Vending machines are probably one of the most commonly used places in workplaces such as offices. Many people use this type of service, whether to buy coffee or snacks. If you used a vending machine owned by Compass Group USA (doing business as Canteen) over the past decade or so, you could claim a portion of the $6.94 million settlement, provided you do so by the deadline. The settlement covers purchases made with debit, credit, or prepaid cards between 2014 and July 9, 2025. The deadlines for making these claims are important, as nothing will be accepted after these deadlines.
The machines involved were located in states such as Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, Virginia, and others
According to the settlement website and the information available to us, payments “will be distributed as soon as possible, only if the Court grants final approval of the Settlement and after any appeals are resolved.” The machines involved were located in states such as Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, Virginia, and others. This is good news, especially considering the widespread use of these machines. We’ve all probably bought something and ended up not getting the product or getting our money back. So the fact that these types of lawsuits are successful is good news for consumers.
And based on what’s known so far, depending on your snack and beverage consumption habits, you could receive between $30 and $360 from the settlement, pending approval at a hearing scheduled for early next year. Compass Group USA Inc., which does business as Canteen, owns and operates the affected machines. Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that Canteen applied additional charges to card purchases without informing customers. This is clearly out of the ordinary: if there is an additional charge, the consumer should always be informed, as it will likely be a reason for them not to make the purchase. By not giving this option, the consumer feels deceived.
Eligible consumers do not need to provide proof of purchase to file a claim
The fact is that Canteen, following the incident, agreed to pay $6.94 million in cash to customers who used cards in its vending machines over the past decade or so, denying any wrongdoing. This practice was alleged to have violated the terms of sale and deceived consumers. Thus, the group members could receive between $30 and $360, depending on the number of purchases made.
To determine whether or not you qualify for this settlement, it’s important to note that anyone who believes they were overcharged at a vending machine in one of the 38 applicable states can file a claim. Eligible consumers do not need to provide proof of purchase to file a claim. On the claim form, you must include your name and contact information, confirm that you made a purchase at an applicable vending machine between 2014 and July 9 of this year, and indicate the number of purchases and the location. Additional information may be requested later to verify claims.
It’s important to note that the claims page indicates that the payment scale could be reduced if more claimants come forward
It’s important to note that the deadline to file a claim is November 14, 2025. Those who made up to 250 purchases during that period will receive a $30 payment, increasing by $30 for every additional 250 purchases. Consumers who wish to opt out or object to the settlement must do so by October 17. It’s important to note that the claims page indicates that the payment scale could be reduced if more claimants come forward than the settlement can cover. The settlement is being filed with the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division. Finally, the final court hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for January 9, 2026.
