The $126 million FTC Fortnite refund is big news for U.S. gamers. If you or your child played Fortnite and were charged for items you didn’t want, you might get your money back.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending refunds to nearly one million players. This is part of a legal settlement with Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite.
Let’s break down what happened, who gets the refund, and how to claim it.
Why There’s a $126 Million FTC Fortnite Refund
The $126 million FTC Fortnite refund comes from a larger settlement. In 2022, the FTC sued Epic Games. The lawsuit said Epic tricked players into making purchases in Fortnite. These included skins, emotes, and other in-game items.
The FTC called these “dark patterns.” That means Epic used confusing menus and sneaky button setups. Many players, including kids, ended up buying things they didn’t mean to. Some accounts even got locked when users tried to fight those charges.
Epic agreed to pay $245 million to settle. Now, the FTC is giving part of that money back to players. The current refund round is over $126 million.
Who Can Get the Refund?
Not everyone will get money. The $126 million FTC Fortnite refund is only available to certain individuals. You may qualify if:
- You were charged for unwanted items in Fortnite between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made purchases without your permission between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Your account was locked after you disputed charges during that same time.
Additionally, this refund is only available to individuals in the United States. If you live outside the U.S., you won’t be part of this refund process.
When Did the Refund Start?
The FTC started sending refunds on June 25, 2025. Over 969,000 people are getting paid in this wave. Earlier, in December 2024, the FTC sent out $72 million to over 600,000 players. Together, that’s nearly $200 million already returned.
This refund wave is part of that full amount. And more payments may happen later if new claims are approved.
How Much Money Will People Get?
There is no fixed refund amount for everyone. The $126 million FTC Fortnite refund will be split based on how much each person spent. In the first wave, the average refund was around $114. Some people may get more, others less.
It depends on how many unwanted charges you had. If you only had one small item charged, the amount may be low. If you were hit many times, it could be higher.
How Will the Refund Be Sent?
Refunds are sent in two ways:
- PayPal – If you choose PayPal, you’ll get an email link to claim your refund. You must use it within 30 days.
- Check – If you chose a mailed check, it should arrive at your home. You must cash it within 90 days.
The email will come from fortniterefund@rcnotifications.com. Be careful. Don’t fall for fake messages or scams.
Still Haven’t Claimed? You Have Until July 9
If you think you qualify but haven’t filed a claim, you still have time. The FTC reopened the claim process. The new deadline to apply is July 9, 2025.
To claim your refund:
- Go to ftc.gov/Fortnite.
- Enter your Claim Number or Epic Account ID.
- Choose your payment method.
- Submit your form by July 9.
It’s free. You don’t need to pay anything. The FTC will not ask for your Fortnite password or any personal bank info.
Why Is This Refund So Important?
The $126 million FTC Fortnite refund is about more than just money. It shows that companies must treat players fairly. Epic Games was using tricks to make people spend money. Many didn’t even realize what they were buying.
It also protects kids. Many children play Fortnite. Some made purchases without knowing real money was being spent. Parents often had no way to stop it.
This refund helps right those wrongs. It also sends a message to other game makers: Be clear, be fair, and respect your users.
What About the Rest of the $245 Million?
Epic Games agreed to pay $245 million in total. About $200 million has already been returned or is in process. That leaves around $45 million. The FTC may use the rest in future refund rounds or consumer protection efforts.
This is one of the biggest refunds the FTC has ever handled in gaming.
Watch Out for Scams
Any time there’s a refund program, scams follow. Be careful. Only trust emails from the official FTC website: ftc.gov/Fortnite .
The FTC will never ask for passwords, fees, or sensitive personal data. If someone claims they need your bank info to send the refund, it’s fake.
If you’re unsure, contact the FTC directly through their website.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the July 9, 2025 deadline, you may lose your chance. The FTC has not said if it will open more rounds after this one. So act now if you think you qualify.
Even if you’re not sure, it’s worth checking your eligibility. The process takes only a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
The $126 million FTC Fortnite refund is a big win for players. It holds Epic Games responsible for bad practices. It also gives back money to people who didn’t mean to spend it.
If you or your child played Fortnite and made accidental purchases, check your email or go to the FTC site now. Don’t wait. The final deadline is July 9, 2025.
This refund is not just about dollars. It’s about fairness, especially for young gamers and their families. Visit ftc.gov/Fortnite today and see if you’re one of the many getting paid back.
