Many people in Washington state have received annoying referral texts from Cash App, like invitations to join and get a bonus. These unwanted messages led to a class action lawsuit against Block, Inc., the company behind Cash App. In 2025, the company agreed to a $12.5 million settlement to resolve the claims without admitting any wrongdoing.
The settlement got final court approval on December 2, 2025. Eligible people who filed claims on time can expect payments soon. Headlines often call it the “$147 settlement,” but the total fund is $12.5 million, with individual payouts estimated between $88 and $147. This article explains the facts in simple terms, including who qualified and what happens next.
What the Cash App Settlement Is About
The lawsuit, called Bottoms v. Block, Inc., claimed that Cash App’s “Invite Friends” feature allowed users to send promotional texts without proper consent. This allegedly violated Washington state laws on privacy and unwanted commercial messages.
Block, Inc. denied the accusations but agreed to settle to avoid a long trial. The $12.5 million fund covers:
- Payments to eligible people
- Lawyer fees
- Administration costs
Cash App also promised to improve its referral system for better user consent.
Who Was Eligible for the Settlement?
Only a specific group qualified for this payout. You had to meet all these conditions:
- Live in Washington state when you got the text
- Receive at least one Cash App referral text between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025
- Not give clear permission beforehand for those promotional texts
People outside Washington or those who agreed to the messages did not qualify. Block employees and anyone who opted out were also excluded.
Note: This is separate from other Cash App settlements, like ones for data breaches.
Claim Process and Important Deadlines
The deadline to file a claim was October 27, 2025. It is now too late to submit new claims.
Steps People Took to Claim (For Reference)
- Visit the official site: BottomsTextSettlement.com
- Enter your phone number to check eligibility quickly
- Fill out the online form with basic details and confirm no consent was given
- Choose payment method (direct deposit was fastest)
- Submit before the deadline
The court gave final approval on December 2, 2025. No appeals were mentioned, so things are moving forward.
Expected Payout Amounts and Timeline
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement Fund | $12.5 million |
| Estimated Per Person | $88 to $147 (depends on number of valid claims) |
| Higher if… | Fewer people filed valid claims |
| Lower if… | More people filed |
| Payment Methods | Check, direct deposit, or prepaid card |
| When Payments Start | Early 2026 (Q1 expected) |
| How to Check Status | Visit BottomsTextSettlement.com |
The exact amount each person gets will be calculated after all costs are deducted. Fewer claims mean bigger checks.
Beware of Scams
Many fake websites and messages claim you can still “claim $147 from Cash App.” These are scams. The only official site was BottomsTextSettlement.com. Never pay fees or share sensitive info to “unlock” a payment. Cash App and the settlement administrator do not contact you this way.
Conclusion
The Cash App unsolicited texts settlement provides fair compensation to Washington residents affected by unwanted referral messages. With court approval in place as of December 2025, those who filed timely claims should see payments in early 2026, likely $88 to $147 each. This case highlights the importance of consent in digital marketing and holds companies accountable.