Refunds for Amazon Prime Users

The scope of the refund program affecting millions of Amazon Prime users in the United States has been expanded. Under the $2.5 billion settlement previously reached between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Amazon, more consumers will be entitled to automatic payments. The maximum total payment per person has been raised from $51 to $200.

Payments Begin on October 1

According to the FTC’s statement, the federal court approved the change to accelerate payments under the Amazon Prime settlement and to include more consumers in the program.

The new regulation is expected to bring millions of additional Amazon customers into the refund scheme. Automatic payments for the new group are slated to start on October 1, 2026.

Payments can be made via electronic methods such as PayPal or Venmo, or by mailing a check.

No Application Required

One of the most striking details for consumers is that there is no application requirement. According to the FTC, during the new payment period, rights holders will not need to fill out a form, submit a request, or respond to a notice from Amazon.

Payments will be sent automatically to eligible consumers.

Who Is Covered by the New Coverage?

In the first regulation carried out in 2025, some consumers who used Amazon Prime benefits fewer than ten times during the specified one‑year period were eligible for refunds of up to $51.

The scope was expanded by a new court ruling. Under it, millions of additional consumers who used Prime benefits between 11 and 20 times during the same period can also receive automatic payments.

The FTC argues that the limited use of Prime benefits indicates that some consumers are not fully aware that they have signed up for a paid membership.

Total Payment Could Reach Up to $200

Another significant change in the new regulation was the increase of the payment ceiling. The total payment limit, previously $51, was raised to $200.

According to the FTC's statement, if the payments accepted by consumers under the settlement do not reach the required total threshold by February 2027, additional payments may be made to some rights holders who previously received payments.

In that case, consumers who accepted payments could be entitled to an additional $149 payment, bringing the total amount to $200. The additional payments are expected to commence automatically from April 2027 if the necessary conditions are met.

History of the $2.5 Billion Settlement

The $2.5 billion settlement between the FTC and Amazon was reached in 2025. The federal agency alleged that Amazon used deceptive practices in the registration and cancellation processes of Prime membership.

Amazon, however, denied the allegation that it had engaged in any unlawful conduct, explaining that the company is working to make it clear and easy for customers to join and cancel their Prime memberships.

Under the settlement, the first automatic refunds began to be distributed in November and December 2025. Under the previous system, the deadline for consumers who could also apply had ended in July 2026.

With the new regulation, the focus has shifted to the payment period that will begin on 1 October. Millions of Amazon Prime users who are entitled to a refund will be able to receive it automatically without submitting a new application.