You might’ve come across headlines claiming, “Cash App users to get $148 each after a $12.6 million settlement,” and wondered — is that legit? Let’s break down what’s actually confirmed, who qualifies, and how this all came to be.
The Short Version: What’s Going On
Cash App, through its parent company Block, Inc., has agreed to pay $12.6 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged the company sent unsolicited promotional text messages without users’ proper consent.
The case claims that Cash App’s “Invite Friends” feature — which lets users send referral messages to contacts — may have led to automated texts being sent to people who never agreed to receive them. That practice, according to the plaintiffs, violated Washington State’s anti-spam and consumer protection laws.
To be clear, Cash App hasn’t admitted to any wrongdoing. The settlement simply means the company agreed to resolve the dispute and move forward without a lengthy court battle.
Under this settlement, qualifying individuals could receive a payout between $88 and $147, though many headlines have rounded that figure up to $148 for simplicity.
How It All Started
The lawsuit — Bottoms v. Block Inc. — was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The plaintiffs argued that the “Invite Friends” feature sent automated referral messages without the recipients’ explicit consent.
Washington law requires clear, affirmative permission before sending marketing or promotional texts. The plaintiffs said that Cash App’s referral texts didn’t meet that standard.
Rather than fighting the case in court, Block Inc. chose to settle, allowing affected individuals to claim a portion of the settlement fund.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
This is where things get specific. To be eligible for a payment, you’ll need to meet several criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | You must have lived in Washington State when you received the text. |
| Time Frame | The message must have been sent between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025. |
| Message Type | It should be one of the referral or “Invite Friends” texts, not general Cash App marketing messages. |
| Consent | You must confirm that you did not give explicit consent to receive those texts. |
| Claim Deadline | You must submit your claim by October 27, 2025, including your name, phone number, and address details. |
If you live outside Washington, received the message outside that time window, or had already given consent to receive such messages, you’re likely not eligible.
For those who do qualify, the exact payment amount will depend on how many people file valid claims — after legal and administrative costs are deducted, the remaining funds are distributed evenly among approved claimants.
How Much You Could Receive (and When)
The estimated payout per eligible person falls between $88 and $147, depending on participation. Some media outlets rounded that upper number to $148, but the official documents list $147 as the cap.
As for timing: payments will only be made after the court gives final approval and all valid claims have been processed. Disbursement will likely come via check or electronic payment, depending on the claims administrator’s process.
Remember, missing the October 27, 2025 deadline means forfeiting your right to any compensation — even if you were eligible.
Why This Case Matters
Sure, a $100 payment might not change anyone’s life. But the settlement sends a few important messages:
- Respect for digital consent: Companies must ensure automated or user-triggered systems follow strict consent rules.
- Consumer protection in action: Washington’s anti-spam laws proved enforceable, showing that individuals can hold big tech firms accountable.
- A wake-up call for fintechs: Startups and payment apps must audit how their referral systems work to avoid similar lawsuits.
- User awareness: Many people don’t realize they can benefit from class action settlements. Cases like this highlight the value of staying informed.
Settlements like these are rarely about one big payday — they’re about ensuring fairness and transparency in how digital platforms interact with consumers.
What You Should Do
If you think you might qualify, here’s a quick action plan:
- Check your old texts: Look for any Cash App “Invite Friends” or referral messages.
- Confirm your location: Were you living in Washington at the time?
- Review consent: Did you ever agree to receive promotional messages?
- Visit the official claims website: Only trust links shared through verified court notices.
- Submit your claim by October 27, 2025.
- Keep proof: Save screenshots or email confirmations of your claim.
- Stay alert: Watch for updates from the claims administrator about approval or payment timelines.
Even if you later learn you don’t qualify, checking now ensures you won’t miss your chance.
Quick FAQs
Q: Is the $148 payout guaranteed?
No. That’s a rounded figure — the real range is between $88 and $147, depending on total claims.
Q: What if I live outside Washington?
This particular settlement applies only to Washington residents who received texts in the defined period.
Q: What if I had previously agreed to receive promotional texts?
If you gave clear, affirmative consent, you likely don’t qualify.
Q: I changed my phone number — can I still claim?
Possibly. You’ll need to provide as much detail as you can on your claim form.
Q: When will payments go out?
After final court approval and verification of all claims — typically a few months after the filing deadline.
The Bottom Line
The Cash App settlement might not make you rich, but it’s a reminder that digital marketing practices must respect user consent.
If you received a referral text from Cash App between 2019 and 2025 and lived in Washington State, it’s worth checking your eligibility. A few minutes of effort could mean a payout — and a small win for consumer privacy.
