Acima Digital to Pay $183.5 Million in Multistate Settlement Over Rent-to-Own Practices

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced a $183.5 million settlement on November 12, 2026, with Acima Digital, LLC and its parent company, Acima Holdings, LLC. The agreement resolves allegations from 43 states that the rent-to-own finance company used deceptive marketing and business practices that harmed consumers.

The settlement includes $43 million in restitution for affected customers, a $10.5 million payment to the participating states, and $130 million in lease balance reductions. This bipartisan effort follows a 2024 lawsuit filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against Acima, which the federal agency later dropped in 2025.

Allegations of Deceptive Practices

According to the states, Acima marketed its rental-purchase agreements as 90-day pay-off programs. However, officials alleged that the company failed to disclose that customers were automatically enrolled in 12-month terms. Under these longer terms, consumers could end up paying approximately double the advertised cash price of the merchandise.

Prosecutors also claimed that Acima used terms like “credit” to describe its products, which misled consumers into believing they were receiving traditional financing. The states further alleged that the company’s electronic signature process obscured important contract terms and that Acima made it difficult for customers to return merchandise and terminate their agreements without penalties.

Required Business Reforms

As part of the settlement, Acima has agreed to significant changes in how it conducts business. The company must now provide clearer disclosures during its electronic signature process and stop inflating the cash price of items compared to what its retail partners charge. Additionally, Acima is prohibited from reporting these rental-purchase agreements to the major credit reporting agencies for the next five years.

The company is also required to improve its training for retail partners and must properly handle issues such as late deliveries or damaged goods. Acima must also ensure that customers can return merchandise to end their agreements without facing unreasonable obstacles.

What This Means for Consumers

If you have used Acima’s services, you do not need to take any action to receive benefits from this settlement. The process is designed to be automatic for those who qualify.

Consumers eligible for financial restitution will be contacted directly by a settlement administrator. Those who qualify for lease forgiveness will be contacted by Acima. If you believe your agreement was misrepresented or you have questions about your specific contract terms, speaking with a consumer protection attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the relief you are entitled to under this agreement.

This article is general information based on New Jersey Attorney General and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published November 12, 2026.