Westlake Financial Services $1.2M Class Action Lawsuit Settlement, How to File for Your Payout Before the May 2026 Deadline

Westlake Financial Services has reached a $1.2 million class action settlement to resolve allegations of charging illegal “pay-to-pay” convenience fees. As of January 2026, the claim period is officially open. If you financed a car through Westlake and made payments via ACI Payments, Inc., you may be entitled to a cash payout. This guide provides the step-by-step instructions on how to file for the settlement and maximize your recovery.

Quick Facts: Westlake Financial Class Action Payout

Key InformationSettlement Details (2026)
Total Settlement Fund$1,200,000
Claim Filing DeadlineMay 18, 2026
Eligibility WindowJune 20, 2022 – August 18, 2025
Payout MethodsVenmo, Zelle, PayPal, Check, or Account Credit
Case NameKlare v. Westlake Services LLC

Am I Eligible for the Westlake Financial Services Illegal Fees Settlement?

To qualify for a Westlake Financial payout, you must be a “natural person” (an individual) with an auto loan assigned to Westlake who paid a convenience fee to ACI Payments, Inc. between June 20, 2022, and August 18, 2025.

The core of the lawsuit involves illegal fees charged for making payments on the due date or after. If you see a “Convenience Fee” on your bank statement from Westlake or ACI, you are likely an eligible claimant for this class action lawsuit.

How Much is the Westlake Settlement Payout Amount?

A common question is: “How much money will I get from the Westlake settlement?” The $1.2M fund will be distributed per capita (equally) among everyone who submits a valid claim form. After court-approved attorneys’ fees are deducted, individual rewards are estimated to be between $20 and $60, depending on the total number of claims filed.

Pro Tip: If you still have an active loan, you can choose an account credit, which may be applied faster than a paper check.

How to File for Settlement: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to know how to file for a class action settlement like this one, follow these three steps to ensure your claim isn’t denied:

  1. Gather Your ID: Look for the Claimant ID and PIN on the notice mailed to you. If you didn’t get one, you can still file a “Notice-less” claim by providing your Westlake account number.
  2. Visit the Official Website: Go to www.KlareFeeSettlement.com. This is the only authorized settlement administrator site.
  3. Choose Your Payout Method: You can select electronic payments like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal to avoid the risk of a check being lost in the mail.
  4. Submit Before the Deadline: The claim filing deadline is May 18, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute, as high site traffic can cause submission errors.

What You Must Know (2026 Updates)

What Happens if I Miss the May 18, 2026 Deadline?

If you fail to submit a claim by the deadline, you will receive $0 and lose your right to sue Westlake for these specific convenience fees. The Final Approval Hearing is set for April 16, 2026, but the claim period stays open until May to give consumers extra time.

Common Eligibility Misconceptions

  • “I don’t have my receipt”: You do not need a receipt or “proof of purchase” to file. Westlake’s own records will be used to verify your claim.
  • “My loan is paid off”: Even if you no longer have a car with Westlake, you are still eligible if you paid the fees during the 2022–2025 window.
Westlake Financial Services has reached a $1.2 million class action settlement to resolve allegations of charging illegal "pay-to-pay" convenience fees. As of January 2026, the claim period is officially open. If you financed a car through Westlake and made payments via ACI Payments, Inc., you may be entitled to a cash payout. This guide provides the step-by-step instructions on how to file for the settlement and maximize your recovery.

What to Do Next

Step 1: Verify Your Transaction History

Check your 2022–2025 bank statements or Westlake payment history for any charges labeled “ACI Pay” or “Convenience Fee.” This confirms your eligibility before you spend time on the form.

Step 2: Submit the Claim Form Online

Using the official settlement website is the fastest way to get paid. Ensure your contact information is up to date so the settlement administrator can reach you if additional verification is needed.

Step 3: Track Your Claim Status

After submitting, you will receive a confirmation code. Save this! You can use it to track when the settlement payout is officially disbursed later in 2026.

FAQs: Westlake Financial Illegal Fees Settlement

What illegal fees did Westlake Financial charge?

The lawsuit alleges Westlake charged “convenience fees” through ACI Payments that were not authorized by the loan contracts or state law, violating the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

How do I file for a settlement without a Claimant ID?

You can visit KlareFeeSettlement.com and fill out the “Notice-less” claim form using your name, address, and Westlake account number.

Is the Westlake Financial settlement real or a scam?

It is a real, court-approved settlement (Case No. 2:23-cv-06386-FMO). Always ensure you are on the official .com site and never pay a fee to “unlock” a settlement.

When will I get my settlement check?

Payments are usually sent 60 to 90 days after the final approval hearing, which is scheduled for April 16, 2026. Expect payouts in summer 2026.

Can I object to the $1.2M settlement amount?

Yes, the deadline to object or exclude yourself (opt-out) is February 3, 2026.

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For questions, contact the Settlement Administrator at (833) 417-4970.

Want to find more payouts? Check our full list of open class action settlements at AllAboutLawyer.com.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD

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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