Cash App’s parent company, Block Inc., has agreed to a $12.5 million class action settlement over claims that the app sent unsolicited spam text messages through its “Invite Friends” referral program.
As part of the settlement, eligible users (particularly in Washington State) could receive a payment of roughly $88 to $147, depending on how many claims are filed. This is a major move in favor of consumer privacy rights in digital communications.
Why the Settlement Happened
The lawsuit alleges that Cash App permitted users to send pre-written referral messages to contacts without obtaining prior consent from the recipients. These texts promoted Cash App’s services and were alleged to violate Washington State’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) and Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
Rather than protracted litigation, Block opted to settle. In court documents, the company did not admit liability but agreed to resolve the claims through the $12.5 million fund.
What You Might Be Paid & How It’s Calculated
Here’s a snapshot of how payments will work under the settlement:
| Item | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Settlement Fund | $12,500,000 | To cover claims, attorney fees, admin costs |
| Estimated Individual Payout | $88 to $147 | Depends on number of valid claimants |
| Claim Period | Until October 27, 2025 | Deadline to submit claim |
| Final Approval Hearing | December 2, 2025 | Court must approve settlement |
| Covered Period | Nov 14, 2019 – Aug 7, 2025 | Time range for unsolicited texts |
Because payouts depend on how many people file valid claims, you may receive a payment closer to $88 — or up to $147 — depending on participation.
Who Is Eligible to Claim the $147 Payment
To qualify for this settlement, you generally must meet all of the following:
- Receipt of a referral text from Cash App’s Invite Friends program between Nov 14, 2019 and Aug 7, 2025
- Washington State residency at the time you received the message (i.e., your phone number was based in Washington)
- No prior express consent given to receive promotional texts from Cash App or its users
- Submission of a valid claim by the deadline (October 27, 2025)
You do not need to have a Cash App account to file a claim. Even non-users who received the unsolicited texts may be eligible.
How to File Your Claim & Get Paid
Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
- Visit the official settlement website (BottomsTextSettlement.com or similar) once active.
- Fill out the claim form online or by mail. You’ll provide:
- Phone number that received the text
- Attestation you qualified within the class period
- Confirmation you didn’t consent to the message in advance
- Choose your payment method — check, direct deposit, or digital wallet (if available).
- Submit by October 27, 2025 to be considered valid.
- Wait for final court approval (December 2, 2025) and the administrator’s processing.
Once approved, payouts to eligible claimants typically begin within weeks, pending administrative steps and funds distribution.
What It Means for Users & the Industry
- The settlement confirms that companies can be held accountable for unsolicited promotional texts.
- It highlights the importance of user consent and stricter compliance in digital marketing.
- Fintech and referral-based platforms may face increased scrutiny and legal risks.
- For consumers, it shows that class actions can deliver a modest financial remedy and emphasize digital privacy rights.
This $12.5 million Cash App settlement over spam texts marks a significant win for consumer rights in the mobile payments space. Eligible users — especially those residing in Washington State — may receive around $88 to $147 if they file a timely, valid claim.
If you believe you received unsolicited referral messages, don’t wait: submit your claim by October 27, 2025, and stay tuned for the court’s final approval in December.