$60.5M Tinder Age-Based Pricing Settlement 2026, Preliminary Approval, Eligibility, and How California Users Can Claim
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge preliminarily approved a $60.5 million settlement on January 14, 2026, resolving claims that Tinder charged California users aged 30 and older significantly more than younger subscribers for premium services. If you purchased Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold in California while over age 29, you could be eligible for compensation from this decade-long litigation.
What Is Age-Based Pricing Discrimination on Tinder?
Age-based pricing means charging different prices for identical services based solely on a customer’s age. In March 2015, Tinder implemented a pricing structure in California that charged users 30 and older nearly double what users under 30 paid for Tinder Plus.
Younger users (under 30) paid approximately $9.99 per month, while users 30 and older were charged $19.99 monthly for the exact same features. Tinder later lowered the age threshold from 30 to 29.
The class action alleged this practice violated California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act and Unfair Competition Law. The Unruh Act states all persons in California are “entitled to full and equal accommodations in all business establishments” — which courts have interpreted to prohibit arbitrary price discrimination based on protected characteristics including age.
Which Tinder Users Are Affected and Eligible for Compensation?
The settlement class includes California residents who purchased Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold subscriptions:
At any time on or after March 2, 2015 while over age 29, OR
At any time on or after March 2, 2016 while over age 28
According to similar dating app class action settlements, millions of California users likely qualify. Tinder’s competitor Bumble faced similar auto-renewal litigation resulting in $22.5 million settlements.
You qualify regardless of whether you’re still using Tinder today. The settlement covers past purchases during the specified timeframes.
Tinder Class Action Timeline and Current Settlement Status
March 2015: Tinder implements age-based pricing in California March 2015: Lead plaintiff Allan Candelore files lawsuit (Case No. BC583162) 2019-2021: Federal settlement attempts rejected by Ninth Circuit September 2025: Parties reach $60.5M settlement at mediation January 14, 2026: Judge Laura A. Seigle grants preliminary approval May 2026: Final fairness hearing scheduled
The preliminary approval means the court finds the settlement “fair, adequate, and reasonable” but hasn’t finalized it yet. A final hearing in May 2026 will determine whether to grant final approval.
This settlement follows years of failed attempts. In 2023, the Ninth Circuit rejected a federal settlement alleging collusion between Tinder and class counsel, finding the district court undervalued claims and overstated settlement benefits.
Tinder’s Response to Age Discrimination Claims
Tinder “denies that it did anything wrong or violated any law or that any class members were injured by its age-based pricing policy,” according to court documents. This denial is standard in settlement agreements — companies often settle to avoid ongoing litigation costs without admitting wrongdoing.
The $60.5 million fund will be distributed among class members after deducting attorneys’ fees and administrative costs. Individual compensation amounts depend on how many people file claims.
What You Must Know About Consumer Protection in Dating App Settlements
Hidden Settlement Benefits Most People Miss
Beyond cash payments, settlements often include injunctive relief preventing future violations. However, courts scrutinize these benefits carefully. In the 2023 Ninth Circuit ruling, judges noted an injunction preventing future age-based pricing was “worth $6 million to the class” according to lawyers — but the court disagreed since it only applied to new subscribers, not existing class members.
California’s consumer protection laws, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act and Consumer Legal Remedies Act, provide powerful remedies against discriminatory pricing. These laws allow statutory damages, meaning you don’t need to prove actual financial harm beyond paying the higher price.
Similar to the Whitney Wolfe Herd Tinder settlement, this case demonstrates tech companies face serious consequences for unfair business practices.
Common Misconceptions About the Tinder Settlement
Myth: “I can’t claim if I don’t have receipts.” Reality: Tinder has subscriber records. You typically don’t need to provide proof of purchase.
Myth: “The settlement only covers people who complained.” Reality: All class members meeting the eligibility criteria can claim, regardless of whether they contacted Tinder about the pricing.
Myth: “Preliminary approval means I’ll get paid soon.” Reality: Final approval comes in May 2026, with payment distribution typically occurring 60-90 days after final approval — likely Summer 2026.
2026 Consumer Protection Updates
Dating apps face increasing scrutiny over pricing practices, auto-renewal billing, and privacy violations. Recent settlements include Bumble’s $40 million biometric privacy settlement and $22.5 million auto-renewal settlement.
The FTC and state attorneys general are intensifying enforcement of consumer protection laws against subscription services, particularly around transparent pricing and easy cancellation.
What to Do Next If You Used Tinder in California
Confirm Your Eligibility
Check if you purchased Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold while living in California and meeting the age requirements (over 29 after March 2, 2015, or over 28 after March 2, 2016).
Review old credit card or app store receipts if you’re unsure about subscription dates.
Watch for the Settlement Website
The official settlement website (www.tindercalclassaction.com) will go live soon with claim forms and instructions. Sign up for consumer protection newsletters to receive alerts when claim forms become available.
You’ll likely need to provide your name, California address during subscription period, approximate dates you subscribed, and email or phone associated with your Tinder account.
Submit Your Claim Before the Deadline
Settlement claim deadlines typically range from 60-180 days after preliminary approval. Based on the January 14, 2026 preliminary approval, expect a claim deadline between March and July 2026.
File as soon as claim forms are available. Late claims are rarely accepted.
FAQs About the Tinder Age-Based Pricing Settlement
Who qualifies for the Tinder age discrimination settlement?
California residents who purchased Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold subscriptions on or after March 2, 2015 while over age 29, or on or after March 2, 2016 while over age 28.
How much will I receive from the $60.5M settlement?
Settlement amounts depend on how many people file claims. After attorneys’ fees (typically 25-33%) and administrative costs, the remaining funds are divided among claimants. Individual payments could range from $25 to several hundred dollars.
When is the Tinder settlement claim deadline?
The exact deadline hasn’t been announced yet. Monitor www.tindercalclassaction.com for updates. Claims are typically due 60-180 days after preliminary approval (January 14, 2026).
Do I need proof of my Tinder subscription to file a claim?
No. Tinder maintains subscriber records. The claim form will ask for identifying information like your email, phone number, and approximate subscription dates.
Can I opt out and file my own lawsuit instead?
Yes. Settlement notices will include opt-out instructions and deadlines. If you opt out, you can pursue individual legal claims but won’t receive settlement benefits.
When was the Tinder age-based pricing lawsuit filed?
Lead plaintiff Allan Candelore filed the lawsuit in March 2015 in Los Angeles Superior Court (Case No. BC583162), shortly after Tinder implemented age-based pricing in California.
Is Tinder still charging different prices based on age?
According to settlement terms, Tinder committed to stop age-based pricing for California subscribers. However, Tinder can still offer discounts to users under 21.
Last Updated: February 5, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
If you paid more for Tinder because of your age, watch for the settlement website launch and file your claim promptly.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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