Washington residents can now claim payouts from the $12.5 million Cash App class action settlement, following allegations that Cash App sent unauthorized promotional texts. The lawsuit accused parent company Block Inc. of violating Washington’s privacy laws, and while the company did not admit wrongdoing, it has agreed to issue refunds to affected users.
This settlement applies only to Washington residents who received Cash App referral texts between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025. Each eligible claimant could receive between $88 and $147 depending on the number of valid claims filed before the deadline on October 27, 2025.
Cash App $12.5M Class Action Settlement 2025: Overview
| Case Name | Bottoms v. Block Inc. (Cash App Settlement) |
| Total Settlement | $12.5 million |
| Estimated Payout | $88 – $147 per person |
| Eligible Period | November 14, 2019 – August 7, 2025 |
| Eligible Group | Washington residents who received Cash App referral texts without consent |
| Claim Deadline | October 27, 2025 |
| Settlement Website | www.BottomsTextSettlement.com |
| Contact | [email protected] / 877-540-7545 |
Why the Settlement Happened?
The lawsuit Bottoms v. Block Inc. (Case No. 2:23-cv-01969-MJP) was filed in the Western District of Washington. It alleged that Cash App’s “Invite Friends” feature violated state privacy laws by sending marketing texts to non-users who had not provided consent.
These messages were sent automatically on behalf of existing Cash App users and encouraged recipients to join the platform. Under Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) and Consumer Protection Act (CPA), sending such texts without permission is illegal.
While Block Inc. denied wrongdoing, the company agreed to pay $12.5 million to settle the claims and avoid extended litigation.
Settlement Breakdown
| Settlement Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Fund | $12.5 million |
| Payout Range | $88 – $147 per claimant |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or check |
| Payment Timeline | Early 2026 (after claim verification) |
| Administered By | Bottoms v. Block Settlement Administrator |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2631, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 |
Who Qualifies for the Refund?
Eligibility is limited to residents of Washington State who received Cash App referral or promotional texts without giving prior consent during the eligible period.
| Eligibility Type | Criteria | Refund Method | Maximum Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Refund | Received Cash App promotional texts and used 3 or fewer Prime benefits in 12 months | Automatically issued | Up to $147 |
| Claim-Based Refund | Attempted to cancel or received unauthorized marketing texts | Must file claim form | Up to $147 |
Residents of other states — including California, Florida, or Texas — are not eligible because the lawsuit was filed under Washington state law.
If you are located outside Washington but experienced similar unauthorized marketing, you may file a consumer complaint with your state’s Attorney General:
| State | Attorney General Complaint Link |
|---|---|
| California | oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company |
| Florida | myfloridalegal.com/webforms/file-a-complaint |
| Washington | atg.wa.gov/file-complaint |
How to File a Claim?
Eligible Washington residents must submit their claims before October 27, 2025. Filing can be done online or by mail.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit www.BottomsTextSettlement.com |
| Step 2 | Use the Eligibility Tool to verify if you qualify |
| Step 3 | Complete the online claim form or print and mail it to the settlement administrator |
| Step 4 | Save your confirmation number for proof of submission |
| Step 5 | Wait for payout updates (expected early 2026) |
If you received a mailed notice but have not yet filed, you can still claim your share before the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Why Only Washington Residents Are Eligible?
The Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) protects Washington residents from unsolicited commercial messages. Since the Cash App lawsuit relied on this law, only Washington residents can receive refunds from this specific settlement.
States such as California, Colorado, and Virginia have similar privacy protections, but separate lawsuits would need to be filed to include their residents.
Broader Impact on Tech Companies
The Cash App case reflects growing legal pressure on digital platforms that misuse automated marketing systems. Similar privacy lawsuits have already been filed under California’s CCPA and Colorado’s CPA, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is closely monitoring such practices.
“Turning users into advertisers without consent is a violation of digital trust,” one consumer protection attorney said. “This case is a wake-up call for tech firms to prioritize user permission over profit.”
Fact Check: True vs False
| Claim | Verdict | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone in the U.S. can file a claim | False | Only Washington residents are covered |
| Cash App admitted wrongdoing | False | Block Inc. denied liability |
| Every claimant will get $147 | Partially True | Actual payout depends on total valid claims |
| Deadline is October 27, 2025 | True | Confirmed by the settlement administrator |
| Payments will arrive in 2025 | False | Expected in early 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Cash App refund?
Residents of Washington who received referral or promotional texts between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025, without consent.
How much will I receive?
Between $88 and $147, depending on the number of approved claims.
When is the claim deadline?
October 27, 2025.
Do I need to provide proof of receiving the text?
No, eligibility will be verified using Cash App’s internal records.
When will payments be sent?
Payments are expected in early 2026, after final court approval.
What if I live outside Washington?
You are not eligible for this settlement, but you may file a complaint through your state’s Attorney General.
The Big Picture
The Cash App $12.5 million class action settlement marks another milestone in state-led privacy enforcement. For Washington residents, it means real compensation for privacy violations. For tech companies, it’s a clear signal — transparency and consent are no longer optional.
Eligible claimants must file before October 27, 2025, at www.BottomsTextSettlement.com to receive their share.
