Trader Joe's Customers to Get Payout in $7.4M Class Action Settlement (See if You Qualify)

If you tend to shop at Trader Joe's to save money on groceries, you might be eligible to claim a payout from a recent class action lawsuit settlement. Trader Joe's shoppers from a specific 2019 window who used a credit or debit card may be entitled to a portion of the $7.4 million settlement, but they'll have to take specific steps to claim the money.

Read on to learn whether you might be eligible to receive a settlement payout and how to file a claim.

Why Trader Joe's was sued

The lawsuit alleged that Trader Joe's violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) by printing receipts that included sensitive financial information. Plaintiff Brian Keim used a debit card while shopping at Trader Joe's in July 2019. After checking out, he realized that this receipt included the first six and last four digits of his card number. Keim alleged that the printed receipt disclosed his private financial information to the store employee and to anyone else who happened to see the receipt.

How private information may have been shared

Keim's receipt didn't include other details like his card's expiration date, his name, or his address. However, the FACTA prohibits businesses from printing more than the last five digits of a debit or credit card, and Keim's receipt included a total of 10 digits. Printing so many digits might expose a customer to hacking, making it easier for a hacker to determine the missing digits.

The FACTA also allows consumers to receive damages from businesses that don't follow the regulations.

The decision to settle

Trader Joe's denied wrongdoing and stated that it was unaware of identity theft resulting from any of the receipts. However, the retailer opted to settle the lawsuit to avoid further litigation, reaching a tentative $7.4 million settlement in February.

Trader Joe's offered a payment to Keim and to pay for attorneys' fees. The settlement will also include payments to affected Trader Joe's shoppers who submit valid claim forms.

Who is eligible for a settlement payout

Keim experienced the receipt issue when shopping at a Palm Beach, Florida store, but other stores may have printed similar receipts.

The settlement website states that shoppers who made a purchase at a Trader Joe's store from March 5, 2019 to July 19, 2019 may be eligible. To qualify, shoppers must have used a credit or debit card, and they must have received a receipt displaying the first six and the last four digits of their card number.

How to tell if you're eligible

You might receive an email or a postcard informing you about the settlement and your potential eligibility based on payment processing software records. Even if you receive an email or postcard, you will need to file a claim to receive a payout. The settlement notice may include a claim ID and PIN that you can use when you file.

If you're not sure if you're eligible, the settlement website provides additional guidance. You may also call the settlement hotline at 1-888-444-7415.

How to file a claim

Any eligible shoppers must submit a Settlement Claim Form by June 9, 2026. If you have a claim ID and PIN from your settlement notice, you can submit a claim form online at TJ-FACTASettlement.com. Alternatively, you can download a form, print it, fill it out, and mail it to the settlement administrator, or you can call 1-888-444-7415.

If you do not have a claim ID and PIN, you must download the claim form, print it, complete it, and return it to the settlement administrator by mail.

How much class members might receive

The estimated settlement payment is around $102.45 per person, but the final amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims that settlement class members submit.

The settlement isn't yet final, and during an August 10, 2026 hearing, a court will need to decide whether to approve it. If the settlement is approved, it's possible that there could be appeals. Resolving appeals may take more than a year, according to the settlement website, so be sure to check the website for updated information as the settlement progresses.

Bottom line

Choosing to submit a claim means forfeiting the right to sue Trader Joe's over these specific receipt allegations. If you want to retain the option to sue, you'll need to exclude yourself by June 9, 2026. If you do not exclude yourself and choose to do nothing, you'll give up your rights to pursue a claim against Trader Joe's.

If you were impacted by this settlement issue, you may not wish to return to shopping at Trader Joe's. Fortunately, there are many other retailers who can help you save on groceries. You might consider using Costco shopping hacks to save on food, household essentials, and more.