A landmark opportunity for millions of Amazon customers has officially begun. The claims window for a colossal $2.5 billion settlement between Amazon and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now open, allowing eligible users to seek compensation.
What the Amazon Prime Lawsuit Was About
The settlement, one of the largest of its kind, resolves allegations that the online retail giant used misleading tactics to enrol consumers into its Prime membership programme. The FTC accused Amazon of making it excessively difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions, a practice known as "dark patterns." While Amazon has agreed to the payout, it has not admitted to any legal wrongdoing.
The regulatory body argued that these methods led to millions of people being signed up for Prime without their full understanding or consent, locking them into recurring payments.
How to File Your Compensation Claim
The process for receiving a payment is now in motion. In December, automatic payments were distributed to a vast number of eligible Prime members identified by the settlement administrators.
If you did not receive an automatic payment but believe you are entitled, you can now proactively file a claim. Eligible customers should receive a direct notice via email or postal mail with instructions and a unique link to the claim form.
From the date of that notice, individuals will have a 180-day window to submit their claim for review. The settlement could see individual payouts reaching up to $51, though final amounts depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.
Key Dates and Steps for Consumers
The critical date for consumers is January 5, 2026, when the claims portal opened. It is vital for anyone who believes they were wrongly enrolled or struggled to cancel a Prime subscription to act promptly upon receiving their notice.
To ensure a smooth process, claimants should:
- Check their email and post for official settlement communication.
- Follow the personalised link provided to access the secure claim form.
- Submit the form within the 180-day deadline to be considered for a payment.
This case highlights significant issues around consumer rights and transparency in digital subscription services. For UK users of the global platform, it serves as a reminder to vigilantly monitor online subscriptions and understand cancellation policies.
