How To Claim Your Amazon FTC Settlement Refund

Amazon will pay out $1.5 billion in refunds to consumers, credited automatically to their accounts following an unprecedented settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission over how Amazon enrolled and retained customers in Prime. If you suspect that you were sucked into Prime by bewildering design, or found it bizarrely difficult to cancel, here is how refunds will work and what to do.

What the FTC–Amazon Prime Settlement Covers and Pays

The FTC accused Amazon of taking advantage of deceptive design practices — commonly referred to as dark patterns — in order to steer people into paying for a Prime account during typical shopping flows, and causing frustration when trying to cancel it. Of the $2.5 billion settlement, $1.5 billion is set aside for a Consumer Fund to reimburse impacted Prime members, and $1 billion is in civil penalties.

Regulators believe tens of millions of people may qualify. That comes to an average of $43 if the $1.5 billion were evenly divided among the approximately 35 million individuals or households that the commission calculated could potentially be affected, though actual amounts paid will depend on tier and usage rules described below.

Who Is Eligible for a Refund Under the Prime Settlement

You need to have signed up for Prime between the dates tied to your settlement via one of the contested enrollment flows that we alluded to in the FTC’s complaint.

Examples include:

• Universal Prime Decision Page
• Shipping Option Select Page
• Prime Video enrollment flow
• Single Page Checkout

In a nutshell, that might encompass things like clicking on a “free shipping” option at checkout that also started a Prime trial, or beginning to watch a video in Prime Video and being nudged into a membership. Additionally, you must not have used Prime benefits many times in the first year after signing up (however many times that is will depend on which refund tier you fall into).

How the Payout Tiers and the Claims Process Will Work

• Tier 1 automatic payments: Eligible consumers who rarely used their membership over the first twelve months after enrolling, and who did not make a claim before Sept. 14, will receive an automatic refund without having to submit forms. This wave is capped at $51 per person and must arrive within a certain period after the settlement’s effective date.
• Tier 2 claims process: Once those automatic refunds are sent, Amazon will offer an additional group of eligible customers who used more Prime benefits (up to a higher threshold) the opportunity to submit a simple claim form. You will have a certain period to respond, and once refunds are approved they must be issued within an established timeframe after review.
• Next tiers: If less than $1 billion from the Consumer Fund has been paid after the claims round, the settlement requires adding eligibility for higher tiers — step by step including those who used more Prime benefits — until at least $1 billion overall is distributed.

How to Check Your Eligibility and Verify Enrollment Method

Verify the date and method you used to join Prime. You can see the original enrollment date (and access history) on your Amazon account under “Prime” or “Memberships & Subscriptions.” It will also tell you where that Prime membership started — whether it was at checkout, on a shipping page, in Prime Video, or through a single-page flow. And, similarly, if you remember just barely making the threshold for “free shipping” and then seeing Prime kick in, well, these are likely the droids being looked for.

Review your first-year usage. Take note of how often you used Prime benefits, like free shipping on Prime or access to Prime Video, in the 12 months after you signed up. Less use is typically an earlier refund tier (including auto pay). Just keep a basic tally from your orders, and expect an eligibility notice in digital channels to coincide with the thresholds.

Steps to Take if an Automatic Payment Does Not Arrive

Watch for a claims invitation. If you fall into the latter category, Amazon will contact your account email and show notifications with a filing how-to. You will have a clear deadline to confirm your enrollment path and level of first-year usage by submitting a brief form.

Make sure all information is up to date — including contact and payment details. Update the email, phone number, and default payment method on your Amazon account so that Amazon can contact you or refund you as soon as possible. If your card on file is updated, ensure that the preferred method is active so you can get your funds sooner.

How Refunds Will Be Delivered and How to Receive Them

Amazon will be providing refunds. You will not have to pay a fee or purchase anything in order to get your money. The FTC reminds people that real refunds do not require payment before receiving the refund, so if someone asks for money, gift cards, or bank login information, it’s a scam.

You can expect the refund to be credited via a payment method specified by Amazon — usually to a stored card — with other options, including electronic or physical check, if required. The full list will be detailed in the notification you receive.

How to Avoid Scams and Bad Advice During the Refund Process

Trust official notices and reliable sources. The process is outlined in the FTC’s public statements as well as in a court-approved order; you will receive personalized instructions from Amazon along with an account notification, according to meeting minutes. Disregard unsolicited texts, social media DMs, or phone calls that promise to “expedite” your refund.

Never share one-time passcodes or account details. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a message, sign in to your Amazon account and check your messages there. You can also check the FTC’s refund program updates and consumer alerts for redress program guidance.

Bottom Line: What to Expect and How to Claim if Needed

If you were redirected via a bumpy enrollment flow and tapped only a few of the benefits in the beginning, you can expect an automatic payment that requires no action on your part. Others will be asked to submit a straightforward claim. The settlement is designed to broaden eligibility in stages until at least $1 billion goes out the door to customers, so even if you do not see a message from Amazon this time around, keep an eye on your account’s inbox.