A huge settlement involving Visa and Mastercard is making headlines in 2025, and if you’ve ever accepted credit card payments or used an ATM, you could be owed up to $2,000 or more. That’s right — due to two massive class action lawsuits, businesses and everyday ATM users now have a limited-time opportunity to claim long-overdue refunds for fees that were allegedly too high. With billions of dollars on the line, many people could miss out simply because they don’t know they qualify.
Visa & Mastercard Hit with Massive Settlements Over Swipe and ATM Fees
This legal payout is the result of two separate class action settlements:
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A $5.5 billion settlement for businesses that accepted Visa or Mastercard between January 1, 2004, and January 25, 2019
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A $197.5 million settlement for individuals who paid ATM surcharge fees between October 1, 2007, and July 26, 2024
The lawsuits claimed that Visa and Mastercard — along with major banks — artificially inflated transaction and ATM fees, violating federal antitrust laws. Now that the settlements have been finalized, millions of businesses and consumers are eligible to file claims and potentially receive hundreds or even thousands of dollars in compensation.
Who’s Eligible for the $5.5 Billion Business Settlement?
If your business accepted Visa or Mastercard payments between 2004 and 2019, you’re likely eligible to get a cut of the $5.5 billion settlement. This applies whether you’re a large chain or a now-closed small business — even if you’re bankrupt, you can still file.
To claim your refund:
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File your claim before February 4, 2025
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Visit the official site: www.paymentcardsettlement.com
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Be ready to provide business info, such as your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and, if possible, records of card transactions
The amount you receive depends on how much you processed in Visa/Mastercard transactions and how many others file. Some business owners could see refunds of $2,000 or more if they had high transaction volumes.
What About Regular Consumers? The ATM Surcharge Settlement Could Pay You Too
In the second major case, anyone who paid ATM fees between 2007 and 2024 could also qualify for a piece of a $197.5 million settlement. If you’ve ever been charged those annoying “$2-$5 ATM access fees” at a non-bank ATM, this one is for you.
Here’s what to know:
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You must have paid ATM fees using a Visa or Mastercard network
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File your claim before January 22, 2025
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File at www.atmclassaction.com
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You may need to show proof, such as bank statements or receipts
If you’ve used out-of-network ATMs frequently over the past decade, your refund could add up quickly.
Watch for Scams — These Settlements Are Real, But So Are Fake Offers
Unfortunately, scammers are also seizing on the headlines to send fake emails, text messages, or websites pretending to help you file for a refund — but with a catch: they want your personal info or charge unnecessary “filing fees.”
Pro tip: You never need to pay to file a claim, and no official settlement team will ask for your Social Security number via email or phone. Stick to the official settlement sites listed above.
Don’t Wait — Deadlines Are Just Months Away
These settlements have been years in the making, but the window to claim your money is closing fast. With billions on the table, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check if you qualify. Whether you’re a small business owner or someone who’s paid dozens of ATM fees over the years, you could be leaving real money behind if you don’t act now.
