Are you a Washington resident who got annoying unsolicited text messages from Cash App inviting you to join or refer friends? If yes, you might be eligible for a cash payment from a recent class action settlement. Block, Inc., the company behind Cash App, agreed to pay $12.5 million to resolve claims that it helped send unwanted promotional texts, violating Washington state laws.
This settlement, from the lawsuit Bottoms v. Block, Inc., was finally approved by the court on December 2, 2025. Eligible people who filed valid claims on time could receive an estimated $88 to $147 each, depending on how many claims were approved. This guide explains everything in simple terms: who qualifies, how to check if you’re included, the claim steps (even though the deadline has passed), and when payments might arrive.
What Is the Cash App $147 Settlement About?
Cash App has a feature called “Invite Friends” where users can send referral links to get bonuses. The lawsuit claimed that this feature allowed users to send commercial text messages to people’s phones without getting proper permission first. These texts were seen as spam under Washington’s laws protecting consumers from unwanted marketing.
Block, Inc. denies any wrongdoing and says it followed all laws. However, to avoid a long court battle, the company agreed to this $12.5 million settlement. The money covers:
- Payments to eligible class members (estimated $88–$147 each)
- Lawyer fees and court costs
- Administration expenses
No one admits fault, but affected Washington residents get compensation for the inconvenience.
Who Is Eligible for the Cash App Settlement Payment?
Eligibility is strict and limited to people in Washington state. You qualify if all these apply to you:
- You lived in Washington when you received the text.
- You got at least one Cash App referral text (like “Join Cash App and get $5”) between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025.
- You did not give clear permission in advance to receive these promotional texts.
This does not cover data breaches, fraud, or other issues—it’s only about unsolicited referral texts in Washington.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Were you a Washington resident at the time? | |
| Did you receive a Cash App referral text in the date range? | |
| Did you consent to getting marketing texts from Cash App? |
If you answer “Yes” to the first two and “No” to the last, you likely qualified.
How to Check Your Eligibility
The official settlement website is www.bottomstextsettlement.com. There, you can:
- Use a lookup tool (if available) with your phone number to see if records show you received a qualifying text.
- Review your claim status if you already filed.
Since the court has approved the settlement, the site now focuses on updates for approved claimants. Block’s records were used to identify potential class members, so no extra proof was usually needed.
Claim Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The deadline to file a claim was October 27, 2025 (sometimes listed as November 27 in notices). If you missed it, unfortunately, new claims are not accepted.
For those who filed on time, here’s how the process worked:
- Visit the Official Site: Go to www.bottomstextsettlement.com.
- Fill Out the Online Form: Provide your name, phone number used at the time, current address, and confirm Washington residency and lack of consent.
- Alternative: Mail a Claim: Download the form, print it, and mail it to the settlement administrator.
- Submit by Deadline: Online was easiest and fastest.
- Fix Any Issues: If your claim had problems, you got a notice to correct it.
No documents like text screenshots were required—eligibility came from Cash App’s data.
Payout Timeline: When Will Payments Arrive?
The settlement got final court approval on December 2, 2025. Here’s the expected schedule:
| Milestone | Date/Estimate |
|---|---|
| Claim Deadline | October 27, 2025 (passed) |
| Final Court Approval | December 2, 2025 |
| Appeals Period (if any) | Up to 30–60 days after approval |
| Payment Distribution Starts | Early to mid-2026 |
| Payments Sent | By check, direct deposit, or digital payment (Venmo/PayPal) |
Payments will go out after all appeals (if any) are resolved and administration is complete. Most people should see money in early 2026, possibly by spring. The exact amount per person will be calculated after deducting fees and based on total valid claims.
Track updates on the official website.
How Much Will You Get?
- Estimated Range: $88 to $147 per person.
- Why It Varies: The $12.5 million fund is split equally after costs. Fewer claims mean higher payouts; more claims mean lower.
- Actual amounts will be confirmed closer to distribution.
This is tax-free in most cases, as it’s compensation for privacy issues (check with a tax advisor).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this Cash App settlement real or a scam?
Yes, it’s 100% legitimate. It’s a court-approved class action. Always use the official site: www.bottomstextsettlement.com. Beware of fake sites or emails asking for bank details upfront.
I live outside Washington—can I get money?
No, this settlement is only for Washington residents who received texts there. Other states may have similar laws, but this case is Washington-specific.
What if I didn’t file a claim by the deadline?
Late claims are usually not accepted. Only those who filed on time will get paid.
Is this related to Cash App data breaches or fraud?
No. There are separate settlements for data security issues (like the $15 million one from 2024). This one is purely about unsolicited referral texts.
How will I receive my payment?
Options include mailed check, direct deposit, or electronic transfer (like Venmo or PayPal). You’ll choose or confirm during the process.
Can the payout amount change?
Yes, it depends on the final number of approved claims and deducted costs.
Who can I contact for help?
Visit the settlement website or contact the administrator listed there. Avoid sharing info with unofficial sources.
Conclusion
The Cash App $147 settlement is a win for consumer privacy, turning frustrating spam texts into real cash for eligible Washington residents. With final approval on December 2, 2025, those who filed timely claims can look forward to payments in early 2026—potentially $88 to $147 each.
While the claim window is closed, this case reminds us how class actions hold big companies accountable. If you think you qualified and filed, keep an eye on the official site for updates. For similar issues in the future, always check legitimate settlement websites and act quickly on deadlines.