What is Class Period?

Class action glossary term

Short Definition

The date range used to define which purchases, transactions, or events are covered by the class definition.

What It Means

The class period is a key eligibility filter: it tells you whether your purchase or account activity falls within the covered dates. Some settlements also use multiple periods (e.g., different benefits for different date ranges).

Example

Example: “Transactions between May 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023.”

Why It Matters

If your activity is outside the class period, you usually aren’t eligible—even if the issue feels the same.

Related Terms

Primary Source

Transparency

This class action term is explained for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions and applications may vary by jurisdiction and case context.

To see how this term is applied in real cases, explore current and past class action settlements.

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