Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement 2025: Have you ever wondered if there are any additional charges when you make a card payment at a shop or online platform? And if so, can you get a refund for these additional charges? If you have ever made a payment using a Visa or Mastercard card in the United States, there is great news for you. In 2025, you could receive a refund of up to $2,000 under the Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement. Let us know in detail what this settlement is, who will benefit from it, and how you can apply for this claim.
What is the Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement?
The Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement is the result of a long-running legal dispute. The lawsuit alleged that Visa and Mastercard charged merchants and businesses unfair and excessive fees for card payments.
Both companies were also accused of abusing their market dominance and forcing merchants to pay high transaction fees. This resulted in losses for millions of small and large merchants for years.
The case has now been settled in court, and under the settlement, Visa and Mastercard have agreed to refund approximately $5.54 billion. This amount will be distributed among all merchants who accepted card payments during this period.
Who are “Class Members”?
“Class Members” in this settlement are individuals or businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Between January 1, 2004, and January 25, 2019,
- were doing business in the United States
- and accepted Visa or Mastercard card payments at their business.
If you accepted Visa/Mastercard card payments at your store or company during this period, you may also be part of this Class Action Settlement.
How much money can you receive?
The refund amount is not fixed. It depends on several factors, such as:
- How many Visa/Mastercard transactions you made during that period
- How many people filed claims in total
- And what percentage of the total settlement amount you represent.
However, preliminary estimates suggest that some merchants may receive refunds of $2,000 or more. This will depend on the number of transactions you made and the size of your business.
How to Check Your Eligibility?
There are two easy ways to check your eligibility for this settlement:
- Check Online
- You can check your eligibility by visiting the website https://www.paymentcardsettlement.com.
- This is the official website of the Visa-Mastercard Settlement.
- Here, you can enter your business name or Tax ID (EIN) to check if you are eligible.
- Received a Notice by Mail
- If you already received a Class Action Notice by mail, log in to the website using the Claim Number and Confirmation Code provided and check your status.
How to File a Claim?
If you are eligible, you will need to fill out a Claim Form. You can complete this in two ways:
- Go to the website and fill it out online
- Or download the form and mail it in.
When filing a claim, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your business name
- Tax ID (EIN)
- Transaction Year
- Estimated card transaction amount during that period
Important: The deadline for submitting a claim can be as early as mid-2025. So be sure to check the website to confirm the date.
When will you receive the payment?
This is a legal process, so it takes some time. If your claim is filed correctly and all documents are in order, you may receive the payment by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Is there a fee?
No. You won’t have to pay any fees to file a claim.
If someone or a website asks you for money, be wary. This could possibly be a scam.
Is a lawyer needed?
No, you don’t need a lawyer in this case.
This is a class action case, and the court has already appointed lawyers on Plaintiffs’ behalf.
They are fighting this case on your behalf. Therefore, you don’t need to hire an additional lawyer.
Will this refund be taxable?
This depends on your business’s accounting and IRS (Internal Revenue Service) reporting.
In some cases, this amount is considered compensation for loss and is tax-free.
However, it’s advisable to consult your accountant or tax advisor for accurate information.
Can I file a claim if I didn’t receive a notice?
Yes, absolutely!
If you accepted Visa/Mastercard card payments at your store, company, or other business between 2004 and 2019, you’re eligible—even if you haven’t received a notice.
Just make sure you have proof of the transaction (records). This will validate your claim.
How to Avoid Fraud?
This settlement is so large, many fake websites and individuals may try to take advantage of it.
You should pay special attention to the following:
- Only visit the official website (paymentcardsettlement.com)
- Do not enter your personal information on any unknown website
- Report immediately if someone asks you for money.
Safety and caution are the key to your money’s safety.
Why is the Visa-Mastercard Settlement important?
This case not only provides financial relief, but also demonstrates that a monopoly in the market is not always fair.
Unfair fees imposed by large companies like Visa and Mastercard had impacted the earnings of many small merchants.
This settlement will now provide justice and relief to all of them.
This decision will set an example for other financial institutions in the future, respecting the rights of both consumers and merchants. must be protected.
Conclusion: Be sure to get your dues
The Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement 2025 is a historic decision that will provide relief to millions of small and large merchants.
If you accepted Visa or Mastercard payments between 2004 and 2019, check your eligibility today.
You may receive a refund of $2,000 or more in your account—without any fees and without the hassle of a lawyer.
Just remember: File a claim only on the official website and avoid any suspicious websites or individuals.
This opportunity is not only a recognition of your hard work, but also a step towards a fairer financial system.
FAQs:
Q. What is the Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement?
A. It’s a legal settlement where Visa and Mastercard agreed to pay $5.54 billion for charging merchants unfair fees on card payments.
Q. Who is eligible to receive money?
A. Any U.S. merchant or business that accepted Visa or Mastercard payments between January 1, 2004, and January 25, 2019.
Q. How much money can I get?
A. It depends on your card transactions, total claims filed, and your share of the settlement. Some may receive up to $2,000 or more.