By As Law Online 
If you live in Washington and received a random text inviting you to join Cash App with a referral code promising a cash bonus, you are not alone. Thousands of residents dealt with these unsolicited marketing messages, leading to a major class action lawsuit against Block Inc., Cash App’s parent company.
This Cash App unsolicited text message settlement created a $12.5 million fund to compensate affected consumers. While the claims deadline has passed, distributions began in early 2026, with approved claimants receiving $394.36 each. This guide explains everything: who qualified, how the process worked, what payouts look like now, and your ongoing consumer protection rights under laws like the TCPA and Washington statutes.
What Happened in the Cash App Spam Text Lawsuit?
Block Inc. faced allegations that its “Invite Friends” referral program enabled users to send pre-filled commercial text messages to contacts without the recipients’ clear and affirmative consent. These texts typically read something like: “Hey! I’ve been using Cash App to send money… Try it using my code and you’ll get $5.”
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), claimed these practices violated Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) and Consumer Protection Act. Plaintiffs argued Block substantially assisted in transmitting unsolicited commercial texts to Washington phone numbers.
Block denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the $12.5M settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. The court granted final approval on December 2, 2025. This resolution highlights broader issues with unsolicited marketing text messages and TCPA violations, which protect consumers from unwanted automated or commercial communications.
Why does this matter? Text spam invades your privacy, wastes time, and can lead to scams. This settlement reinforces that companies must respect consent before blasting promotional messages.
Who Qualified for the Cash App Unsolicited Text Message Settlement?
Eligibility was straightforward but specific:
- You received a Cash App referral program text message between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025.
- You were a Washington resident at the time you received the text.
- You did not clearly and affirmatively consent in advance to receive such messages.
Referral texts were promotional (offering bonuses for signing up), not transactional ones about actual money transfers or account activity. If someone sent you money or requested funds via Cash App, that likely did not qualify.
Note: People who opted out or had valid consent were excluded. The class covered approximately 1.9 million Washington phone numbers, but not every recipient filed a claim.
If you think you qualified but missed the October 27, 2025, claims deadline, you unfortunately cannot claim now. However, understanding this helps for future similar situations.
How Much Does the Cash App Spam Text Settlement Pay?
Original estimates ranged from $88 to $147 per claimant, depending on the number of valid claims. After review, approved claimants received $394.36 each.
Payments started issuing on February 2, 2026, via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, virtual prepaid cards, or paper checks. By April 2026, reissues for failed or returned payments were largely complete, with most checks expected by early April.
The $12.5 million fund covered:
- Payments to class members
- Administration costs
- Attorneys’ fees (around $3.125 million)
- Expenses and a service award to the class representative
This pro-rata distribution ensured fair sharing among verified claimants.
Cash App Text Settlement Payout Timeline 2026: What to Expect
- Claims Deadline: October 27, 2025 (passed)
- Final Court Approval: December 2, 2025
- Payments Begin: February 2, 2026
- Distribution Updates: Ongoing into spring 2026, with reissues processed by April 2026
If you submitted a valid claim and haven’t received payment by now, contact the administrator at info@BottomsTextSettlement.com or 1-877-540-7545. Keep records of your submission.
Check status of Cash App text message lawsuit: Visit the official site BottomsTextSettlement.com for the latest updates.
Step-by-Step: How the Claims Process Worked (For Future Reference)
- Verify Eligibility — Confirm you received a qualifying referral text while in Washington.
- Submit Claim — Online at the settlement website or by mail. Provide your phone number and any claims code from the notice.
- Review Period — Administrators verified claims against data.
- Receive Payment — Approved claimants got direct deposits or checks.
Common pitfalls to avoid in similar cases: Missing deadlines, providing incomplete info, or confusing this with other Cash App settlements (like data breach or CFPB matters).
Your Broader Consumer Protection Rights Against Text Spam
This settlement underscores key laws:
- TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act): Limits autodialed or pre-recorded calls/texts without consent. Violations can mean $500–$1,500 per illegal text.
- Washington CEMA and CPA: Specifically target unsolicited commercial emails and texts, providing strong state-level remedies.
Tips to protect yourself:
- Reply “STOP” to unwanted texts (though effectiveness varies).
- Register on the National Do Not Call Registry (though it primarily covers calls).
- Use phone settings to block spam.
- Report violations to the FTC, FCC, or Washington Attorney General.
Companies must obtain prior express written consent for marketing texts in many cases. Document everything if you receive spam.
Average Payout for Cash App Unsolicited Text Message Settlement and What It Means
The final $394.36 payout exceeded early estimates due to claim volume and fund allocation. While not life-changing, it acknowledges the nuisance and holds companies accountable. Many class actions deliver similar per-person amounts after fees.
This case adds to precedents on referral program liability. Businesses can no longer freely incentivize users to spam contacts without risk.
How to Spot and Avoid Future Text Spam Scams
Legitimate Cash App communications usually come from verified numbers and relate to actual transactions. Unsolicited referral invites are red flags.
- Never click links in suspicious texts; go directly to the app or cash.app.
- Enable two-factor authentication and monitor your accounts.
- Forward spam to 7726 (SPAM) to help carriers.
For more on consumer rights, check resources from the Federal Trade Commission or FCC.
Take Action and Stay Informed
The $12.5M class action lawsuit against Block Inc. delivered real relief to Washington consumers targeted by Block Inc spam text suit practices. It reinforces consumer protection rights and the importance of consent in digital marketing.
Even if you missed this one, saving records of unwanted texts strengthens future claims. Share this guide with friends or family who might have been affected. For personalized advice, consult a consumer protection attorney.
Stay vigilant, know your rights, and help push companies toward better practices. Your phone, your rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Cash App unsolicited text message settlement?
Washington residents who received non-consensual referral texts from Nov. 2019 to Aug. 2025.
How much does Cash App spam text settlement pay?
Approved claimants received $394.36.
Cash App unsolicited text message settlement deadline?
Claims closed October 27, 2025.
Is there still time to claim?
No for this settlement, but monitor official sites for updates or related cases.
What about other Cash App settlements?
Separate ones exist for data breaches/security issues and CFPB matters. Verify via official notices only.
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