Amazon Prime Customers Could Get Up to $200 Automatically as Settlement Payments Expand

Amazon Prime customers who were not included in earlier refund rounds could now receive automatic settlement payments, with the maximum total payment rising to $200. The latest payment phase began on 1 October 2026, and eligible consumers do not need to file a claim or complete additional paperwork.

The payments are part of a $2.5 billion settlement between Amazon and the Federal Trade Commission over allegations that the company enrolled millions of consumers in Prime without their consent and made cancellation difficult. Amazon agreed to provide up to $1.5 billion in consumer redress and pay a $1 billion civil penalty.

Who Is Eligible for the Amazon Settlement?

The latest payment phase covers millions of additional consumers who used between 11 and 20 Prime benefits during a one-year period. They were not included in earlier payment phases.

However, Prime usage alone does not establish eligibility. Under the revised settlement order, consumers must be US Amazon Prime customers who either enrolled through one of the Prime sign-up processes covered by the case or unsuccessfully tried to cancel through Amazon's online cancellation process between 23 June 2019 and 23 June 2025. They must also have used no more than 20 Prime benefits during a qualifying 12-month period following enrolment.

How Much Could Prime Customers Receive?

The maximum total payment under the revised settlement is $200. That does not mean every eligible customer will receive $200. Earlier payments were capped at $51. Under the revised order, consumers who previously received a payment may qualify for an additional payment of up to $149, potentially bringing their total to $200.

The additional payments are conditional. The FTC says that if consumer-accepted payments do not reach the required threshold by February 2027, Amazon will provide additional automatic payments to consumers who previously received refunds. That supplemental round is due to begin by April 2027.

Do Customers Need to File a Claim?

Eligible consumers do not need to submit a claim, respond to a notice or complete additional forms. Amazon will distribute the payments automatically.

Payments can be made electronically through PayPal or Venmo, or by mailed cheque. The FTC says eligible consumers will receive their refund by April 2027. Payments sent by electronic transfer or cheque must also be accepted within the applicable payment period.

Amazon Has Already Paid More Than $845 Million

The latest expansion follows earlier distributions under the settlement. The FTC said Amazon had issued more than $845 million in redress payments by September 2026. The settlement provides for up to $1.5 billion in consumer redress.

The original settlement followed the FTC's allegations that Amazon used deceptive Prime enrolment practices and made it difficult for consumers to cancel. Those claims should remain attributed to the FTC rather than presented as independent findings by the article.

When Will the Money Arrive?

The expanded payment phase began on 1 October 2026, but eligible customers should not necessarily expect the money on that date. The FTC says automatic refunds will continue through April 2027. Consumers who receive a payment should also note that payments expire 60 days after their issue date.

Watch for Amazon Settlement Scams

Consumers should be particularly careful with unexpected messages about the settlement.The FTC says it is not contacting people about Amazon refunds. It also warns that Amazon will not ask consumers for money to receive a refund. Anyone demanding a fee or promising special access to a settlement payment should therefore be treated with caution.