What it does
Payout is a finance app designed to simplify the process of claiming money from class action settlements. It aggregates active and upcoming lawsuits against major brands and allows users to quickly identify which ones they might be eligible for. The app's core function is to streamline the often-complex filing process, track claim progress, and notify users of new opportunities, with a notable emphasis on claims that don't require proof of purchase.
Where it shines
The app's onboarding is its strongest feature. It transforms a data-gathering process into an engaging quiz where users select brands they've used (00:35). This immediately personalizes the experience. The subsequent "estimating settlements" animation (00:50) is a brilliant piece of UX, building anticipation and anchoring the app's value in the millions of dollars before ever showing a price. Once in the main app, the use of clear filters like "False Ads" and "Data Breach" (01:56) makes a potentially dense library of legal information surprisingly easy to navigate.
UX highlights
- Low-Friction Eligibility: The "No proof? Still eligible!" message (00:21) is a recurring theme, drastically lowering the barrier for users who don't keep meticulous records.
- Productive Onboarding: The initial brand selection quiz feels like meaningful work. Users are actively building their potential claim list from the very first session.
- Scannable Claim Cards: The main list view uses prominent tags like "No proof" and "Uncapped" (01:09) so users can assess opportunities at a glance without needing to tap into details.
- Future-Pacing with Notifications: The "Upcoming" tab with a "Notify Me" button (01:45) is a smart retention mechanic, giving users a reason to stay engaged with the app over the long term.
- Clear Information Hierarchy: Claim detail screens (01:13) are well-structured, separating the description from scannable bullet points detailing the requirements.
Monetization & growth
Payout's monetization strategy is introduced at the end of its onboarding flow. After calculating a massive potential payout total for the user, it presents a paywall (00:58) with two subscription options: weekly and yearly. There is no free trial offered. For users who try to skip this initial paywall, the app presents a secondary, more urgent pop-up offering a 50% discount as a "one time offer" (01:02). This two-step approach is designed to maximize conversions by capturing both willing subscribers and more price-sensitive users. An "Upgrade" banner is also persistently visible on the main dashboard (01:08).
Who it’s for
The app is targeted at the average consumer who has purchased products or services from large corporations but is unaware of or intimidated by the process of filing for class action settlements. It appeals to users looking for a simple way to potentially claim extra money with minimal effort. The user-friendly interface and focus on "no proof" claims suggest it's for people who are not legal experts but are financially motivated and tech-savvy enough to use a mobile app.
Notes & opportunities
The app requests both tracking and notification permissions very early (00:08, 00:17) without any warm-up screens. This aggressive approach could cause some privacy-conscious users to drop off before they even see the app's value. Testing a small warm-up screen explaining why these permissions are needed could improve opt-in rates. Additionally, the main dashboard shows a banner for "Unlimited Claims" for members (01:08), which might confuse users about what they can do without a subscription. Clarifying the limitations of the free experience could manage expectations better.