$815,000 Nevada Inmate Debit Card Fees Settlement

If you were released from a Nevada jail, detention center, or prison between July 31, 2016, and October 20, 2016, or after January 18, 2024, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement.

Rapid Financial Solutions, Inc., Axiom Bank N.A., and Keefe Commissary Network, LLC have agreed to pay $815,000 to settle a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that these companies violated federal and state laws by issuing prepaid debit cards with fees, charges, and restrictions to released inmates without offering alternative methods for returning their money.

Who are the former inmates eligible for a payout?

To be eligible as a class member, you must meet the following criteria:

• You were released from a jail, detention center, or prison in Nevada during the specified periods.
• You were entitled to the return of money either confiscated from you or remaining in your inmate trust account upon release.
• You received a prepaid debit card from Rapid Financial Solutions, Axiom Bank, or Keefe Commissary Network and were subject to fees.
• You were not offered an alternative method for the return of your money.

The facilities involved include various Nevada Department of Corrections facilities and several county jails.

How much can affected inmates get?

Class members can receive a cash payment calculated as the total fees charged plus three times those fees. If the settlement fund is insufficient, payments will be distributed on a pro-rata basis based on the total fees paid by all class members.

Example Calculation: If a class member was charged $10 in fees, they could receive $40 ($10 + $30). If the fund is insufficient, the amount will be adjusted proportionally.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, class members must submit a claim form by March 1, 2025. They can file a claim online or download the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement Administrator's mailing address: Phoenix Class Action Administration Solutions, P.O. Box 7208, Orange, CA 92863.

Payout options

Class members will receive their payments via check sent to their provided mailing address.

$815,000 Settlement fund

The settlement fund of $815,000 will cover various costs associated with the lawsuit.

• Settlement administration costs: $75,000
• Attorneys' fees: $500,000
• Attorneys' expenses: $45,000
• Service awards to class representatives: $15,000
• Payments to class members: Remaining balance after other costs

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: March 1, 2025
• Fairness Hearing: March 26, 2025

When is the Watkins v. Rapid Financial Solutions payout date?

After the Fairness Hearing on March 26, 2025, the court will decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments will be distributed to eligible class members.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit was initiated because the defendants allegedly violated the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and the Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act by issuing prepaid debit cards with fees to released inmates without offering alternative methods for returning their money.