A fluid filter is described, which includes a housing having a first end portion defining fluid inlet and fluid outlet areas, a filter media disposed in the housing, having inlet surfaces communicating with the fluid inlet and outlet surfaces communicating with the fluid outlet, and a relief valve assembly for selectively opening a filter bypass connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The relief valve assembly has a media plug for anchoring it in the filter media, the media plug having a bypass aperture connecting to the fluid outlet, and a valve element secured to the media plug. The valve element has a valving portion cooperating with the bypass aperture in the media plug for resiliently closing the bypass aperture when an inlet fluid pressure is below a threshold pressure, and for opening the bypass aperture when the inlet fluid pressure is above the threshold pressure.