What the Cash App settlement covers and who may receive money

Cash App reached a settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2023 over claims that the app failed to protect customers from fraud and unauthorized transfers. The settlement required Square (now Block, Inc.) to pay $2.5 billion total — but that money does not go directly to individual users. Instead, most of it funds refunds to people who lost money to fraud or unauthorized transactions on their Cash App accounts between 2013 and 2021.

You do not need to do anything to receive a refund if you are may be able to access. Cash App and the CFPB identified affected customers using transaction records, and refunds are being sent automatically to the original payment method on file — usually a linked bank account or debit card.

The settlement also requires Cash App to improve its fraud detection systems, add clearer warnings about scams, and make it easier to report unauthorized activity. These changes affect all Cash App users going forward, whether or not they receive a refund.

Key Takeaways

  • Refunds from the settlement go to people who lost money to fraud or unauthorized transfers between 2013 and 2021, and are sent automatically without requiring you to submit a claim.
  • The payment method is the same account or card you had linked to Cash App when the fraud occurred, so you may not receive money if that account is now closed.
  • Refunds are being distributed in batches over time rather than all at once, so the exact date you receive money depends on when your case was processed.
  • You can check your refund status by contacting Cash App support directly or looking for updates from the CFPB, but neither will tell you a specific payment date in advance.
  • If you receive a refund, Cash App will send you a notice explaining the amount and the reason, so you can verify it matches your records.

How refunds are being paid and what to expect

Cash App is sending refunds to the bank account or debit card you had linked when the unauthorized transaction occurred. If that account no longer exists or has been closed, the refund may be returned to Cash App, and you would need to contact Cash App support to claim it or have it sent elsewhere.

Refunds are not being distributed all on one date. Instead, Cash App is processing them in groups over several months. The CFPB and Cash App have not published a master schedule showing which customers will be paid on which dates — the timing depends on when your case was reviewed and approved for refund.

When your refund is sent, you should receive a notice from Cash App explaining the amount and why you are receiving it. This notice may come as an email, a message in the Cash App itself, or both. Keep this notice for your records, especially if the amount differs from what you expected based on your own transaction history.

What to do if you think you should have received a refund but haven't

If you believe you lost money to fraud on Cash App between 2013 and 2021 and have not received a refund, start by contacting Cash App support directly through the app or at their website. Explain the unauthorized transaction and ask whether you are included in the settlement refund program. Cash App can tell you whether your case was identified and processed.

You can also file a complaint with the CFPB if you believe you were harmed by Cash App's fraud practices and did not receive a refund. The CFPB tracks complaints and can investigate whether your case was missed. Visit the CFPB's website and use their complaint form to report the issue.

Keep records of any unauthorized transactions, including screenshots of your Cash App transaction history, bank statements showing the charge, and any messages you sent to Cash App reporting the fraud. These documents help both Cash App and the CFPB verify your claim if there is a dispute about whether you are owed money.

Why refund timing varies and what affects when you get paid

The settlement covers millions of transactions across years of Cash App history. The CFPB and Cash App had to review cases to determine which ones may have access to as fraud or unauthorized use under the settlement terms. Cases that were straightforward — a clear unauthorized charge with no dispute — were likely processed faster. Cases that required more investigation or that involved partial refunds took longer.

Your refund date also depends on the payment method you had on file. If you used a debit card that is still active, the refund can be processed quickly. If you used a bank account that has since been closed, Cash App has to attempt the transfer, wait for it to be returned, and then contact you to provide a new payment method — a process that adds weeks or months.

The CFPB has not set a final important date for all refunds to be completed, though the agency does monitor whether Cash App is meeting its obligations. If you have not received a refund by the time you contact support and you believe you should have, ask Cash App for a timeline specific to your case.

How to verify a refund is legitimate and not a scam

Scammers sometimes impersonate the CFPB or Cash App to trick people into giving up personal information or money. A real settlement refund will come from Cash App directly — either as a deposit into your linked bank account or card, or as a notice in the Cash App itself. You will not be asked to pay a fee, provide your password, or click a link in an unsolicited email or text.

If you receive an email or text claiming to be from Cash App or the CFPB about a settlement refund, verify it by logging into Cash App directly (not by clicking a link in the message) and checking your account. You can also call Cash App's official support number, which you can find on the back of your Cash App debit card or on the official Cash App website.

The CFPB will never contact you first to offer a refund. If you want to check on the status of the settlement or file a complaint, you must visit the CFPB website yourself — do not respond to unsolicited messages claiming to be from the CFPB.

What happens if you already received a refund from Cash App for the same fraud

If Cash App refunded you for an unauthorized transaction when you reported it at the time, you should not receive a second refund for the same charge through the settlement. The settlement refunds people who lost money and did not get it back — not people who were already made whole.

However, if you received a partial refund from Cash App and the settlement determines you should have received more, you may get an additional payment. For example, if Cash App refunded you $50 of a $100 unauthorized charge, the settlement might cover the remaining $50 plus any fees or interest you were charged.

If you are unsure whether a refund you received in the past was a settlement payment or a regular fraud refund, contact Cash App support and ask them to explain the transaction. They can tell you which category it falls under and whether you are owed additional money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check the status of my settlement refund online?

Cash App does not have a public tracker where you can enter your information and see a refund status. You must contact Cash App support directly through the app or their website to ask whether your case was processed and when you can expect payment. The CFPB also does not maintain a searchable database of individual refunds.

What if my bank rejected the refund because my account was closed?

Contact Cash App support and provide a current bank account or debit card where you want the refund sent. Cash App will attempt to send the money again to the new account. Keep documentation of your request in case there is a delay.

Do I have to pay taxes on a settlement refund?

Settlement refunds for fraud or unauthorized charges are generally not considered taxable income because they are returning money that was taken from you, not new income. However, tax rules vary by situation. If you are unsure, consult a tax professional or contact the IRS.

What if I never received notice that I was part of the settlement?

Cash App may have sent notice to an old email address or mailing address on file. Contact Cash App support directly and ask whether you are included in the settlement and what notice they have on record for you. If your contact information has changed since 2021, update it with Cash App so you receive future communications.

Is there a important date to claim my refund, or will it expire?

The CFPB has not published a important date for claiming refunds, but it is best not to wait. If your refund was sent to a closed account, it may be held in a suspense account that Cash App eventually closes. Contact Cash App support now if you have not received your refund and believe you are owed one.