Equifax Settlement Payments May Reach $280. See if You're One of the 4 Million Eligible to Claim

Equifax has agreed to pay $100 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that a coding error caused the credit reporting agency to send inaccurate information for about 4 million consumers to lenders and other businesses in 2022. The error allegedly lowered some consumers’ credit scores by more than 20 points, potentially leading to loan denials or higher interest rates.

The proposed settlement is the largest ever related to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), according to David Berger, an attorney representing consumers in the case. The federal law requires credit reporting agencies to follow reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information in their reports.

“Credit reporting agencies must be held accountable when they fail to take common-sense measures handling data that affects people’s livelihoods,” Berger said in a press release.

Equifax agreed to the proposed settlement in August while denying the allegations and any violation of the FCRA.

Who qualifies for the Equifax settlement?

You may qualify for a payout if Equifax reported inaccurate credit information about you to a third party because of the coding error between March 17 and April 8, 2022.

Eligible consumers should have received a notice about the proposed settlement by email or mail. If you think you qualify but haven’t received a notice, check your email’s spam folder and visit the official settlement website for more information.

How much money could you receive?

Consumers who submit valid claims are estimated to receive between $95 and $280, according to the settlement website. However, the final amount will depend on how many valid claims are filed and how much of the $100 million settlement remains after court-approved attorneys’ fees, administrative costs and other settlement costs.

How to file a claim

You can submit a claim online through the official settlement website or download a paper claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator. Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by Dec. 28, 2026.

If you want to opt out of the settlement or formally object to its terms, you must do so by Nov. 27, 2026. Opting out means giving up any settlement payment but preserving the right to pursue a separate legal claim against Equifax related to the coding error.

Those who do nothing won’t receive a payment, either. But if the settlement receives final approval, you’ll still be bound by its terms and generally give up the right to sue Equifax separately over the issue.

The court is scheduled to hold a final approval hearing on Jan. 22, 2027. Payments won’t be distributed until the settlement receives final court approval.