Amazon Settlement Expanded, More Shoppers Eligible for Up to $200 Refunds
The FTC has revised a $2.5 billion settlement, accelerating payments and increasing the refund cap for consumers affected by Amazon's Prime enrollment practices.
Amazon will distribute additional payments to eligible consumers under an expanded $2.5 billion settlement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced. The revised order accelerates and broadens the distribution of funds to consumers who were allegedly enrolled in Amazon Prime subscriptions without their consent and faced difficulties canceling.
This latest development stems from a 2025 settlement that resolved FTC allegations of deceptive practices. In that initial agreement, Amazon was required to pay up to $1.5 billion to consumers and an additional $1 billion civil penalty. As of September 2026, the company had already issued over $845 million in refunds.
A federal court recently approved a motion to modify the settlement, allowing for accelerated and expanded payments. Under the new terms, the maximum refund amount for eligible consumers has increased from $51 to $200.
Crucially, all future payments will be issued automatically, eliminating the need for consumers to file claims or submit additional paperwork. The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection director, Christopher Mufarrige, stated that the revised order ensures "more consumers who were harmed by Amazon’s deceptive enrollment and cancellation practices benefit from the FTC’s historic settlement."
Previously, consumers who used fewer than 10 Prime benefits within a year were eligible for up to $51. The revised order now includes shoppers who utilized between 11 and 20 Prime benefits during a one-year period. These new recipients will begin receiving automatic payments via electronic transfer or mail starting October 1, 2026.
Furthermore, if the total payments made by February 2027 do not meet a certain threshold, Amazon is obligated to disburse more funds to consumers who previously received refunds. Those who have already accepted payments may receive an additional $149, bringing their total refund to $200. These supplemental payments are set to begin automatically by April 2027.