Visa, Mastercard Settlement Could Pay ATM Users Nearly $170 Million

Visa and Mastercard have agreed to a $167.5 million settlement resolving a class-action lawsuit tied to ATM cash withdrawal fees dating back nearly nineteen years. The case, centered on transactions made at independent ATMs commonly found in convenience stores, gas stations, and similar non-bank locations, alleged that cardholders were charged excessive fees that weren’t fully reimbursed.

What the Lawsuit Claimed

The lawsuit argued that independent ATM operators were restricted from offering lower fees by routing transactions through alternative card networks besides Visa and Mastercard. Plaintiffs claimed this restriction prevented ATM operators from passing along potential cost savings to customers through lower withdrawal fees. Both companies agreed to settle without admitting wrongdoing.

Who Can File a Claim

Eligibility covers anyone who used a Visa or Mastercard to withdraw cash from an independent, non bank owned ATM in the US and was charged a surcharge or access fee that their bank didn’t fully reimburse. Qualifying transactions must have occurred between October 2007 and August 2026. The settlement also includes separate claim categories for residents of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

How Payouts Will Work

The settlement fund will cover legal fees, administrative costs, taxes, and payments to eligible claimants. The actual payout amount each person receives will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted, meaning individual payments could vary significantly based on participation.

Deadline to Submit a Claim

Affected consumers can file claims online through the official settlement website, with a submission deadline of February 10, 2027. The same site also allows individuals to exclude themselves from the settlement or file an objection if they choose not to participate.