CFPB Sues Walmart and Branch Messenger Over Alleged Illegal Driver Payment Practices

The lawsuit accuses the companies of opening unauthorized accounts for over one million drivers and charging more than $10 million in fees.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Walmart and Branch Messenger, alleging illegal practices related to the Spark Driver Program.
The companies are accused of opening deposit accounts for drivers without their consent and requiring them to use these accounts to receive pay, threatening termination for noncompliance.
Drivers faced delays and fees, totaling over $10 million, when transferring earnings to their preferred accounts, contrary to promises of instant access.
The CFPB claims Branch failed to investigate errors, maintain records, and provide necessary disclosures, among other violations of federal law.
Both Walmart and Branch deny the allegations, with Branch accusing the CFPB of rushing the lawsuit for media attention.