Costco will pay $14 million to settle a Washington state lawsuit over its email marketing practices. Eligible shoppers can now claim cash.
The class-action lawsuit, filed in Washington, alleged Costco violated the state’s anti-spam law by sending promotional emails without a clear, functional opt-out mechanism. The settlement was preliminarily approved in July 2026.
The fund is $14 million. Individual payouts are estimated between $50 and $200, depending on the total number of valid claims filed. Early filers may see priority processing, according to INC.com coverage.
Who qualifies? Washington residents who received unsolicited promotional emails from Costco between a specific date range (detailed in the settlement documents). Not all members are eligible. Only those who did not provide prior consent or who could not easily unsubscribe qualify. Kiplinger advises checking your email history against the definition of “unsolicited” under Washington law.
How to file a claim. Visit the official settlement website (link provided by the court). Locate your email records showing the unsolicited Costco emails. Fill out the claim form with your name, address, email, and a brief description of the emails received. Submit before the deadline. Use only the official site. Avoid third-party claim services.
Key deadlines. Final approval hearing: October 2026. Claims submission deadline: September 30, 2026. Payments will be distributed within 90 days after final approval. Late claims will not be accepted.
Common pitfalls. Missing the deadline. Submitting incomplete forms. Failing to provide proof of unsolicited emails. Save screenshots of the emails and any opt-out attempts. Beware of scams: legitimate administrators never ask for credit card numbers or fees.
What if you missed the deadline? Limited options exist. File a motion with the court for late submission (rarely granted). Or wait for any potential leftover funds. Most settlements do not have a second payout round.
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need a lawyer? No. Is this only for Washington residents? Yes. What if I deleted the emails? You can still file, but proof helps. Will this affect my membership? No. How long for the check? Within 90 days after final approval.
Don’t leave your money on the table. Eligible Washington shoppers can claim a share of $14 million. Check your inboxes. Gather evidence. File before September 30. Visit the official settlement website. Share this with friends and family.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is eligible for the Costco Washington email lawsuit settlement?
- A: Washington residents who received unsolicited promotional emails from Costco without prior consent or a functional opt-out mechanism during the specified date range in the settlement documents.
- Q: How much will each claimant receive from the Costco settlement?
- A: Individual payouts are estimated between $50 and $200, depending on the total number of valid claims filed. Early filers may see priority processing.
- Q: What is the deadline to file a claim in the Costco email lawsuit?
- A: The claims submission deadline is September 30, 2026. Late claims will not be accepted. Final approval hearing is in October 2026.
Extended Reading
USA Today reported the settlement details. Kiplinger provided a guide on who qualifies. INC.com covered the payout calculation. All sources are cited in the initial report.