How to Still Get Up to $51 from the Amazon Prime Settlement in 2025

The settlement window is now open, but the clock is ticking. Amazon began sending out automatic refunds in November 2025, covering the first wave from November 12 to December 24. If you haven't received a payment yet, that doesn't mean you're out of luck. The second phase-the claims process-is now live, running from January 5 to July 23, 2026.

This creates a clear, immediate opportunity. The settlement caps individual refunds at $51, with a total of $1.5 billion for customer refunds and an additional $1 billion civil penalty. Millions are eligible for automatic payments, but many others will need to file a claim to access their share. The key is to act before the July deadline.

Beware of scams. The FTC has explicitly warned that scammers are posing as FTC representatives and attempting to exploit the situation. The FTC will never contact you about refunds, demand money, or threaten you. Only the official settlement website and Amazon's designated email are legitimate channels.

Eligibility and Claim Process: Who Qualifies and How to File

The settlement defines two clear paths to a refund. Most customers will get paid automatically if they signed up through a "challenged enrollment flow" and used three or fewer Prime benefits in a year. That includes sign-ups on pages like Amazon's shipping selection page or single-page checkout. If you fall into this group, you should have received a payment by late December.

But if you didn't get an automatic check, you likely need to file a claim. You qualify if you signed up through one of those same challenged enrollment flows but used between three and ten Prime benefits in a 12-month period. This is the key window for action. The settlement website is now live, and you have until July 23, 2026 to submit your claim.

The process is straightforward. First, you'll need a claim ID and PIN, which Amazon should have sent via email or mail by January 23. If you haven't received it, check your spam folder or visit the settlement site to see if you're listed as eligible. Once you have the credentials, go to the settlement website and fill out the form. You'll select your preferred payment method: PayPal, Venmo, or check.

After Amazon receives your claim, it has up to 30 days to review it. If approved, you can expect your refund shortly thereafter. The company is already processing claims, so the clock is ticking. For those who missed the automatic wave, this is the direct path to securing their share of the $1.5 billion in customer refunds.

Practical Timeline and Payment Options

The settlement's payout timeline is now unfolding in two phases. The first wave of automatic payments ran from November 12 to December 24, 2025. For those who filed a claim, the process is just beginning. Amazon has up to 30 days to review each submission after it's received. Given that the claims window opened on January 5, 2026, and runs through July 23, 2026, the earliest you could see a refund is late spring. However, with the volume of claims expected, most payouts are likely to land in the second half of 2026.

Refunds will be issued via one of three methods, selected during the claim process: PayPal, Venmo, or a mailed check. This gives claimants flexibility, though the speed of delivery will vary. Digital payments through PayPal or Venmo are typically faster than a physical check, which must be processed and mailed.

If you need help navigating the claim process, the official support channel is admin@subscriptionmembershipsettlement.com. This is the dedicated email address provided by Amazon for settlement inquiries. Remember, the FTC will not contact you about refunds, and any request for money is a scam. The final deadline is July 23, 2026-file your claim before then to secure your share.