Amazon is expanding FTC Prime settlement payments to millions more customers

Since September 2022, Prime members in Germany have been paying 20.90 euros more annually, or 0.99 euros more monthly, for their subscription compared to the previous price. Amazon increased the cost of its Prime membership without seeking explicit consent from its customers. The German Constitutional Court (BGH) ruled against Amazon, declaring the clause regarding price increases in the company's terms and conditions to be ineffective.

According to the court, customers were not adequately informed about their rights concerning a price increase by Amazon. The decision was made by the third civil chamber in Karlsruhe, which also found that customers were inadequately disadvantaged by the lack of transparency. Amazon had previously lost the case in lower courts, including the Düsseldorf District Court and the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, which also ruled the price increase clause invalid.

Prime members who started their membership before September 2022 and have continued since will revert to the previous prices until further notice. Amazon stated that they disagree with the ruling and will adjust the Prime contribution for eligible customers before their next billing date. Customers affected by the price hike can claim their money back within three years, or join a collective lawsuit, which the Verbraucherzentrale NRW filed with the Higher Regional Court in Hamm in December 2025.

The number of registered affected individuals has reached approximately 145,000. Consumer advocates welcomed the ruling, stating that it clarifies that not every price increase clause is a free pass for companies.