There’s significant news for residents of Washington state. The popular payment platform Cash App has agreed to a $12.5 million (approximately ₹104 crore) settlement. This settlement follows a lawsuit accusing the company of sending promotional text messages without permission. The official name of the case is Bottoms v. Block Inc., Case No. 2:23-cv-01969-MJP.
Under this settlement, eligible Washington residents may be entitled to compensation ranging from $88 to $147. The amount of the payment will depend on the total number of eligible claims received. This case is not limited to financial compensation; it has become an important precedent regarding digital privacy and consumer rights.
How the Lawsuit Began
The lawsuit originated with Cash App’s referral feature, which the company created to encourage its users to add new customers. Between November 2019 and August 2025, several Washington residents complained that they received promotional text messages from Cash App—even though they had never given their consent.
Indeed, Cash App’s “Invite Friends” option sent automatically generated promotional messages, unknowingly impersonating ordinary users as marketers. This is what sparked the entire legal process.
The lawsuit stated that these messages violated the Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA)—Washington State’s privacy and consumer protection laws. The court took this matter seriously and passed a settlement that not only compensates those affected but also emphasizes the need for explicit consent in digital marketing.
Settlement Legal Process and Agreement
During the lawsuit, Block Inc., Cash App’s parent company, denied all allegations. The company stated that it had not broken any laws and that the matter was the result of a technical misunderstanding. Nevertheless, to avoid a lengthy and costly lawsuit, the company agreed to a $12.5 million settlement.
This decision took effect after court approval. The settlement not only provides financial relief to Washington residents but also sends a message to other digital platforms that sending promotional messages without consumer permission can be considered a serious offense.
Who is Eligible – Eligibility Criteria for the Settlement
Only certain residents of Washington State can claim under this settlement. The following eligibility criteria have been established:
- The individual must be a Washington State resident and have received a Cash App promotional referral message between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025.
- The individual must not have previously consented to receiving these text messages.
- The phone number to which the message was sent must be owned or regularly used by the individual.
Claims can be filed until October 27, 2025. Eligible individuals can apply online or by mail. If unsure about eligibility, they can check through the “Eligibility Verification Tool” available on the official website.
How to File a Claim – Application Process
The process for receiving a payment under the Cash App Settlement is extremely simple. Eligible individuals can file a claim by following these steps:
- First, visit the website: BottomsTextSettlement.com.
- Fill out the online claim form, which will ask for your name, phone number, and residence information.
- Certify that you never consented to Cash App promotional messages.
- Submit the form online or by mail before October 27, 2025.
The following is the mailing address:
- Bottoms v. Block Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 2631 - Baton Rouge, LA 70821
If anyone has questions about the process, they can email info@BottomsTextSettlement.com
or call 877-540-7545.
Attorneys Representing the Lawsuit
Two prominent law firms represented consumers in this lawsuit—
- Terrell Marshall Law Group PLLC – Attorneys: Beth E. Terrell, Jennifer Rust Murray, Eden B. Nordby
- Berger Montague PC – Attorneys: Sophia M. Rios, E. Michelle Drake, Colleen Fewer
- Perkins Coie LLP, with Cody W. S. Harris, Tana B. Glass, and Manoj S. Samal Jr. as lead attorneys, handled the defense for Block Inc.
- Bottoms v. The Block Settlement Administrator is conducting the settlement to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Court’s Message and Impact on Digital Privacy
This settlement is not just a warning to Cash App, but an important step toward protecting consumer rights in the digital world.
Washington State’s CEMA and CPA laws demonstrate that strong legal provisions exist to protect privacy even at the state level. This lawsuit also clarified that no digital platform should send promotional messages without “opt-in consent,” meaning the user’s explicit permission.
In an era where companies are using automated marketing systems, this decision will serve as a precedent. It will encourage other companies to adhere to the law in their referral or promotional programs.
Conclusion
This $12.5 million settlement with Cash App is not only a means of financial relief for Washington residents, but also a landmark in the field of digital ethics and consumer rights.
This case clearly demonstrates that “user consent” is not a formality for tech companies, but a legal responsibility. For Washington residents, this victory is not just about the $147, but about respect for their privacy.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Cash App $12.5 million settlement about?
A. It’s a class action settlement resolving claims that Cash App sent unauthorized promotional text messages to Washington residents.
Q2. Who is eligible to receive payment?
A. Washington State residents who got Cash App referral texts between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025, without giving consent.
Q3. How much money will eligible users receive?
A. Payments will range between $88 and $147, depending on the total number of valid claims.
