Have you ever used MySchoolBucks to upload funds for your child’s lunch account? If so, you may be owed money from the Heartland Payment Systems class action settlement. Heartland, the payment processor behind MySchoolBucks, agreed to a massive $18.25 million settlement to resolve allegations it charged illegal program fees to users.
The lawsuit accuses Heartland of misleading consumers by tacking on hidden fees each time parents used the MySchoolBucks platform to fund lunch purchases. These fees added up over time and left thousands of families out of pocket without their knowledge. If you used MySchoolBucks between June 18, 2013, and July 31, 2019, this settlement could apply to you.
At Sparrow, we make it easy to check if you’re eligible and file a claim—without needing proof of purchase. Learn more about similar class action refunds for overcharged consumers to ensure you’re not missing out.
Table of Contents
- Background on the Heartland Payment Systems Case
- Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
- What Compensation Can You Receive?
- How to File a Claim
- Important Dates and Deadlines
- Why This Settlement Matters for Parents and Consumers
- Related Class Action Settlements
- Conclusion
Background on the Heartland Payment Systems Case
Heartland Payment Systems is a payment processor used by various institutions, including public schools. Through its MySchoolBucks platform, it allows parents and guardians to electronically load lunch money to their children’s accounts.
However, according to a federal class action lawsuit, Heartland allegedly imposed undisclosed “program fees” every time a transaction was made—fees that plaintiffs argue were unfair, unnecessary, and illegal under state consumer protection laws.
Rather than admit wrongdoing, Heartland agreed to a settlement worth $18.25 million to resolve the claims. Affected users will receive compensation based on how many times they were charged fees during the class period.
You can read a detailed breakdown of how similar tech-related fee lawsuits work in our post on the V Shred data privacy class action settlement.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
To qualify for the Heartland Payment Systems class action settlement, you must meet the following criteria:
- You used a credit or debit card to upload funds to MySchoolBucks.
- The transaction occurred between June 18, 2013, and July 31, 2019.
- Your last transaction must have occurred on or after January 1, 2015.
Claim Snapshot
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Credit or debit card |
| Platform Used | MySchoolBucks |
| Date Range | June 18, 2013 – July 31, 2019 |
| Last Transaction | On or after Jan. 1, 2015 |
Don’t forget—you can submit your claim with Sparrow in just minutes. No receipts needed.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
The payout from the $18.25 million fund will depend on how many program fees you paid during the class period.
Benefits include:
- A cash payment based on the number of program fees you incurred.
- Higher program fee totals will result in larger payments.
There is no exact amount specified yet, as the final payment depends on the number of claims submitted.
Want to compare your situation to other fee-related settlements? Browse similar claims like the GoAuto Insurance class action settlement that compensated policyholders for withheld taxes and fees.
How to File a Claim
To claim your share of the settlement:
- Visit the official settlement website: MSBFeeSettlement.com
- Fill out the online claim form
- No proof of purchase is required to file
If you’re looking for a quicker way to claim, Sparrow helps consumers file faster, especially in cases where no documentation is needed.
Claim Form Deadline: August 20, 2025
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Claim Submission Deadline | August 20, 2025 |
| Exclusion & Objection Deadline | August 28, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | September 25, 2025 |
Don’t wait—set a reminder, and use Sparrow’s class action tracking to make sure you never miss a deadline.
Why This Settlement Matters for Parents and Consumers
While $2-$3 in fees per transaction may not seem significant at first, over time and across millions of users, these charges add up. Many parents felt blindsided by the hidden fees, especially since these were associated with their children’s school meals—a service most assume is transparent and regulated.
This case sends a strong message to payment processors: transparency is essential. For families already facing tight budgets, unexpected fees add up to real hardship. Lawsuits like this one remind us that consumer protection laws are there for a reason.
Related Class Action Settlements
If you’re interested in other open or recent settlements, consider checking these out:
These are just a few examples where Sparrow has made the claims process faster and easier for consumers.
Conclusion
The Heartland Payment Systems class action settlement is a prime example of how small fees can snowball into major financial and legal issues for corporations. Parents and guardians who used MySchoolBucks between 2013 and 2019 are now entitled to fair compensation for the fees they unknowingly paid.
Don’t let this opportunity pass—submit your claim today through Sparrow. It’s fast, easy, and helps ensure you receive the money you’re rightfully owed. For more updates on fee-related lawsuits, visit our class action settlements blog and subscribe for alerts.
