Amazon customers can reclaim fees from past Prime memberships now.
Amazon customers affected by past Prime enrollment issues are now eligible for refunds through a recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The agreement resolves claims that some shoppers were unknowingly signed up for Amazon Prime and that the process to cancel memberships was overly complicated. As part of the settlement, Amazon will return $1.5 billion to customers and pay an additional $1 billion in penalties, though the company did not admit to any wrongdoing.
Eligible customers can receive refunds automatically or by filing a claim. Those who signed up for Prime through certain pages, such as during checkout or on shipping options, and used only a few benefits within a year, will generally get money without having to take any action. Prime benefits include things like free two-day shipping, access to streaming video, and Amazon Music. People who signed up through these enrollment flows and used their benefits more than three times but fewer than ten times over a year may need to file a claim to get a refund. Notices will be sent by email or mail to let customers know if a claim is required.
To file a claim, customers will need details from the notice, including a claim ID and PIN. The form must be signed and submitted by July 21 to be considered. Refund amounts depend on how much a customer paid for Prime. Most will get up to $51, though trial memberships or partial fees could result in smaller amounts.
After approval, Amazon will send payments through PayPal, Venmo, or mailed checks. Customers can choose which method they prefer. The settlement website states that claims will be reviewed within 30 days, and payments will follow soon after approval. Consumers will have six months to submit their claims once notified.
This settlement follows complaints that Amazon made it difficult for customers to cancel Prime once enrolled. While many people were automatically enrolled without clear consent, the settlement covers anyone affected during the six-year period from June 2019 to June 2025. Millions of accounts are included, and the refunds are intended to cover unused or underused Prime memberships.
Industry watchers note that this settlement is among the largest of its kind in recent years. Refunds are designed to compensate those who may have been charged for services they rarely used or were unaware they signed up for. The process of notifying customers and issuing payments is expected to take several months, though eligible people should receive guidance directly through official emails or mailings.
This case shows how regulatory oversight can affect even large companies like Amazon and provides a path for customers to recover money lost through unclear enrollment practices. Shoppers who used Prime only occasionally may find this settlement particularly helpful. By following the instructions on the official site, customers can make sure they receive any refund they are owed.
While Amazon continues to offer its membership services, the settlement serves as a reminder for consumers to monitor subscriptions and confirm any sign-ups. Refunds under the settlement offer a straightforward way for eligible users to reclaim fees and correct issues from past memberships without long delays or complicated steps.
Sources:
Amazon customers can now file a refund claim under $2.5 billion FTC settlement. Here’s how.
How to Claim Your Amazon Prime Refund After $2.5B FTC Settlement
Join the conversation!