If you lived in Washington state and got unwanted “Invite Friends” referral texts from Cash App between 2019 and 2025, you could be owed money. Block, Inc. (Cash App’s parent company) agreed to pay $12.5 million to settle claims of violating state privacy laws — without admitting fault. The claim deadline passed on October 27, 2025, but here’s the full breakdown of what happened and what to expect next.
Why Cash App Is Paying $12.5 Million
The class action lawsuit (Bottoms v. Block, Inc.) accused Cash App of helping users send automated promotional texts without recipients’ consent. These messages often said things like: “Try Cash App using my code and get $5!”
Washington’s strict anti-spam laws (CEMA and Consumer Protection Act) made the company liable, even though users triggered the texts. Block settled to avoid a trial.
Who Was Eligible for Payment
Only Washington residents qualified:
- Received one or more Cash App referral texts from Nov. 14, 2019, to Aug. 7, 2025.
- Were living in Washington when the text arrived.
- Did not give clear prior consent for promotional messages.
No proof of the text was required — just your phone number and a simple attestation.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement | $12.5 million |
| Estimated Payout | $88–$147 per person (pro rata) |
| Extra Compensation | Up to $2,500 possible for proven losses (rare) |
| Eligible Location | Washington state only |
| Claim Deadline | October 27, 2025 (now closed) |
| Final Approval Hearing | December 2, 2025 |
| Official Site | bottomstextsettlement.com |
How Claims Worked (For Reference)
Eligible people could file easily:
- Online at bottomstextsettlement.com (fastest).
- By mail using the paper form.
- Provide name, phone number that got the text, and confirm no consent.
Many received notices by mail or email if their number was in Block’s records.
When Will Payments Arrive?
- After the December 2, 2025 court hearing (if approved).
- Checks, Venmo, PayPal, or direct deposit expected in early 2026.
- Exact amount depends on total valid claims (fewer claims = higher payouts).
FAQs About the Cash App $12.5M Settlement
Is the claim deadline really over?
Yes — October 27, 2025 was the final date. Late claims are not accepted.
Do I qualify if I live outside Washington now?
You had to be a Washington resident when you received the text, even if you moved later.
Will I automatically get money if eligible?
No — only those who filed a valid claim by the deadline will receive payment.
Is this the same as the Cash App data breach settlement?
No. That’s a separate $15 million case (cashappsecuritysettlement.com) from a 2021 insider breach, with claims due in 2024.
Where can I check status or updates?
Visit bottomstextsettlement.com or call the administrator at 877-540-7545.
This settlement shows how seriously Washington treats spam texts and protects consumer privacy. If you filed on time, watch your mail or email for payment news after the December hearing. For future issues, always report unwanted texts and review app permissions — your phone, your rules! (612 words)