The world of Fortnite refunds is making headlines again, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sending out more than $126 million in refunds to players who were charged for unwanted in-game purchases. This latest wave of payments, issued on June 25 and June 26, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga of consumer protection in the digital gaming marketplace. If you’re a Fortnite player or a parent whose child was charged for items they didn’t want, now is the time to take action—the claim window has been reopened, but only for a limited time.
This massive refund effort stems from a $245 million settlement between Epic Games and the FTC, which accused the Fortnite developer of using deceptive practices to trick players—including unsupervised children—into making unauthorized purchases. The FTC has now distributed nearly $200 million in refunds to affected consumers, with 969,173 checks and PayPal payments sent out in this latest round alone.
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Who Is Eligible for Fortnite Refunds?
Not every Fortnite player is eligible for a refund. The FTC has set clear criteria:
- You were charged for in-game items you did not want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Your Fortnite account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you disputed wrongful charges with your credit card company.
To file a claim, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must submit the claim on your behalf. The process requires either a claim number or your Epic Account ID, which is easy to retrieve if you didn’t receive an email with a claim number.
How to Apply and What Happens Next
Claiming your Fortnite refund is straightforward. Visit the official FTC website or dedicated claim portal (www.fortniterefund.com/file-a-claim) and follow the instructions. The deadline to submit a claim is July 9, 2025. If you already filed after the previous cutoff, no further action is needed—your claim is in the queue.
Once approved, you’ll receive your refund by check or PayPal, depending on your selection during the application process. Checks should be cashed within 90 days, and PayPal payments must be accepted within 30 days. The average refund is about $114, though actual amounts may vary based on the total number of valid claims received.
Your Fortnite account will not be affected by filing a claim. You won’t lose any purchased items, and Epic Games is now required to obtain positive consent before charging users and is banned from locking accounts of users who dispute unauthorized charges.
Why Are Fortnite Refunds Happening?
The FTC’s action comes after years of complaints from Fortnite players and their families. Regulators accused Epic Games of using confusing in-game layouts and “dark patterns”—design tactics that trick users into making purchases they did not intend. For example, players could be charged simply by waking the game from sleep mode or by pressing a nearby button while previewing an item.
Additionally, the FTC found that Epic sometimes blocked users from accessing purchased content if they disputed the charges, a practice that is now prohibited under the settlement terms. The $245 million for refunds is just part of a larger $520 million settlement, which also includes a $275 million penalty for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Key Points Summary
- Latest wave: $126 million in Fortnite refunds sent to nearly 970,000 players on June 25–26, 2025.
- Total refunds so far: Nearly $200 million distributed to consumers.
- Eligibility: Players charged for unwanted items (2017–2022), unauthorized child charges (2017–2018), or locked accounts after disputing charges.
- How to claim: Apply online at www.fortniterefund.com/file-a-claim by July 9, 2025.
- Payment methods: Check (cash within 90 days) or PayPal (accept within 30 days).
- Account impact: No loss of purchased items or account access.
- Average refund: About $114 per claim.
- Background: Settlement follows FTC allegations of deceptive design and unauthorized charges.
What to Do If You Haven’t Claimed Yet
If you or your child were affected by unauthorized Fortnite purchases, don’t wait. The deadline to file a claim is fast approaching. Gather your Epic Account ID or claim number, and visit the official claim portal before July 9, 2025. The process is quick, secure, and free—never pay anyone to file a claim or receive a refund.
For those who have already submitted a claim, keep an eye on your mailbox or PayPal account. The FTC is processing claims in waves, and additional payments are expected in 2026 as more claims are reviewed and validated.