In a major development for many customers, Wells Fargo has agreed to a class-action settlement offering payments of up to $5,000 per claimant.
The settlement resolves allegations that the bank engaged in unfair practices — including unauthorized account openings, improper fees and mismanagement of customer accounts. The claims relate in part to alleged violations of California’s privacy law and other misconduct.
What Triggered the Settlement
The case stems from claims that Wells Fargo and its partners recorded customer or business phone calls without consent, charged fees and opened accounts without approval, and exercised poor oversight of various bank services.
The settlement resolves one portion of those claims via a $19.5 million fund, where eligible claimants may receive up to $5,000 per call depending on how many valid claims are filed. The bank has not admitted wrongdoing.
Key Details at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Settlement fund size | ~$19.5 million |
| Maximum payment per claimant | Up to $5,000 per eligible claim/call |
| Typical payment amount | Approximately $86 per eligible recorded call |
| Eligibility window | Calls received between Oct 22, 2014 and Nov 17, 2023 in California |
| Claim filing deadline | April 11, 2025 |
| Final hearing date | May 20, 2025 |
Who Qualifies for the Payment
You may qualify for payment if you meet these conditions:
- Received one or more calls from The Credit Wholesale Company (on behalf of Wells Fargo) in California between October 22 2014 and November 17 2023.
- The calls were allegedly recorded without your (or the business’s) knowledge, violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
- You submit a valid claim form by the specified deadline.
Because the number of payments per claimant depends on how many valid claims are submitted — and how many eligible calls you received — one person may receive multiple payments (for multiple calls) potentially reaching up to $5,000.
When Will Payments Be Distributed
- The claim submission deadline is April 11, 2025.
- After final approval by the court, funds distribution will begin mid-2025 or soon thereafter.
- Payments will be made by check or prepaid debit card, depending on your preference during the claim process.
- Reminder: If you miss the filing deadline, you may forfeit the payment entirely.
How to File and What to Do
- Visit the claims website listed in the settlement notice.
- Provide your name, contact info, phone number (or business identifier) and details of the call(s) you received.
- Submit any supporting documentation if available (call logs, phone records, business records).
- Monitor your email/mail for confirmation or instructions from the settlement administrator.
- Beware: No legitimate administrator will ask for banking passwords or upfront payment to receive a settlement check.
The $5,000 Wells Fargo settlement offers a significant opportunity for customers and businesses in California who received undocumented recorded calls between 2014 and 2023.
If you believe you qualify, now is the time to act: file your claim by April 11, 2025 and follow up to ensure you receive your payment.
This resolution reinforces accountability in financial services — and for eligible individuals, it means potential compensation for years of alleged misconduct. Don’t delay — check your eligibility, submit your claim and prepare for whatever payment you may receive.
FAQs
What determines the size of my payment?
Your payment depends on how many eligible calls you received and how many valid claims are filed by all claimants. While the maximum is $5,000, many will receive lower amounts (approx $86 per call).
I live outside California — am I eligible?
This particular settlement applies to California recipients who received calls during the specified period. If you were outside California, you may not qualify under this settlement but should monitor for other class-action resolutions.
Do I need to pay a fee to claim?
No — you are not required to pay anything to file a claim. If anyone asks you for payment or bank login info, that’s likely a scam.