Open class action settlements: the 2026 list and how to file

How this 2026 list is organized

We group open class action settlements by what you did, not by which law firm sued — because that's how people actually search. Each entry below lists the fund size, the typical per-person payout, whether you need proof, and the claim deadline. Deadlines move: administrators sometimes extend them after a court hearing, and courts occasionally cut them short. Treat every date as "file at least two weeks early."

A few ground rules before you start clicking:

• You must have been in the class period — usually a specific date range and geography (often U.S. only).
• One claim per person or household unless the notice says otherwise.
• No-proof claims exist because administrators can verify you from records the defendant handed over.
• Payouts scale down if too many people file — the fund is fixed.

New to any of this? Read what a class action lawsuit is and how one actually works before you dive in.

Privacy, biometric and children's data settlements

Privacy cases have paid out more than any other category in the last five years, and 2026 is no exception. The TikTok privacy settlement ($92M fund) covers U.S. users who used the app before late 2023 — no proof needed, and payouts range from about $1 up to $100,000 for a small group of documented claims. The Instagram biometric settlement ($68.5M) covers Illinois residents under the state's BIPA law. The Fitbit health data settlement ($8.6M) pays roughly $12–$32 for U.S. device owners, no receipts required.

Children's data is its own bucket. The YouTube children's privacy claim window closed July 31, 2026 — if you missed it, watch for a possible reopener during the appeals period. Most privacy claims ask only for your name, address and (sometimes) the email or username tied to the account. That's it. They should take under five minutes each.

Hidden fees, retail and mobile app cases

Hidden-fee cases are the easiest money on this list. The Starbucks mobile order fees settlement pays a flat $10 to anyone who used the app during the class period — no proof, ends Sep 30, 2026. The DoorDash hidden fees case ($25M) pays a flat $15 without proof, or up to $10,000 with receipts. Uber Eats menu price pays a flat $8. The Ticketmaster fees settlement ($12.5M) pays $1–$250 depending on how many events you attended.

Gaming has two big ones. The Fortnite/Epic FTC refunds ($245M) pay up to $20,000 for accidental purchases with documentation. The Roblox minors' purchases case ($60M) closes Aug 24, 2026 — so if you're reading this the day it publishes, file today. For a fuller walk-through, see how to file a class action claim.

The 2026 cheat sheet

Here's the fastest-to-file settlements open right now, sorted by deadline. Add these to your calendar with a reminder two weeks before each date.

Data breach and bank settlements

Data breach cases have the highest payouts you can grab without a lawyer. The Bank of America data breach settlement ($425M) pays a $50 flat baseline for any affected customer, plus up to $600 more with documentation of identity theft, fraudulent charges, or time spent restoring credit. The Wells Fargo overdraft fees settlement pays $25–$400 with no proof if you had checking activity in the class window.

For breach cases specifically, save every screenshot: fraudulent charges you had reversed, hours you spent on the phone with your bank, credit monitoring you paid for, and any locksmith/notary receipts if you had to redo IDs. Most administrators accept a simple typed log with dates — you don't need a notarized affidavit. Wondering whether you're covered? See who is eligible for a class action settlement and how to check if you're part of one.

How to file any of these in under 10 minutes

Every online claim form follows the same pattern. Once you've done one, the rest are muscle memory. Set aside a Saturday morning and knock out five in an hour.

1. Open the administrator's official site (linked from the settlement's page — not a Google ad).
2. Enter your Claim ID from the mailed postcard or email notice, if you got one.
3. Fill in name, current address, and the email/phone/account tied to the class period.
4. Attach proof only if you're going for the documented tier — otherwise skip it.
5. Choose payout: direct deposit is fastest; check is slowest; virtual prepaid card lands in a few days.
6. Sign under penalty of perjury (a typed name is legally valid) and hit submit.
7. Save the confirmation number and a PDF of the filed form to a folder called 'claims'.

What to expect after you file

Claim deadlines are just the first gate. After that comes the fairness hearing, where a judge signs off on the deal. Then the appeals window (usually 30–60 days) has to pass without objections. Only then does the administrator start cutting checks. From the day you file, expect 6–18 months to payout for most cases, and up to 24 months if there are appeals.

Payouts often shrink from the number in the headlines. Attorneys' fees (usually 25–33%), administration costs, and higher-than-expected claim rates all pull the per-person number down. That's normal, not a scam. If you want to see a running list of what's still open without checking each administrator individually, browse our settlements directory or read how to find open class action settlements. For the no-proof shortcut, see no-proof settlements and how much they typically pay.

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Talk to a licensed professional about your specific situation.

Glossary

Class period

The specific date range during which you had to be a customer, user or resident to qualify.

Administrator

The court-appointed third party (Epiq, Kroll, Angeion, etc.) that processes claims and mails payments.

No-proof claim

A claim tier where the administrator can verify you from the defendant's records, so you don't upload receipts.

Fairness hearing

The court date where a judge decides whether the settlement is fair to the class and finalizes it.

Pro rata reduction

The proportional cut to each payout when total claims exceed the available fund.

Claim ID

A unique code, usually mailed on a postcard, that pre-links your identity to the defendant's records.

FAQ