This provision requires users and Amazon to resolve disputes through binding individual arbitration rather than court litigation, and prohibits class or representative actions. An exception exists for qualifying small claims court matters.
This analysis describes what Amazon's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This clause establishes binding individual arbitration as the exclusive dispute resolution mechanism for claims arising from Amazon services, and the class action waiver prohibits users from joining or initiating class proceedings. The provision includes a 30-day opt-out window from the date of first service use or material amendment.
Interpretive note: Enforcement of the class action waiver may vary by jurisdiction; state consumer protection statutes in certain states may limit enforceability despite FAA preemption arguments.
The removal of the mandatory arbitration clause represents a significant reduction in Amazon's dispute resolution protections, allowing users potential access to court litigation and class actions.
View full change record →Previous version established binding arbitration as default with court option; current version adds explicit court jurisdiction in King County, Washington but allows Amazon to elect arbitration instead.
View full change record →Under this clause, users who do not opt out within 30 days agree to pursue any dispute with Amazon through individual binding arbitration rather than court, and waive the ability to participate in class or representative actions. The agreement permits small claims court as an alternative for qualifying claims.
How other platforms handle this
If, however, this Class Action Waiver is deemed invalid or unenforceable with respect to a particular Dispute...neither you nor Chegg will be entitled to arbitration of such Dispute.
the arbitration provider, National Arbitration and Mediation ("NAM"), shall not accept or administer any demand for arbitration and shall administratively close any arbitration unless the Party bringing such demand for arbitration can certify in writing that the terms...were fully satisfied.
Neither you nor we may elect arbitration of any claims seeking only individualized relief asserted by you or us in small claims court, so long as the action remains in that court and is not removed or appealed de novo...
"Any dispute or claim relating in any way to your use of any Amazon Service will be adjudicated in the state or federal courts in King County, Washington, and you consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in these courts. However, Amazon elects to resolve by binding arbitration any and all disputes with you. You agree that you and Amazon will resolve any claim or controversy at law or equity that arises out of these Conditions of Use or the Services (a "Claim") through binding arbitration, not in court, except that you may assert Claims in small claims court if your Claims qualify. There is no judge or jury in arbitration, and court review of an arbitration award is limited. The arbitrator must follow this agreement and can award the same damages and relief as a court (including attorneys' fees). YOU AND AMAZON AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.Excerpt from Amazon's Conditions of Use
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision engages the Federal Arbitration Act, which generally preempts state law obstacles to arbitration enforcement.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form
Coinbase's User Agreement includes a mandatory arbitration clause that most users may not have reviewed. Here is what the clause states and how the opt-out process works.
561 arbitration provisions across 197 platforms. ConductAtlas tracks how dispute resolution is being restructured across the internet.
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This clause establishes binding individual arbitration as the exclusive dispute resolution mechanism for claims arising from Amazon services, and the class action waiver prohibits users from joining or initiating class proceedings. The provision includes a 30-day opt-out window from the date of first service use or material amendment.
Under this clause, users who do not opt out within 30 days agree to pursue any dispute with Amazon through individual binding arbitration rather than court, and waive the ability to participate in class or representative actions. The agreement permits small claims court as an alternative for qualifying claims.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 205 platforms. See the full comparison.
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