The Capital One data breach of 2019 left nearly 98 million customers’ personal information exposed, including sensitive details like Social Security numbers and financial data. After years of legal proceedings, Capital One agreed to a $190 million settlement, approved in September 2022. Here’s what you need to know about how the payout works, who’s eligible, and what benefits are still available.
Who Can Receive Payments?
The settlement was created to compensate individuals who suffered financial losses or time-related costs due to the data breach. To qualify for compensation, you needed to meet these basic criteria:
- Be a U.S. resident during the 2019 breach.
- Have held a Capital One account or applied for a Capital One credit card between 2005 and early 2019.
- Have submitted a valid claim form by the September 30, 2022, deadline.
Unfortunately, the window to submit new claims has passed. If you didn’t file before the deadline, you won’t be eligible for direct financial compensation.
How Much Were the Payouts?
Qualified claimants were eligible to receive up to $25,000 for documented expenses linked to the data breach, such as unauthorized charges, credit monitoring costs, or identity theft. Additionally, those who spent time addressing issues (like disputing charges or freezing accounts) could receive compensation for their time at $25 per hour.
The settlement payments were distributed in two main rounds:
- The first payment went out on September 28, 2023.
- The second payment followed on September 4, 2024.
Both payment rounds have been completed, and no further reissues or payments will be processed. If you haven’t cashed your check, it’s now considered void.
Still Available: Free Identity Protection Until 2028
Even if you missed the financial payout, Capital One is offering free identity protection services to everyone affected by the breach. These services are available through February 13, 2028, and include:
- Identity monitoring: Keep tabs on sensitive personal details, including Social Security numbers and bank account information.
- Fraud resolution: Get help from specialists to handle fraudulent activities, place alerts on your credit, or correct errors on your credit reports.
To take advantage of these free services, you can contact the support team through the dedicated hotline or visit the settlement’s official website.
Final Takeaway
Although direct payments have concluded, millions of Capital One customers can still protect themselves from identity theft and fraud at no cost. If you were part of the data breach, be sure to activate these free benefits before they expire in 2028. For those who received compensation, double-check that you cashed your check before it expired. Don’t leave money or protection on the table!
