Amazon Prime Refunds Are Coming: How to Claim up to $51 if You Were Trapped in Prime
Think you might qualify? Check your eligibility in two minutes →
Millions of Amazon customers who found themselves stuck paying for Prime longer than they wanted are finally getting relief. Following a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit that accused Amazon of making cancellation “painfully difficult,” the retail giant has agreed to refund $1.5 billion to affected members and pay an additional $1 billion civil penalty.
Why are refunds being issued?
The FTC alleged that Amazon used design tricks—think hidden buttons, endless confirmation screens, and “free trial” bait—to enroll shoppers in Prime without clear consent. Once subscribed, canceling required navigating a maze of screens the agency dubbed the “Iliad” flow. In settling the case, Amazon will return money to anyone who:
- Held an Amazon Prime membership at any point between June 2019 and June 2025, and
- Paid for unwanted months because canceling was confusing or failed altogether.
How much money can you expect?
Each eligible member can receive up to $51. The exact amount depends on how long you were billed after trying—or intending—to cancel.
Refund timeline
- By December 25, 2025: Amazon will issue automatic refunds to users it can identify from internal records. No action is required for this first wave.
- In 2026: A formal claims process will open for anyone who was missed in the automatic payout. Details will be published closer to that date.
Stay scam-safe
Important: The FTC warns that nobody can charge you a fee or collect personal information to “process” this refund. If you qualify, Amazon will send the money directly. Ignore calls, emails, or texts asking for payment, your password, or banking details.
Next steps for consumers
- Keep an eye on your inbox. Amazon will contact eligible customers when refunds are issued.
- Review your Amazon payment history. If you notice months of unwanted Prime charges, save the statements. They can help if you need to file a claim in 2026.
- Stay informed. Bookmark this page—we’ll update it as Amazon or the FTC releases new details.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you have unique concerns about your eligibility or timeline, consider speaking with a qualified professional.
Attorney Rachel breaks it down in under a minute:
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