Amazon Begins Sending Prime Refunds Of Up To $200 Under Expanded FTC Settlement

Amazon has started sending payments to eligible customers following a revised $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations that the company tricked shoppers into enrolling in its Prime subscription program.

The updated terms expand who qualifies for money back and increase the maximum payout from $51 to $200. Under the agreement, Amazon must pay $1.5 billion in total consumer refunds alongside a $1 billion civil penalty. By September, the retailer had already returned over $845 million to affected subscribers.

The FTC originally set criteria in September 2025 that covered only customers who had used fewer than 10 Prime perks, like free shipping, across a single year. The revised agreement widens that net. Consumers now qualify if they signed up for Prime between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, and used up to 20 benefits in a year. According to the FTC, millions of additional shoppers fit these terms.

Amazon began distributing the newest round of automatic payments on Thursday. The funds are going out through Venmo, PayPal, or as paper checks delivered by mail.

Amazon (File)

Recipients do not need to file a claim, fill out forms, or reply to any notices to collect their money. If total payouts do not hit the settlement’s required financial target by February 2027, Amazon will send another $149 each to people who already received a payout. The agency expects all eligible customers to receive their money by April 2027.

The FTC also warned the public to watch out for fraud related to the payouts. Amazon is handling all distributions directly, and the agency stated it will not contact shoppers about the money. Anyone claiming to represent the FTC regarding the Amazon settlement is likely a scammer, according to the regulator.