By Bemi Brooks 
If you live in Washington and ever got one of those unexpected Cash App referral texts inviting you to join or send money, you could be part of a major class action settlement. Cash App’s parent company, Block Inc., agreed to pay $12.5 million to resolve claims that it helped send unsolicited commercial text messages without proper consent. This cash app $12.5 million payout aims to compensate affected users for violations of Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act and Consumer Protection Act.
Many people never realized those friendly “Invite Friends” messages broke the rules. Now, with payments rolling out in 2026, it is time to understand your eligibility and next steps. This guide walks you through everything in plain language so you can secure what you are owed before any final distribution windows close.
What the Cash App $12.5 Million Payout Lawsuit Was About
The lawsuit, Bottoms v. Block, Inc. (Case No. 2:23-cv-01969-MJP in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington), accused Cash App of encouraging users to send pre-filled referral texts to their contacts. These messages promoted the app with promises of bonuses but allegedly lacked the recipient’s clear, advance consent. Block Inc. strongly denied wrongdoing yet chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation and provide relief to class members.
The core issue centered on unauthorized commercial texts that flooded Washington phones between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025. Plaintiffs argued this practice violated state privacy protections and consumer laws designed to stop spam. While not a traditional data breach settlement, the case highlights ongoing concerns about user privacy and financial security in peer-to-peer payment apps.
Who Qualifies for the Cash App Settlement
You may be eligible if you meet all three criteria:
- You received a Cash App referral program text message (example: “Hey! I’ve been using Cash App… Try it using my code and you’ll get $5”) during the class period.
- You were a Washington resident at the time you received the message.
- You did not clearly and affirmatively consent in advance to receive the text.
The settlement covers roughly 1.97 million potential class members. Proof of receipt often comes from your phone records or simply attesting under penalty of perjury that you got the message on your number.
Note: This settlement is Washington-specific. Users outside the state or those affected by separate issues like unauthorized account access or payment disputes should check the distinct Cash App Security Settlement (a $15 million fund for data incidents and fraud claims).
Deadline for Cash App Class Action Payout: What Happened
The official claim deadline was October 27, 2025. The court granted final approval on December 2, 2025. As of May 2026, the claims window is closed, but the settlement administrator continues processing valid claims and issuing payments.
If you submitted a timely claim, you should have received (or will soon receive) your share. Most approved claimants receive a fixed amount around $394.36 after deductions for attorneys’ fees, administration costs, and other expenses. Early estimates ranged from $88 to $147 depending on the final number of valid claims.
How to File a Claim for Cash App Settlement (What the Process Looked Like)
Although the deadline has passed, understanding the steps helps you verify your claim status or assist others. Here is exactly how eligible users filed:
- Visit the official settlement website at BottomsTextSettlement.com.
- Complete the online Claim Form or download and mail a paper version. You needed to provide your phone number that received the text and confirm lack of consent.
- Submit supporting details if requested (phone records helped but were not always required).
- Wait for approval — the administrator reviewed claims for completeness and validity.
Valid claims automatically released your right to sue Block Inc. separately on these issues. No proof of purchase or actual harm was required beyond receiving the unsolicited message.
Pro tip: Keep records of any texts or screenshots. Many users simply used their phone number and a simple attestation.
Cash App Settlement Amount Per Person: What You Can Expect
After attorneys’ fees ($3.1 million awarded), notice costs, and a $10,000 service award to the class representative, the remaining net fund is divided equally among approved claimants. Current figures show approximately $394.36 per accepted claim. Payments are being issued primarily by paper check after some digital attempts failed.
If you claimed and have not received your check by mid-April 2026, contact the administrator immediately. Reissues for returned or failed payments were processed through March 18, 2026, with most deliveries expected by April 8, 2026.
What to Do If You Missed the Deadline or Haven’t Received Payment
New claims are no longer accepted. However, if you believe you qualified and submitted on time:
- Email info@BottomsTextSettlement.com.
- Call 1-877-540-7545.
- Provide your claim confirmation number or phone number for status updates.
For broader financial security questions or separate payment dispute issues, reach out directly to Cash App support or review the CFPB consent order that addresses fraud investigations (no claim required for certain redress).
Why This Settlement Matters for User Privacy and Financial Security
This case underscores how seemingly harmless referral programs can cross legal lines. Washington’s strong consumer protection laws set an example for holding big tech and fintech companies accountable. Similar class action lawsuits continue to spotlight weaknesses in app privacy practices nationwide.
If you use Cash App or any payment app, enable two-factor authentication, review transaction alerts, and never share login details. These small habits protect against both spam and more serious unauthorized account access.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The cash app $12.5 million payout delivers real compensation to Washington residents who received unsolicited referral texts. With the deadline passed and distributions underway, the focus now shifts to ensuring every valid claimant receives their share.
Check your mail and spam folders for settlement checks. If you qualify but have not heard anything, contact the settlement administrator right away. For questions about investigative failures or other Cash App issues, the separate security settlement website (cashappsecuritysettlement.com) and CFPB resources remain helpful.
Stay proactive about your financial security. Small actions today can prevent bigger headaches tomorrow. If you have concerns about your specific situation, consider consulting a consumer protection attorney or visiting your state’s attorney general website for free guidance on similar claims.