FTC Announces Additional Payments to Consumers Stemming from FTC’s Amazon Prime Settlement
The FTC announced Amazon will accelerate and expand redress payments to consumers under a $2.5 billion settlement, raising the maximum payment to $200 and automating future refunds starting October 2026.
The Federal Trade Commission revealed Amazon will speed up and broaden refund payments to eligible consumers as part of a $2.5 billion settlement finalized in September 2025. The settlement addressed allegations that Amazon enrolled millions in Prime subscriptions without consent and obstructed cancellations. Under the revised order, Amazon must issue automatic payments to millions more consumers who previously qualified for smaller or no refunds.
The FTC and Amazon jointly requested the court to approve changes that raise the maximum redress payment from $51 to $200 and eliminate claim forms. Payments will be sent automatically via Venmo, PayPal, or mailed checks beginning October 1, 2026, without requiring consumer action. Consumers who previously received refunds will also receive an additional $149, bringing their total to $200 by April 2027.
The expanded eligibility now includes consumers who used between 11 and 20 Prime benefits in a one-year period, whereas the original order covered only those using fewer than 10 benefits. The FTC emphasized the changes ensure more harmed consumers benefit from the settlement, reflecting its commitment to addressing deceptive business practices. Amazon will administer the refund program, with no involvement from the FTC in contacting consumers about payments.
The FTC warned consumers to beware of scams, noting neither the FTC nor Amazon will request money or personal information to process refunds. Payments will be distributed automatically, and consumers should verify any unexpected communications. Additional details about the refund process are available on the FTC’s Amazon refund page, with updates posted as the program progresses.