Swiping your card could be costing you more than you think. A major lawsuit against Visa and Mastercard could mean money in your pocket.

Find out if you're owed anything from this legal battle!


Visa and Mastercard have been accused of unfairly inflating ATM fees, a move that has not only hit consumers' wallets but also affected retailers who faced higher costs for accepting card payments.

The lawsuit claimed that these extra charges were not part of the agreement between customers and their banks, and therefore, customers were paying more than they should have.

The result? A hefty $197.5 million settlement, with Visa contributing $104.6 million and Mastercard $92.8 million.


This sum is set to be distributed among those who felt the sting of these inflated fees.

It's important to note that while the settlement has been reached, neither Visa nor Mastercard has admitted to any wrongdoing—a common outcome in class action settlements.

Who can claim a slice of the settlement pie?​

Not everyone who used a Visa or Mastercard debit card at an ATM will be eligible for a payout. Here's a quick rundown of who might qualify:

• You used a Visa or Mastercard debit card at a US ATM and paid an unreimbursed surcharge between October 1, 2007, and July 26, 2024.
  
  
• The ATM surcharge was levied by a bank within the Visa or Mastercard network, such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America.

However, there are a few reasons you might not be eligible:

• If your ATM fees were reimbursed by your bank.
• If your card was issued outside the US.
• If you previously received a payment from the earlier ATM fee settlement involving major US banks, you're automatically eligible for this one. But if you've encountered additional ATM surcharges since that settlement, you'll need to file a new claim.

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The claim filing process​

Filing a claim is designed to be straightforward. Initially, no documentation is required.

You can file online by visiting the class action lawsuit's website and completing the form, or you can mail in your claim to the ATM Surcharge Settlement at the address provided.

ATM Surcharge Settlement
P.O. Box 170500
Milwaukee, WI 53217

When filing, you'll need to provide contact information and answer questions about your ATM fees.

By signing the document under oath, you're affirming that you paid excessive surcharges, making it a legally binding statement.

Honesty is crucial here, as false claims can lead to legal consequences.

Keep in mind that while documentation may not be requested at the start, the claims administrator might ask for additional proof later on to verify your claim or determine the amount you're owed.

So, it's wise to keep any relevant records handy.

The deadline to file a claim is January 22, 2025, with the final hearing to approve the settlement scheduled for January 24, 2025.


For many in the over-60s community, every penny counts, especially when it comes to retirement savings and fixed incomes.

Unfair fees can chip away at your hard-earned money, and it's essential to hold financial institutions accountable. This settlement offers a chance to recoup some of those losses.

Moreover, this case highlights the importance of scrutinizing the fees associated with your payment cards and understanding the agreements with your bank.

It's a reminder to stay vigilant about where your money goes and to take action when something doesn't seem right.
Have you noticed high ATM fees when using your debit card? Will you be filing a claim as part of this settlement? Or perhaps you have tips on how to keep track of fees and manage your banking costs effectively. Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.