Canadians affected by 2019 Capital One data breach could claim compensation from $35-million settlement
Six million Canadians had personal information stolen in the breach. Settlement amounts range from $25 to $200 depending on claim category and SIN compromise.
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Canadians affected by a Capital One data breach could soon be eligible to claim compensation after a proposed class-action settlement was reached. The settlement still requires court approval.
On July 16, Charney Lawyers announced that Capital One Financial Corporation, Capital One Bank (USA), National Association, and Capital One Bank (Canada Branch) have agreed to a $35-million settlement to resolve the class-action lawsuit related to the 2019 data breach that affected six million Canadians.
In spring 2019, American software engineer Paige Thompson hacked Capital One's database stored on Amazon Web Services, downloading personal and financial information belonging to millions of residents. The breach was discovered by an independent security researcher in July 2019, leading to Thompson's FBI arrest on July 29, 2019. Capital One published a notice about the breach the same day.
Data stolen from Canadians included names, addresses, contact information, annual income, mortgage status, banking information, credit scores, credit limits, balances, payment history and some transaction histories. Around one million Social Insurance Numbers were compromised.
You could be eligible to file a claim if you are a Canadian resident outside Quebec who applied for or held a Capital One credit card and received a letter stating your personal information may have been affected.
Compensation depends on your claim type. Category A claims for out-of-pocket costs reimburse money spent on preventative measures such as credit monitoring services, insurance or credit freezes, plus losses related to identity theft or falsified tax returns, up to a maximum of $25,000. Category B claims for wasted time and inconvenience provide $25 per hour for up to five hours (maximum $125) for those whose SIN was not compromised, or up to eight hours (maximum $200) for those whose SIN was compromised. Those submitting valid Category B claims receive an additional $75 top-up payment.
By the numbers
How many Canadians were affected by the 2019 Capital One data breach?
Six million Canadians had personal information stolen in the 2019 Capital One data breach.
What is the total settlement amount for the Capital One data breach class action?
Capital One Financial Corporation, Capital One Bank (USA), National Association, and Capital One Bank (Canada Branch) agreed to a $35-million settlement announced on July 16, 2026.
How much compensation can you claim for wasted time if your Social Insurance Number was compromised?
Category B claims for those whose Social Insurance Number was compromised in the Capital One breach provide up to $200 for wasted time and inconvenience, plus an additional $75 top-up payment.
What personal data was stolen in the Capital One breach?
The Capital One data breach compromised names, addresses, contact information, annual income, mortgage status, banking information, credit scores, credit limits, balances, payment history, and some transaction histories for affected Canadians. Around one million Social Insurance Numbers were also compromised.
