Washington shoppers who used Acima to bring home furniture, appliances or other household goods may receive money back or have an old lease balance cleared under a newly announced multistate settlement.
Acima Digital LLC and its parent, Acima Holdings LLC, agreed to provide $645,000 in restitution and $1.7 million in debt forgiveness for Washington consumers, the state Attorney General’s Office announced Nov. 13. The agreement involves 43 states and totals $183.5 million.
For readers sorting through an Acima account, the first question is whether it is included. Eligible consumers do not need to apply for the settlement relief, according to Washington’s announcement.
Who will receive relief?
The state expects about 2,300 Washington consumers to receive restitution, averaging roughly $280 each. More than 1,300 consumers are expected to receive debt forgiveness averaging about $1,290. These are averages; individual amounts will vary. The announcement does not break the figures down by county.
A settlement administrator will contact people who qualify for restitution. Acima will contact those eligible for lease forgiveness. Washington’s announcement does not give a consumer application deadline or a date when individual payments will arrive.
The posted agreement leaves decisions about restitution recipients and payment amounts to the participating states’ executive committee.
Check which account the notice covers
Debt forgiveness applies to specified delinquent accounts described in the agreement, rather than every Acima lease. The agreement provides for written notices identifying the accounts whose balances have been reduced to zero. Those customers receive ownership of the merchandise covered by the affected accounts.
Other Acima accounts may remain payable. Keep the notice with your agreement and payment records, and check that its account or lease number matches the balance being discussed.
For the particular accounts qualifying for these balance reductions, Acima also agreed to make reasonable efforts to refund payments made after May 29, 2026. The details appear in paragraph 84 of the agreement.
What the states alleged
The states accused Acima of promoting 90-day payoff offers while placing customers into longer rental-purchase arrangements that could cost much more. Washington’s complaint, filed Nov. 12 in King County Superior Court, alleges deceptive advertising, inadequate disclosures and obstacles to returning merchandise and ending agreements.
These are allegations resolved through the agreement. Acima did not admit liability or wrongdoing.
The company agreed to clearer advertising and contract disclosures, better retailer training and changes to how it handles returns, deliveries and repairs. Oregon’s Attorney General also describes those changes.
A separate provision covers credit reporting: for new rental-purchase agreements originated after Nov. 12, Acima agreed to a five-year pause in reporting to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, beginning 60 days after that date. The provision allows reporting to specialty data firms. It does not promise removal of every older Acima account from a credit report.
Where to ask about your account
Acima lists customer service at 801-297-1982 on its official support page. Its website also offers access to lease information and an online chat. Have the relevant agreement and account number handy when asking whether a notice or balance reduction applies to you. Save the written response and note when you contacted the company.
Washington residents who need to report a consumer problem can use the Attorney General’s complaint page or call 1-800-551-4636. The office offers an informal complaint-resolution service; it does not serve as an individual consumer’s attorney.
