Robocalls have become one of the most frustrating parts of modern life, flooding mobile phones and landlines with unwanted debt collection messages, warranty scams, and promotional pitches. While many people hang up or block the numbers, these calls often violate federal law under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
In one of the most significant cases to date, Credit One Bank has agreed to a $14 million class action settlement to resolve allegations that it placed robocalls to consumers without their consent. The case is particularly relevant because of the large number of people affected, the potential payouts of up to $1,000 per claimant, and the precedent it sets for other financial institutions accused of similar practices.
This blog dives into the full details of the case, who qualifies for compensation, how much you can receive, and what steps you should take if you think you’re eligible.
Background on the TCPA
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act, passed in 1991, was designed to protect consumers from unwanted automated calls, texts, and faxes. Over time, enforcement of the TCPA has expanded to cover modern technologies, including robodialers and pre-recorded voice messages.
Key provisions of the TCPA include:
Businesses cannot use automated dialing systems to call consumers without prior consent.
Pre-recorded or artificial voice messages also require explicit permission.
Violations can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 per illegal call.
The rise of smartphones and aggressive debt collection campaigns has turned TCPA lawsuits into one of the most common consumer protection cases in federal courts. Credit One Bank’s case is one of the largest financial institution settlements under this law.
The Credit One Bank Lawsuit Explained
The lawsuit alleged that Credit One Bank and its affiliates made automated calls between 2014 and 2019 without obtaining prior consent from consumers. These calls were often related to debt collection or account servicing but used robodialing systems that triggered TCPA violations.
While the bank denied wrongdoing, it agreed to a $14 million settlement fund to avoid further litigation and potential higher penalties at trial. This fund is now available to eligible claimants who can show they were affected during the relevant period.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for this settlement is relatively broad, covering millions of potential consumers. To qualify, you must meet these conditions:
You received at least one robocall from Credit One Bank or its affiliates.
The call occurred between 2014 and 2019.
You did not provide prior consent for the bank to contact you using automated dialing or prerecorded messages.
Potential Settlement Payouts
One of the most attractive aspects of this settlement is the possibility of receiving up to $1,000 in compensation. However, the exact payout depends on several factors:
Total number of claims filed: The more people who submit valid claims, the smaller the individual payments.
Proof of calls received: Providing phone records, call logs, or other documentation can strengthen your claim and increase your payout.
No proof cases: Even without documentation, claimants may still receive compensation, though likely at a reduced amount.
Settlement Details in Table Form
| Settlement Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Name | Credit One Bank TCPA Class Action Lawsuit |
| Alleged Violation | Unlawful robocalls without consumer consent (TCPA) |
| Settlement Amount | $14 million |
| Eligible Time Period | 2014 – 2019 |
| Maximum Individual Payout | Up to $1,000 |
| Documentation Required | Phone records, call logs, or other evidence (optional but recommended) |
| Credit One’s Position | Denies wrongdoing; agreed to settlement to resolve litigation |
| Claim Deadline | To be announced |
| Final Approval Hearing | To be announced |
Why This Case Matters
This case is not just about money; it’s about consumer protection and corporate accountability. Robocalls are one of the most common consumer complaints in the U.S., with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recording over 50 billion robocalls annually.
Settlements like this:
Provide financial relief to affected consumers.
Send a warning to corporations about the costs of ignoring TCPA rules.
Help strengthen consumer rights in an era where data privacy and unwanted communications remain pressing issues.
Steps to File a Claim
Although the official settlement website has not yet launched, here’s what you should prepare:
Keep your records – Phone bills, screenshots of calls, and any other documentation that proves Credit One Bank contacted you without consent.
Stay updated – The claim form and filing deadlines will be announced soon. Sign up for class action newsletters to be notified.
File promptly – Once the claim portal is open, submit your details with supporting documents.
Monitor updates – Watch for final approval hearings, as delays are common in class action settlements.
Common Questions About the Settlement
Who qualifies for the settlement?
Anyone who received automated calls from Credit One Bank or affiliates between 2014–2019 without prior consent.
How much can I receive?
Up to $1,000, depending on the number of valid claims and strength of your documentation.
What if I don’t have proof?
You may still qualify for a smaller payout, but proof increases your chances of receiving the higher compensation.
When is the deadline?
The deadline has not been announced yet. Claim instructions will be released once the settlement website goes live.
Statistics on Robocalls in the U.S.
To understand the scale of this issue, consider these facts:
48 million Americans aged 65+ hold a driver’s license, but nearly all own phones vulnerable to robocalls.
Americans received over 50.3 billion robocalls in 2022.
Debt collection and financial robocalls are among the top five categories of consumer complaints.
TCPA lawsuits have increased steadily, with thousands filed each year.
The Bigger Picture: Robocalls and Consumer Rights
While this settlement focuses on Credit One Bank, it highlights a larger problem: the financial industry’s reliance on aggressive collection tactics. Other banks and lenders have faced similar lawsuits, and many continue to face ongoing litigation.
For consumers, this means vigilance is essential. Documenting robocalls, reporting them to the FTC, and joining class actions when eligible can make a real difference.
How to Protect Yourself from Robocalls
Even beyond this settlement, protecting yourself from unwanted calls is critical. Here are some steps you can take:
Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Use call-blocking apps like Hiya, Nomorobo, or Truecaller.
Report suspicious calls directly to the FTC complaint portal.
Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers.
Request in writing that businesses stop contacting you.
The Road Ahead
This settlement is part of a broader effort to crack down on robocalls. As technology advances, regulators are deploying tools like STIR/SHAKEN call authentication to help reduce call spoofing. Future class actions are expected as consumers push back against intrusive practices.
For now, the Credit One Bank case serves as both a warning to corporations and an opportunity for consumers to be compensated.
Conclusion
The $14 million Credit One Bank robocall settlement is a landmark case in consumer protection. If you were targeted by automated calls between 2014 and 2019, you may be entitled to as much as $1,000. While the official claim site is not yet active, staying prepared with documentation and monitoring updates can help you secure your rightful compensation.
Robocalls are not just an annoyance—they are a violation of federal law when made without consent. This case shows that consumers have the power to fight back, and corporations can be held accountable for disregarding privacy rights.
