Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Amazon begins issuing refunds under FTC settlement
Amazon has started giving money back to some of its Prime members.
This is because the company agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle a case with the FTC.
The FTC said Amazon tricked people into signing up for Prime and made it hard to cancel.
Eligible members can get up to $51 back.
The refunds are automatic for some people, but others can apply later.
Amazon also has to make sure its subscription process is clearer and easier to cancel in the future.
The FTC hopes this will make other companies be more honest with their customers.
Amazon is issuing refunds to eligible Prime members as part of a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC.
Automatic refunds of up to $51 were sent from 12 November 2025 to 24 December 2025.
Eligible customers must have signed up for Prime between 23 June 2019 and 23 June 2025 through specific enrollment processes.
A claims process for those not automatically refunded will open in early 2026.
The settlement requires Amazon to improve subscription transparency and simplify the cancellation process.
- Who
- Amazon and eligible Prime members in the United States
- What
- Refunds issued as part of a settlement with the FTC
- When
- Refunds issued from 12 November 2025 to 24 December 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To resolve allegations of misleading subscription practices and difficult cancellation processes
- Settlement Amount
- $2.5 billion
- Refund Amount
- $1.5 billion
- Civil Penalty
- $1 billion
- Refund Period
- 12 November 2025 - 24 December 2025
- Maximum Refund
- $51
- Eligibility Period
- 23 June 2019 - 23 June 2025
- Claims Process
- Early 2026
- Claim Submission Period
- 180 days