ATM Surcharge Settlement: Visa, Mastercard May Owe You a Refund

A lawsuit alleges that Visa and Mastercard enforced network rules that blocked independent ATM operators from offering cheaper access fees, even when a transaction could have run on a lower-cost competing network. The suit claims this amounted to price fixing, pushing surcharges higher than they should have been for people using independent ATMs. The claims rely on the federal Sherman Antitrust Act along with state antitrust laws in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

Visa and Mastercard dispute the allegations and deny any wrongdoing. Agreeing to settle isn't an admission that either company broke the law, both sides opted for mediation instead of risking a costly trial.

The settlement has only received preliminary approval so far. A judge must still grant final approval at an upcoming hearing before any money is distributed.

You may be eligible if, between October 24, 2007, and August 14, 2026, you were charged a surcharge (access fee) to withdraw cash from your deposit account at an independent ATM anywhere in the United States or its territories, and your bank never fully reimbursed you for that fee. Filing a Claim Form by the deadline is required to request payment.

No supporting documents are needed when you first submit your claim, though the Claims Administrator may later request bank statements or other records to verify it. The Claim Form itself is signed under penalty of perjury and asks for your name, mailing address, phone number, valid email address, an electronic signature, and a simple Yes or No confirming you paid an unreimbursed surcharge. There's also an optional "Notice ID Number" field for those who received an email notice.

Check your email for a notice to see if you're included in the settlement. Questions or a Claim Form can also be requested by calling the toll-free number 1-866-893-1052.