If you’ve had a rough experience with Wells Fargo between 2015 and 2022—or held stock between 2018 and 2020—you may be owed part of a massive $1 billion class-action settlement. After years of legal battles and controversy, eligible customers and investors are finally seeing payments in 2025.
From fake accounts to mortgage mishaps, multiple settlements are underway, including a major one for shareholders affected by stock price manipulation and misinformation. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how much you could get, and when the payments are arriving.
Background
Wells Fargo has faced legal fire for years. In 2025, a combination of class-action settlements is distributing billions to affected customers. Here’s a quick look at what triggered these payouts:
- Fake Accounts: Employees opened unauthorized bank accounts to meet sales targets
- COVID-19 Forbearance Issues: Mortgages were paused without consent, hurting credit scores
- Illegal Call Recordings: Calls were recorded in California without warning
- Fee Overcharges: Surprise fees and high maintenance charges upset customers
- Loan & Mortgage Errors: Misapplied interest rates, wrongful repossessions, and foreclosures
The most recent and significant case—the $1 billion securities settlement—applies to investors who held Wells Fargo stock between February 2, 2018, and March 12, 2020.
Eligibility
Each settlement has its own criteria. Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies for what:
| Settlement Type | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Forbearance Victims | Had a Wells Fargo mortgage from Mar 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2021, placed in forbearance without consent |
| Call Recording | California residents who received calls from Oct 22, 2014 – Nov 17, 2023, that were recorded without notice |
| Account/Fee Claims | Anyone who faced unauthorized charges, fake accounts, loan issues from 2015–2022 |
| Securities Settlement | Owned Wells Fargo stock between Feb 2, 2018 – Mar 12, 2020 and experienced financial loss |
If you fall into more than one category, you could be eligible for multiple payments.
Amounts
Payouts vary by the type of settlement and the damages suffered. Here’s what the average payments look like in 2025:
| Settlement | Total Fund | Estimated Payouts |
|---|---|---|
| Forbearance | $185 million | $69M split evenly; extra $83.33 for co-borrowers |
| Call Recording | $19.5 million | Around $86 per call, up to $5,000 |
| General Compensation | $2 billion | Between $200–$4,000 depending on losses |
| Securities Settlement | $1 billion | Varies based on stock losses, potentially thousands per investor |
Note: Forbearance and general claims were mostly automated. If you’re eligible, payments are being sent even without filing (in some cases).
Payouts
Here’s the latest payout timeline as of August 13, 2025:
- Forbearance: First round started March 2025; supplemental payments are ongoing
- Call Recording: Final approval on May 20, 2025. Payments began on July 11, 2025
- Securities Settlement: First round on October 22, 2024; second round sent July 23, 2025
- General Account Settlements: Rolling payments continue throughout 2025
Each case has its own administrator, so you may receive multiple checks or direct deposits over time.
How to Claim
Here’s how you can still check or claim your part, depending on the case:
- Forbearance: Automatic for most. If you filed for extra damages by Jan 10, 2025, watch your mail.
- Call Recording: Visit the settlement website (likely CallRecordingClassAction.com) and enter your phone number. No proof required. Deadline was April 11, 2025.
- General Claims: Mostly automated. If you haven’t received anything, call 844-484-5089 or file a CFPB complaint.
- Securities: The claim deadline has passed, but late distributions are still being processed at wellsfargosecuritiesclassaction.com
Documents
You may not need documents for some claims, but having them helps in disputed or delayed cases. Here’s what could be useful:
| Claim Type | Suggested Documents |
|---|---|
| Forbearance | Mortgage statement showing paused payments |
| Call Recording | Your phone number (no other proof needed) |
| Fees/Loans | Bank or loan statements showing charges/errors |
| Identity | Driver’s license or government ID |
Hold onto your payment confirmations in case checks go uncashed or lost.
Wells Fargo’s legal woes are finally bringing financial relief to millions. The $1 billion securities settlement alone is helping investors recover losses from a scandal-plagued era. If you’re eligible, keep checking your mail, your email, and your bank account. Delays are possible, but most payments are rolling out in 2025.
FAQs
When will the Wells Fargo payments arrive?
Most payments are being sent throughout 2025 by mail or direct deposit.
How much is the class action payout?
Payouts range from $86 to $4,000+, depending on your claim.
Who qualifies for the $1B settlement?
Investors who owned stock from Feb 2018 to Mar 2020 and lost money.
Can I still claim my part?
Some deadlines have passed, but late distributions are still ongoing.
Do I need proof to get paid?
In most cases, no. But documents help if you need to dispute or appeal.
