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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe FTC alleged that Fortnite’s billing and account practices led to unwanted purchases, including charges children made without parental permission. Epic Games agreed to a $245 million settlement resolving those allegations. The often-mentioned $126 million was a separate figure: in June 2025, the FTC said it had sent more than $126 million in refund payments to 969,173 people. The claim deadline has passed, but the FTC said it was still reviewing some previously filed claims.
What was the FTC vs. Fortnite controversy?
The Federal Trade Commission alleged that Fortnite’s purchase flow could result in charges when players were trying to wake the game, waiting for a loading screen, or previewing an item. It also alleged that children could make purchases without parental involvement and that some players who disputed charges were blocked from accessing purchased content. These are the FTC’s allegations resolved through settlement, not a finding that every alleged event was proven in court. The FTC’s December 2024 announcement describes examples of the purchase-flow concerns.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Epic agreed to pay $245 million to resolve the FTC’s allegations about unwanted purchases. The FTC says the settlement order requires affirmative consent before charging users and prohibits locking players out of accounts for disputing unauthorized charges. The FTC’s case record classifies the matter as a Part 2 consent matter and lists its status as pending; that procedural description does not mean Epic admitted every allegation. FTC case record
What does the $126 million figure mean?
The $126 million was not the settlement amount. It was the total the FTC said it sent in its June 2025 distribution to 969,173 consumers with valid claims. The earlier December 2024 distribution consisted of 629,344 payments totaling more than $72 million. The FTC described the two distributions together as nearly $200 million in refunds.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
| Figure | What it represents |
|---|---|
| $245 million | Amount Epic agreed to pay to resolve the FTC’s unwanted-purchase allegations, as described by the FTC. FTC Fortnite Refunds page |
| More than $72 million | First distribution: 629,344 payments in December 2024, according to the FTC. FTC December 2024 announcement |
| More than $126 million | Second distribution: 969,173 payments announced in June 2025, according to the FTC. FTC June 2025 announcement |
| Nearly $200 million | FTC’s description of the two refund distributions combined; distinct from Epic’s $245 million settlement obligation. FTC June 2025 announcement |
There was no uniform payment guaranteed to each claimant. The FTC says approved payment amounts depend on several factors, including the number of claims. About $114 was the average payment reported for the initial 2024 round only; it is a historical average, not a promise of what an individual claimant would receive. FTC December 2024 announcement
Who was eligible, and can you still apply?
The FTC’s published eligibility categories covered people who met one of these conditions:
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
- They were charged in-game currency for items they did not want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- A child charged their credit card without their knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Their account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after they complained to their credit-card company about wrongful charges.
A claimant had to be at least 18 to complete the form; a parent or guardian had to submit it for someone younger. The deadline to file was July 9, 2025, and the FTC says it is no longer accepting claims. FTC Fortnite Refunds page
If you filed after February 14, 2025, the FTC says you do not need to take further action while it reviews and validates claims. For an approved claim, the payment method selected during filing is used. Check the FTC’s page for updates rather than submitting information to a third party claiming it can reopen applications.
Rank #3
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
What should existing claimants know about payments?
According to the FTC’s instructions, checks must be cashed within 90 days and PayPal payments accepted within 30 days. The FTC identifies Rust Consulting, Inc. as the refund administrator and lists 1-833-915-0880 as its phone number. Because payment-program information can change, confirm current instructions on the FTC Fortnite Refunds page before acting.
Is another Fortnite refund payment coming?
The FTC’s Fortnite Refunds page says additional payments were expected in 2026 after claims were reviewed and validated. As of October 8, 2026, the official FTC materials referenced here do not confirm whether another distribution has been sent, when it might occur, or what its total or individual payments would be. The FTC’s refund-program listing still shows Fortnite with a July 2025 date. Check the Fortnite Refunds page and the FTC refund-program listing for any later announcement.
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
How to avoid Fortnite refund scams
The FTC says it never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund. It also warns that it will not demand money, threaten people, tell them to transfer money, or promise a prize. A fee to unlock a Fortnite refund is not consistent with the FTC’s guidance. Use the FTC’s official page or contact its listed administrator instead of paying someone who claims they can obtain a refund for you. FTC June 2025 announcement
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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