Abstract: The fluid filter assembly includes a container and a filter media that is disposed in the container and partially divides it into an unfiltered space and a filtered space. A bypass valve assembly is disposed at one axial end of the filter media and includes an end cap and a valve housing, which has a through opening. The end cap is in engagement with an end face of the filter media. The bypass valve assembly further includes a valve plug which has a head portion and a tail portion. The valve plug is biased into a closed position by a compression spring and is moveable from the closed position to an open position to allow the fluid to flow directly from the unfiltered space to the filtered space. The valve housing and the end cap are made as a monolithic piece.