You don't need to have bought a defective car or been part of a major data breach to qualify for settlement money. Some of the biggest class actions right now involve things you buy every week.
1. Groceries — especially beef and chicken
Multiple price-fixing settlements are active in the meat industry. The Beef Price-Fixing Settlement covers anyone who bought beef between 2014 and 2019. Similar settlements have targeted chicken and pork producers. If you've bought meat at a grocery store in the last decade, there's a good chance you qualify for at least one of these.
Typical payout: Varies based on the fund and claims filed
Proof needed: Usually none
2. Airline tickets
The Domestic Airline Antitrust Settlement covers flights on major U.S. carriers between 2011 and 2018. If you flew domestically during that period — for work, vacation, visiting family — you're probably eligible. Millions of flights are covered, and no proof of purchase is required.
Typical payout: Varies
Proof needed: No
3. Your phone plan and phone itself
From Android data collection to carrier billing practices, phone-related settlements pop up constantly. Google's $135M Android settlement covers over 100 million users. If you've used an Android phone with cellular data since 2017, you're likely in the class. Separate settlements cover everything from unauthorized premium text charges to misleading data throttling.
Typical payout: $10 - $100+
Proof needed: Usually none
4. Online shopping
Retailers regularly face class actions over deceptive pricing practices. Right now, settlements are open for Boohoo/PrettyLittleThing, Michael Kors outlets, and Amazon Prime enrollment. If you shop online (which is everyone), you may qualify for multiple settlements simultaneously.
Typical payout: $10 - $51
Proof needed: Usually none
5. Your bank account
Banks face class actions for everything from hidden fees to manipulated interest rates. The Capital One 360 Savings settlement covers 8 million account holders. Other banks face similar suits over overdraft fee ordering, minimum balance fees, and deceptive account terms.
Typical payout: $50 - $500
Proof needed: Usually no (the bank has records)
Why don't most people know this?
Settlement administrators send notices, but they get buried in spam folders and junk mail. Companies aren't required to send you a personalized reminder — just a single notice that checks the legal box. The system is designed to make it easy to miss.
That's exactly why tools like JustClaim exist — to find the settlements you're missing.