Court finally suspends price increases on Amazon Prime!

Court finally suspends price increases on Amazon Prime!

Today, October 30, 2025, the 20th Civil Senate of the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court announced an important judgment: A price adjustment clause in the “Amazon Prime Terms and Conditions of Participation” was declared invalid. This significant ruling is the result of a lawsuit brought by the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center e.V., which was directed against a clause that Amazon used to increase membership fees in 2022.

In addition to fast and free shipping, the “Amazon Prime” service also offers access to Amazon Prime Video, Reading and Music. Particularly controversial was a provision in the terms and conditions that allowed Amazon to change the fees at its own discretion. According to the judgment, the Senate found that this clause unreasonably disadvantaged consumers and was therefore ineffective. The termination process, which includes a notice period of 14 days, as well as the information about upcoming changes did not go through the legal checks unscathed.

First court rulings and appeals

On January 15, 2025, the Düsseldorf Regional Court had already granted the consumer advice center's request for an injunction. But Amazon appealed this ruling, which has now been rejected by the 20th Civil Senate. The Senate also allowed the appeal, which means that the judgment is not yet legally binding. The file number is: I-20 U 19/25. This shows that consumer rights are increasingly becoming the focus of the courts and that large platforms are not getting away unscathed.

This judgment sends a clear signal. In times of constantly rising prices, consumers and their rights are more in demand than ever. This decision also opens the door to possible further legal action against similar clauses in other contracts. The Amazon example shows that even large companies must adhere to clear, fair practices.

Additional but important topics

However, in today's digital world, other topics such as credit card use are just as relevant. Bank of America, for example, offers a range of credit cards that not only offer different benefits and rewards, but are also tailored to the needs of different customers. From students to premium customers, there is something for everyone.

• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: $200 Bonus für Ausgaben von $1.000 in 90 Tagen.
• Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: $200 Bonus, 1.5-2% Cash Back.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: 25.000 Punkte für $1.000 Ausgaben.
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: 60.000 Punkte für $4.000 Ausgaben.

But the consumer protection parts, such as fraud protection and reporting to the major credit bureaus, are also very important to ensure customer trust. In view of the increasing technical changes in the financial world, these aspects are very topical for local society and therefore also for Cologne.

Overall, these developments, both in the area of ​​consumer rights and in the financial sector, show how important it is that legal frameworks meet people's needs. Because where rights are not respected, resentment can quickly arise - and there is something to be said!