US shoppers could be missing out on a share of $7.4 million in settlement money from Trader Joe’s if they don’t act fast. The class-action lawsuit targets printed receipts that allegedly showed too many digits of credit and debit cards, potentially exposing customers to identity theft. Consumers have until June 9, 2026, to submit a claim.
What the Settlement Covers
The case involves receipts printed between March 5, 2019, and July 19, 2019, when some stores displayed the first six and last four digits of card numbers. Federal law limits receipts to the last five digits. While Trader Joe’s denies any wrongdoing, the grocery chain agreed to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation.
Shoppers who received an affected receipt are eligible for a cash payment. The estimated payout is around $102 per claimant, though the exact amount depends on how many people submit valid claims. Importantly, claimants do not need to show that identity theft occurred, only that they received a receipt covered by the lawsuit.
How to Claim
Eligible customers can submit a claim online through the official settlement website or by phone at 1-888-444-7415. Anyone who misses the June 9 deadline will lose the right to payment and forfeit the ability to pursue any related claims in court. Those wishing to exclude themselves from the settlement must also do so by the same date.
Why This Matters
Class-action settlements often leave millions of dollars unclaimed each year. Analysts estimate nearly $2 billion is unclaimed annually across all US settlements. For Trader Joe’s shoppers, the payout represents a straightforward opportunity to recover money with minimal effort.
The lawsuit alleged that printing extra digits increased the potential risk of unauthorized card use if receipts were lost or discarded. Trader Joe’s emphasized that only a small number of transactions were affected and no identity theft has been reported.
Next Steps
A fairness hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2026, when the court will decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments are expected to be issued within 10 business days. Checks can be cashed for up to 180 days from the issue date.
Shoppers should check their email or mailbox for a notice confirming eligibility. With the deadline fast approaching, anyone who may qualify should act immediately to ensure they do not miss out on the payout.
