflated for the benefit of the few. If you do want your BAM file you can now purchase it as an add on for $100.

Shipping costs $9.95 in the US and $12.95 to most international destinations.

The 25-marker test and the 67-marker test have now been discontinued. The 12-marker test is still available for $59 but can only be ordered through a project. You can access the project search menu here.

There used to be discounts available when ordering kits through projects but these discounts are no longer available. However, with the new lower prices I would hope that all of us with projects at FTDNA will see renewed interests in our projects in 2020.

In addition to the reduced prices for new tests there are also big reductions in the upgrade prices for Y-DNA tests. Dave Nicolson compiled a spreadsheet showing the new pricing which he shared in the Only FTDNA Project Administrators Group on Facebook. He has kindly given me permission to reproduce his chart below.

Discounts for members of the Guild of One-Name Studies
If you are a member of the Guild of One-Name Studies note that you can buy 37-marker tests and Family Finder tests at discounted prices from the Guild.

The Y-DNA test is currently £88 from the Guild. The cost from FTDNA is £91 at current exchange rates. Postage rates are calculated individually by the Guild and you would need to pay return postage for the kit to Texas but for most people, especially outside the US, it is likely to be cheaper to buy a 37-marker test from the Guild, and especially so if you can pick up a kit at one of the Guild events. 

You can also buy FTDNA Family Finder kits direct from the Guild for £40. This is a considerable saving on the current price of $79 from FTDNA which works out at £60 at current exchange rates. Postage would again be extra.

For further details see the page on the Guild website on DNA kits available from the Guild.