Amazon agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations that it enrolled consumers in Prime without consent and made cancellation difficult. Eligible U.S. customers do not need to file a claim: payments are automatic, with a maximum total of $200 per eligible person under the revised order. The FTC says payments are expected to continue through April 2027.
What the $2.5 billion settlement covers
On September 25, 2025, the FTC announced a settlement resolving its allegations about Amazon Prime enrollment and cancellation practices. The stipulated final order was entered by the federal court. The settlement resolves the allegations; it is not a trial verdict establishing every alleged act. The FTC’s announcement and case timeline describe the resolution.
| Amount | What it is |
|---|---|
| $1 billion | Civil penalty payable as part of the enforcement order. The FTC described it as the largest penalty in a case involving an FTC rule violation. |
| Up to $1.5 billion | Consumer redress for affected customers. |
| $2.5 billion | Total settlement: the $1 billion penalty plus up to $1.5 billion in redress. |
The order also requires clearer disclosures of material Prime terms—including price, charge dates and frequency, automatic renewal, and cancellation procedures—a clear way to decline enrollment, and cancellation through the same method used to sign up. The FTC says the cancellation process must not be difficult, costly, or time-consuming. See the FTC’s settlement announcement.
Am I eligible for an Amazon Prime settlement refund?
The FTC’s refund guidance says you must meet all three conditions below:
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- You were an Amazon Prime customer in the United States.
- You enrolled through a challenged enrollment flow, or tried and failed to cancel through the online cancellation flow, between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025. The FTC identifies the challenged flows as the universal Prime decision page, shipping selection page, single-page checkout, or Prime Video enrollment flow.
- After enrollment, you used no more than 20 Prime benefits in any 12-month period.
These criteria mean the settlement does not automatically make every current or former Prime member eligible. The FTC’s official refund guide provides the current eligibility details.
Do I need to file a claim?
No. The FTC says eligible consumers do not need to submit a claim, respond to a notice, or complete a form. Amazon will issue payments automatically by mailed check or electronically through PayPal or Venmo. The revised order sets a maximum total payment of $200 per eligible consumer. Some people who already received an earlier payment may qualify for an additional payment of up to $149, depending on the program threshold. The FTC’s revised-order announcement explains the updated payment terms.
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How much has been paid, and when will payments arrive?
As of September 2026, the FTC reported that more than $845 million in redress had been issued. The agency says the payment process is expected to continue through April 2027. That is an expected timeframe, not a guaranteed delivery date for an individual payment; check the FTC refund guide for current information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to avoid Amazon Prime settlement refund scams
The FTC says it is not contacting consumers to solicit participation in these refunds, and no one should charge a fee to obtain a payment. Treat any message asking you to pay, share sensitive information, or follow an unofficial link to unlock a refund as suspicious. For updates, navigate directly to the FTC’s official refund page rather than relying on a text, email, or caller’s link.
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