What the FTC Prime Subscription Settlement covers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a settlement with Amazon in 2023 over Prime subscription practices. The settlement requires Amazon to pay money to people who were charged for Prime memberships they did not authorize or who had trouble canceling. If you believe you were charged unfairly for Prime, you may be able to file a claim with the settlement administrator.
The settlement does not require you to prove anything in court. Instead, a neutral third party — the settlement administrator — reviews claims and decides who receives payment. You submit your claim directly to this administrator, not to Amazon or the FTC.
Key Takeaways
- The settlement covers unauthorized Prime charges and charges you could not cancel, and you file your claim with the settlement administrator, not Amazon.
- You will need to provide proof of the charge — a credit card or bank statement showing the Prime transaction — and describe when and how you were charged.
- The settlement administrator's website lists the exact claim deadline, which varies depending on when the settlement was approved in your state.
- Approved claims typically receive payment within a few months after the administrator processes your claim.
- You do not pay any fee to file a claim, and you should ignore any website or email claiming to represent the settlement if it asks for money upfront.
How to find the settlement administrator's website
The FTC publishes the settlement details and administrator contact information on its official website at ftc.gov. Search for "Amazon Prime settlement" on the FTC site to find the official settlement page. That page will have a direct link to the settlement administrator's website where you actually file your claim.
Do not rely on search results or third-party websites to find the administrator. Scammers sometimes create fake settlement websites that look official but steal personal information or charge fees. Always start at ftc.gov to confirm you have the correct link.
What documents you need to file a claim
The settlement administrator will ask you to provide proof that you were charged for Prime. This means a bank statement, credit card statement, or email receipt showing the charge. The statement should clearly show the amount, the date, and that it was charged by Amazon or a related company.
You will also need to describe what happened — for example, whether you never authorized the charge, whether you tried to cancel and were charged anyway, or whether you were charged after canceling. Write this in your own words. The administrator uses your description to decide whether your situation matches what the settlement covers.
Have your statement or receipt ready before you start the claim form. You may be able to upload an image or document file, or you may need to mail a copy to the administrator. The website will tell you which method they accept.
The claim filing process and timeline
Visit the settlement administrator's website and look for a button or link that says "File a Claim" or "Submit a Claim." You will fill out a form with your name, contact information, and details about the charge. The form will ask you to upload or describe your proof of the charge.
After you submit, the administrator sends you a confirmation. Keep this confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions later. The administrator then reviews your claim, which usually takes several weeks to a few months depending on how many claims they receive.
The settlement administrator will contact you by mail or email to tell you whether your claim was approved. If approved, payment is typically sent within a few weeks after approval. If denied, the notice will explain why and may tell you how to object or appeal.
Claim deadlines and what happens if you miss them
The deadline to file a claim is set by the court and varies by state. The settlement administrator's website displays the exact deadline for your location. This deadline is firm — claims submitted after it closes are not reviewed, even if you were may be able to access.
Check the administrator's website now to find your state's deadline. If the deadline has already passed in your state, you cannot file a claim through this settlement. Some states may have separate legal actions or other settlements, so you can search the FTC website to see whether other options exist for your situation.
How much money you might receive
The total settlement amount is fixed, but the payment per person depends on how many valid claims are filed. If few people claim, each approved claim receives more money. If many people claim, each payment is smaller. The settlement administrator cannot tell you in advance exactly how much you will receive.
The FTC settlement page usually includes an estimate based on different claim scenarios — for example, "if 50,000 people file, each might receive $X." This is only an estimate. Your actual payment depends on the final number of approved claims.
Recognizing and avoiding scams
Scammers create fake settlement websites and send emails claiming to help you file. They may ask you to pay a fee upfront, provide your Social Security number, or click a link that steals your information. Real settlement claims are always free to file.
Red flags include: any website asking for money before filing, emails from addresses that do not match the official administrator domain, pressure to act immediately, or requests for information beyond what appears on the official settlement website. If you are unsure, go directly to ftc.gov and call the FTC's consumer complaint line at 1-877-438-4338 to confirm the administrator's contact details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have the original receipt or statement?
Contact your bank or credit card company and request a copy of the transaction. They can usually provide a statement showing the charge. If you used a debit card, your bank's online portal may let you download statements going back several years. The settlement administrator may also accept other proof, such as an email from Amazon confirming the charge — ask on their website what alternatives they accept.
Can I file a claim if Amazon already refunded me?
Yes. The settlement covers people who were charged unfairly, whether or not they later received a refund. If Amazon refunded you after you complained, you can still file a claim with the settlement administrator. Mention in your claim description that you received a refund and when.
What happens if my claim is denied?
The administrator will send you a written notice explaining why. The notice usually includes instructions for objecting or appealing the decision. Follow those instructions if you believe the decision was wrong. You may also have the right to ask a court to review the denial, though this is uncommon in settlement claims.
Do I have to report the settlement payment as income on my taxes?
Settlement payments are generally not taxable income, but tax law can be complex and depends on your situation. Consult a tax professional or the IRS website for guidance. The settlement administrator is not responsible for tax advice.
What if I never received my payment after approval?
Contact the settlement administrator directly using the contact information on their website. Provide your claim number and explain that you were approved but have not received payment. They can check the status and resend payment if it was lost or delayed.