If you’ve ever received a printed credit card receipt, you may have noticed it sometimes includes more than the last few digits of your card. That small detail could mean a violation of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)—and for consumers, it may translate into a $1,000 payout.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is FACTA?
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act is a federal law passed to protect consumers from identity theft. One of its key provisions restricts what businesses can print on receipts.
- Only the last 5 digits of your credit card number can be shown.
- The expiration date must be completely omitted.
If a retailer prints more than this, they may be in violation of federal law—and you may have a claim.
Why $1,000 Matters
FACTA allows consumers to claim statutory damages of $100 to $1,000 per violation—even if you weren’t financially harmed. That means if you receive a non-compliant receipt, you could be eligible for compensation.
Many class action lawsuits have already been filed against large retailers for FACTA violations. Settlements often include payouts for customers who can show proof of receiving an unlawful receipt.
How to Check Your Receipts
- Look at the card number — only the last 5 digits should appear.
- Check for the expiration date — it should be blank.
- Keep the receipt if you suspect a violation.
Example Scenarios
| Receipt Type | Compliant? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| XXXX XXXX XXXX 1234 | ✅ Yes | Only last 4 digits shown, expiration date hidden |
| 1234 5678 9012 3456 EXP 07/27 | ❌ No | Full number + expiration date printed |
| XXXX XXXX XXXX 5678 EXP 09/29 | ❌ No | Expiration date should not appear |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I really get $1,000 from a receipt error?
Yes. FACTA allows up to $1,000 per violation, but usually this is paid through class action settlements, not individual lawsuits.
2. Does this apply to online receipts?
FACTA applies to printed receipts at the point of sale, not online or emailed ones.
3. What if the receipt is from years ago?
There are time limits (statutes of limitation). Generally, violations must be claimed within a few years of the receipt date.
4. Do I need a lawyer?
Not necessarily. Many FACTA claims are handled through class action settlements where consumers can submit claims online.
5. Is this still happening in 2025?
Yes. While most major retailers have updated their systems, some smaller businesses and outdated systems still occasionally produce non-compliant receipts.
Key Takeaway
That little slip of paper in your wallet could be worth up to $1,000 if it violates FACTA. Always check your receipts. If you see too many digits of your credit card or an expiration date printed, you may be eligible to join a class action settlement and claim your payout.