If you have ever received an unexpected text message from someone using Cash App trying to get you to sign up, you may be entitled to real money from a class action settlement.
The Cash App spam text lawsuit settlement is one of the most searched financial topics in America right now in 2026. And for good reason. Three distinct legal actions are currently in their distribution phase, the $15 million Salinas v. Block data breach class action, the $12.5 million Bottoms v. Block Washington spam text settlement with $394.36 payments that began February 2, 2026, and the CFPB’s $120 million automatic redress fund for fraud victims which requires no claim at all.
That is nearly $300 million in total settlements against Cash App’s parent company Block Inc. and a portion of it may belong to you.
This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about every Cash App lawsuit settlement currently active, who qualifies, how much you can receive, what has already been paid out and what is still available to you right now.
If you are dealing with financial challenges beyond just this settlement, including debt collectors showing up on your credit report, make sure to check our complete get out of debt guides after reading this one.
What Is the Cash App Spam Text Lawsuit Settlement?
The Cash App spam text lawsuit settlement, officially known as Bottoms v. Block Inc. is a class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington.
What the Lawsuit Was About
The lawsuit claimed Cash App’s marketing strategy crossed legal boundaries under the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act and the Consumer Protection Act. The complaint alleged that Cash App encouraged users to share an app referral program text to their contacts. This referral program included pre filled messages that were sent without consent, leaving many Washington residents frustrated.
In plain English: Cash App allowed its users to send pre-written promotional texts to all their contacts without those contacts ever agreeing to receive them. The texts looked something like this:
“Hey! I’ve been using Cash App to send money and spend using the Cash Card. Try it using my code and you’ll get $5.”
The lawsuit alleges that Block violated Washington law by substantially assisting its users to transmit unsolicited commercial text messages to their contacts residing in Washington through Cash App’s Invite Friends referral program.
What Cash App Said
Block denies any wrongdoing and claims it abided by all state and federal laws and that the lawsuit is not well grounded in law or fact. As part of the proposed settlement Block does not admit to any wrongdoing.
This is standard in class action settlements. The company pays to resolve the case without admitting guilt. The settlement money is real regardless.
Cash App Spam Text Settlement | Key Facts at a Glance
Here is everything you need to know in one quick reference table:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Case Name | Bottoms v. Block Inc. |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington |
| Settlement Amount | $12.5 million |
| Payout Per Claimant | $394.36 |
| Payment Start Date | February 2, 2026 |
| Claim Deadline | October 27, 2025 (PASSED) |
| Who Qualifies | Washington residents who received referral texts |
| Date Range | November 14, 2019 | August 7, 2025 |
| Final Court Approval | December 2, 2025 |
| Status | Payments being distributed |
Who Qualifies for the Cash App Spam Text Settlement?
You are a member of the settlement class if you received a Cash App referral program text message between November 14, 2019 and August 7, 2025, were a Washington resident at the time you received the text message, and you did not clearly and affirmatively consent in advance to receive the Cash App referral program text message.
The Three Eligibility Requirements
Requirement 1 | You Received the Text You must have received an unsolicited Cash App referral text, not a text about money being sent to you or received, but specifically a promotional referral text from someone using the Invite Friends feature.
Requirement 2 | You Were a Washington Resident This settlement specifically covers people with Washington state telephone area codes who were Washington residents when they received the texts.
Requirement 3 | You Did Not Consent You must not have agreed in advance to receive Cash App promotional or referral text messages.
What If I Am Not in Washington State?
If you are outside Washington state the spam text settlement does not apply to you for this specific case. However you may still qualify for two other Cash App settlements covered later in this guide, including the CFPB $120 million automatic fund that requires no action from you at all.
How Much Money Does the Cash App Settlement Pay?
Spam Text Settlement Payout | $394.36 Per Person
The settlement award is $394.36 per accepted claim.
This is significantly higher than originally estimated. In September, plaintiffs’ attorneys estimated that each person filing a claim would likely receive $88 to $147, based on an estimate of no more than 5% of the 1,975,187 class members in Washington submitting valid claims.
The reason the payout came in higher at $394.36 is that fewer people than expected submitted valid claims. This is extremely common in class action settlements, most eligible consumers either do not hear about the settlement or do not bother to file.
When Did Payments Start?
Payments of $394.36 began February 2, 2026.
All failed digital payments and returned mail checks have been processed and reissued as paper checks. All reissue requests sent by March 18, 2026 have been processed and mailed with most checks expected to be delivered by April 8, 2026.
Can I Still Claim the Spam Text Settlement?
No. The deadline to file a claim was October 27, 2025. Claim deadlines for both class actions have passed. No new claims are being accepted.
If you missed this deadline, do not stop reading. There are still two other Cash App settlements that may put money in your pocket without you needing to file anything at all.
The Three Cash App Settlements Explained | Complete 2026 Guide
Most people searching for the Cash App spam text lawsuit settlement do not realize there are actually THREE separate legal actions against Block Inc. simultaneously. Here is the complete picture:
Settlement 1 | Bottoms v. Block (Spam Text Settlement)
What it covers: Unsolicited referral texts sent to Washington residents Settlement fund: $12.5 million Payout per person: $394.36 Payments started: February 2, 2026 Claim deadline: PASSED, October 27, 2025 Who qualifies: Washington residents who received Cash App referral texts 2019-2025
Settlement 2 | Salinas v. Block (Data Breach Settlement)
What it covers: Two major data security breaches, one in December 2021 and one in 2023
The initial breach occurred in December 2021 when a former Cash App employee reportedly accessed and downloaded reports containing sensitive information from more than 8 million users. Cash App disclosed the incident in April 2022, revealing that the exposed data included full names, brokerage account numbers, and in some cases investment portfolio holdings and values.
Settlement fund: $15 million Maximum payout: Up to $2,500 for documented losses, plus $25 per hour for up to 3 hours of lost time Payments started: April 2025 Claim deadline: PASSED, November 18, 2024 Who qualifies: Cash App users whose data was breached between August 23, 2018 and August 20, 2024
Of over 667,000 claims filed approximately 40,380 claims were approved for payment totaling about $5.6 million in distributions. Many claims were reviewed as improper, fraudulent, or denied as ineligible. Fewer than 7% of data breach claimants received payment because proof requirements and eligibility standards eliminated the vast majority of submissions.
Settlement 3 | CFPB $120 Million Automatic Redress Fund
This is the most important one for most Americans reading this guide, because it requires absolutely no action from you.
The critical distinction for users who missed the class action deadlines: the CFPB fund is automatic. It does not depend on filing a claim form. Block is identifying and compensating eligible users under CFPB supervision.
What it covers: Cash App users whose fraud disputes were inadequately investigated or whose accounts were locked without proper provisional credits
Fund size: $120 million Claim required: NO, Block identifies and pays eligible users automatically Status: Ongoing distributions throughout 2026
A user could potentially benefit from both the Salinas settlement and the CFPB redress fund. The two are not mutually exclusive.
The CFPB $120 Million Fund | Your Best Remaining Option
If you missed both class action deadlines this is where your attention should focus right now.
What Did Cash App Do Wrong According to the CFPB?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the federal agency that protects American consumers in financial matters, took enforcement action against Block Inc. for specific failures in how Cash App handled fraud and disputes.
The CFPB found that Cash App:
Failed to properly investigate fraud disputes, When users reported unauthorized transactions Cash App regularly closed cases without conducting proper investigations as required by federal law.
Locked accounts without explanation, Many users found their accounts locked without being told why or being given a clear process to resolve the issue.
Denied proper provisional credits, Under federal law consumers are entitled to provisional credits while fraud disputes are investigated. Cash App routinely denied these credits.
Directed users to banks instead of investigating itself, When users reported problems Cash App often told them to contact their bank, an improper deflection of its own legal responsibility.
Who Qualifies for the CFPB Automatic Payments?
You may qualify if you had a Cash App account and experienced ANY of the following:
- Unauthorized transactions or withdrawals you reported but were not properly investigated
- Account locked or frozen without proper explanation or resolution
- Fraud dispute denied without adequate investigation
- Provisional credit refused during a dispute investigation
- Any situation where you contacted Cash App about unauthorized activity and felt your case was dismissed or ignored
Do I Need to Do Anything to Get the CFPB Payment?
Block is identifying and compensating eligible users under CFPB supervision. Electronic payments began in April 2025. Most approved claimants have received payment. Replacement payments for returned or undeliverable disbursements continue on a rolling basis.
You do NOT need to file a claim. Block is required to identify eligible users and distribute payments automatically under federal supervision. If you qualify and have not received a payment, contact Cash App directly through the app or visit the official Cash App CFPB settlement page.
Total Cash App Settlements | How Much Has Block Inc. Paid?
The scale of Block Inc.’s legal exposure is worth understanding in full:
| Settlement | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bottoms | Spam Text | $12.5 million | Distributing 2026 |
| Salinas | Data Breach | $15 million | Distributing since April 2025 |
| CFPB | Fraud Redress | $120 million | Automatic, ongoing |
| 48 State Regulators | AML | $80 million | Paid |
| NY Dept. of Financial Services | $40 million | Paid |
| TOTAL | $267.5 million+ | Multiple phases |
Block paid $80 million to 48 state regulators and $40 million to New York’s Department of Financial Services for anti-money laundering failures, totaling over $295 million in combined penalties and consumer compensation.
How to Check Your Cash App Settlement Status
If you filed a claim before the deadlines here is how to check on your payment:
For the Spam Text Settlement (Bottoms v. Block)
Official settlement website: bottomstextsettlement.com
Contact email: info@BottomsTextSettlement.com
Phone number: 1-877-540-7545
What to do if you have not received your check: Email the settlement administrator at the address above with your full name and the phone number associated with your claim. They will check the status of your specific payment.
For the Data Breach Settlement (Salinas v. Block)
Official settlement website: cashappsecuritysettlement.com
Log in with your claimant ID to check payment status. If you have lost your claimant ID contact the settlement administrator through the official website.
For the CFPB Fund
Visit the Cash App help page and navigate to the CFPB settlement section. Since this is automatic, if you believe you qualify and have not been contacted, reach out through the official Cash App support channels.
What This Means for Everyday Americans | The Bigger Financial Picture
The Cash App settlements are about more than just getting a check. They reveal something important about the financial technology industry and your rights as a consumer.
Your Digital Financial Rights Matter
The Cash App lawsuit is a good reminder that our privacy matters even when we are just using apps for everyday stuff. The settlement highlights why it is important to stay informed about your rights and to monitor any class action settlements involving apps and services you use.
Class Action Settlements Are Real Money
Many Americans dismiss class action settlements as too small to bother with, yet the Cash App spam text settlement paid $394.36 per approved claimant. That is real money that could go toward building your emergency fund, making an extra debt payment or covering a monthly bill.
The lesson is simple: pay attention to class action settlements involving services you use. Sign up for settlement notification services. File claims before deadlines pass. This is genuinely free money that most Americans leave uncollected every single year.
Fintech Companies Must Follow the Same Rules as Banks
One of the most important outcomes of the Cash App settlements is the precedent they set. This settlement shines a spotlight on increasing regulatory pressure surrounding digital payment apps and reinforces the importance of consumer privacy rights in an era dominated by mobile banking and fintech platforms. Even large popular apps can face consequences for ignoring user consent or marketing preferences.
Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle and every other digital payment platform is now under increased scrutiny. Your consumer rights apply to these apps just as they apply to traditional banks.
How to Protect Yourself From Future App Settlements and Scams
The Cash App settlements also expose a pattern that every American should understand and protect themselves against.
How to Know If a Settlement Text or Email Is Legitimate
Unfortunately the high profile nature of the Cash App settlement has attracted scammers. Here is how to tell the difference between a legitimate settlement notification and a scam:
Legitimate settlement communications:
- Come from the official settlement administrator email domain
- Direct you to the official settlement website only
- Never ask for payment of any kind to receive your settlement
- Provide a specific case name and court reference
- Include your claimant ID if you already filed
Settlement scams to watch for:
- Texts or emails claiming you qualify for a settlement you never heard of asking for banking information
- Calls asking for a fee to process your settlement payment
- Messages claiming your payment is being held and you need to verify personal information
- Any communication directing you to an unofficial website
The golden rule: Legitimate class action settlements never charge you money to receive your payment. If anyone asks for payment upfront to release your settlement funds, it is a scam.
How to Stay Informed About Class Action Settlements
The best way to never miss a settlement you qualify for is to actively monitor them:
TopClassActions.com | the most comprehensive free resource for tracking class action settlements in the USA. Sign up for their newsletter to receive alerts about new settlements.
ClassAction.org | another reliable source for settlement information with searchable databases.
Your state attorney general’s website | many state attorneys general maintain lists of active consumer protection settlements.
Being proactive about monitoring settlements is a genuine financial strategy. Americans collectively leave hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed settlement funds every year simply because they never heard about them.
Smart Ways to Use Your Cash App Settlement Money
If you received or are expecting a Cash App settlement payment, here is the smartest way to put that money to work:
Option 1 | Start or Build Your Emergency Fund
Even $394 can meaningfully jumpstart an emergency fund. The goal is to eventually have 3-6 months of expenses saved. Every dollar you add moves you closer to financial security. Check our save money guides for step-by-step strategies to build your emergency fund faster.
Option 2 | Put It Toward High-Interest Debt
If you are carrying credit card debt at 20-25% interest, a $394 lump sum payment directly reduces your principal. This is a guaranteed return equal to your interest rate. Check our get out of debt category for the most effective strategies for paying off high-interest debt fast.
Option 3 | Build or Rebuild Your Credit
If you are working on rebuilding your credit score after financial difficulties our guide on the Milestone Credit Card explains exactly how cards designed for bad credit work and how to use them strategically. A $394 settlement check could cover the annual fee on a rebuilding card for years while your credit score improves.
Option 4 | Add to Your Side Hustle Fund
Use settlement money to invest in skills or tools for a side hustle. Our comprehensive guide on how to make money online for beginners covers 15 proven methods that can turn even a small initial investment into consistent monthly income.
Other Class Action Settlements Every American Should Know About in 2026
The Cash App settlements are not unique. Dozens of major class action settlements are active or distributing payments to Americans right now. Here is what else is happening:
How to Find Settlements You Qualify For
Most Americans qualify for multiple class action settlements every year without ever knowing it. The companies involved are required to notify class members, but notifications often go to spam, old email addresses or are simply overlooked.
Steps to find settlements you may qualify for:
Step 1 | Go to TopClassActions.com and search by company name for every major app, store, bank and service you have used in the past 5 years.
Step 2 | Search “[Company Name] class action settlement 2025 2026” in Google for any company you have had a dispute with or feel has wronged you.
Step 3 | Check your spam folder for settlement notification emails you may have missed.
Step 4 | Sign up for settlement alert newsletters so you receive notifications about new settlements automatically.
Doing this once per year is a genuine financial strategy that can put real money in your pocket from situations you were already in.
Frequently Asked Questions | Cash App Spam Text Lawsuit Settlement
What is the Cash App spam text lawsuit settlement?
The Cash App spam text lawsuit settlement, officially Bottoms v. Block Inc. is a $12.5 million class action settlement between Cash App parent Block and Washington consumers who received unsolicited text messages from the financial app over a nearly six-year period. The settlement was granted final court approval December 2, 2025 and payments of $394.36 per accepted claim began February 2, 2026.
Who qualifies for the Cash App settlement?
The spam text settlement applies to Washington state residents who received unsolicited Cash App referral texts between November 14, 2019 and August 7, 2025 without consenting to receive them. The claim deadline passed October 27, 2025. For users outside Washington, the separate CFPB $120 million fund may apply automatically if you experienced fraud disputes that Cash App mishandled.
How much is the Cash App settlement payout?
The settlement award is $394.36 per accepted claim, higher than the original estimate of $88 to $147 because fewer people than expected filed valid claims. The separate data breach settlement paid up to $2,500 for documented losses. The CFPB fund distributes varying amounts automatically to fraud victims.
Can I still file a claim for the Cash App spam text settlement?
No. The deadline to file a claim was October 27, 2025. No new claims are being accepted. If you missed the deadline your best remaining option is the CFPB $120 million automatic fund which requires no claim filing.
What is the CFPB Cash App settlement?
The CFPB, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, ordered Cash App’s parent company Block Inc. to pay up to $120 million to consumers whose fraud disputes were improperly handled. Block is identifying and compensating eligible users under CFPB supervision and the fund is automatic, it does not depend on filing a claim form.
How do I check if my Cash App settlement check was sent?
For the spam text settlement contact the administrator at info@BottomsTextSettlement.com or call 1-877-540-7545. Provide your name and the phone number associated with your claim. For the data breach settlement visit cashappsecuritysettlement.com and log in with your claimant ID.
Is the Cash App settlement legitimate?
Yes, completely. U.S. District Judge John Chun in Seattle deemed the settlement fair, reasonable, and adequate and in the best interests of the settlement class. Both class action settlements were approved by federal courts. The CFPB action is supervised by the federal government. Any third-party service asking you to pay money to receive your settlement payment is a scam.
The Bottom Line | What the Cash App Settlements Mean for You
The Cash App spam text lawsuit settlement and its companion cases represent one of the largest consumer protection actions against a fintech company in American history.
Here is what matters most to you right now in 2026:
If you filed a spam text claim before October 27, 2025, your $394.36 payment is either already in your account or a check is on its way. Contact the settlement administrator if you have not received it.
If you filed a data breach claim before November 18, 2024, check your payment status at cashappsecuritysettlement.com.
If you missed both deadlines, the CFPB $120 million fund is your remaining path to compensation and it requires no action from you. If you had fraud disputes that Cash App mishandled, you may receive automatic payment.
If none of these apply to you, the most important takeaway is to start monitoring class action settlements actively. Americans leave hundreds of millions in unclaimed settlement dollars every year. Settlements you qualify for are real money that belongs to you.
Beyond the settlement check, the bigger financial lesson is that your consumer rights are real and enforceable. Companies, even large, popular tech companies, must follow the law. When they do not, the legal system provides a mechanism for everyday Americans to receive compensation.
Use that compensation wisely. Put it toward your emergency fund, your debt payoff or your side hustle fund. Every extra dollar directed toward your financial foundation moves you closer to the stability and freedom every American deserves.
