$147 Payment for Everyone : Cash App, the widely used mobile payment platform owned by Block Inc., has agreed to a $12.5 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning unsolicited promotional text messages sent to users. The settlement could result in eligible users receiving a one-time payment of up to $147.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was initiated by Kimberly Bottoms, a resident of Washington state, who claimed she received unsolicited referral text messages from Cash App’s “Invite Friends” feature. These messages were sent between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025, without recipients’ consent. The case alleged that Cash App’s actions violated state laws, including regulations designed to protect consumers from unwanted electronic communications.
Although Block Inc. has denied any wrongdoing, the company chose to settle the lawsuit to resolve the dispute and avoid prolonged litigation.
Settlement Details
Under the settlement, $12.5 million will be distributed among eligible class members. Each qualifying individual could receive between $88 and $147, depending on the total number of valid claims submitted.
To be eligible, individuals must:
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Have lived in Washington state during the period when the texts were sent.
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Have received a referral text message from Cash App’s “Invite Friends” feature between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025.
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Not have provided clear and affirmative consent to receive such messages.
Eligible individuals can submit a claim by completing a form, either online or by mail. The deadline for submitting claims is October 27, 2025.
Implications
This settlement highlights the importance of obtaining explicit consent before sending promotional messages. In the digital age, consumer privacy is a growing concern, and companies are under increasing scrutiny to respect users’ communication preferences.
For Cash App, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of failing to comply with electronic messaging laws. For users, it represents an opportunity to receive compensation for unsolicited communications they received over several years.
The settlement, while specific to Washington state residents, underscores a broader issue: the need for companies to implement transparent and user-friendly consent mechanisms when engaging with customers digitally. It also reinforces that consumers have legal protections against unwanted promotional messages, and violations can result in significant financial consequences.
As digital communications continue to expand, this case serves as a reminder that privacy and consent are not optional—they are essential components of responsible business practices in the modern era.