Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement 2025: Have you ever wondered if there are really some extra charges on the card payments you make And if yes, can you be entitled to a refund in lieu of this If you have made a payment through Visa or Mastercard in the US, then there is great news for you. In the year 2025, eligible people can get a refund amount of up to $2000 under the Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement. In this article, we will understand in detail what this class action settlement is, why it came, who will get the money and how you can apply for this claim.
What is Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement?
- This is the result of a long-running legal battle in which Visa and Mastercard were accused of charging merchants (shopkeepers and business owners) unfair and excessive fees on card payments.
- A class action case was filed in the US court regarding this matter, in which it was said that these companies abused their dominance in the market and merchants had to pay excessive charges on card payments.
- Now this case has been settled and a settlement has been decided in which Visa and Mastercard have agreed to return the amount of about $5.54 billion to the class members.
Who are the “class members”?
Class Members means all individuals or companies who:
- Between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019
- as a merchant/business located in the United States
- accepted payments using cards issued by Visa or Mastercard
- If you accepted card payments at your store or business during that period, you can join this class action.
How much money you get?
It depends on:
- how many Visa/Mastercard transactions you made during that period,
- the total number of claims filed,
- and what your percentage of the settlement is.
- However, it is estimated that some merchants could receive $2000 or more.
How to check eligibility?
- You have two ways:
- Check online: https://www.paymentcardsettlement.com
- This is the official website for the Visa-Mastercard settlement
- Here you can: Enter your business name or tax ID
- to see if your business is eligible for the settlement.
- Received a notice by mail: If you have already received a class action notice, you can log in using the claim number and confirmation code provided in it.
How to file a claim?
If you are eligible, you will need to fill out a claim form. You can:
Fill it out online by visiting the website
Or download a physical form and send it in the post
The following information will be required when filing a claim:
- Your business name
- Your tax ID (EIN)
- The year you made the transactions
- The estimated amount you accepted during that time
- Deadline: The deadline to file a claim could be as early as mid-2025 (confirm with the website).
When will you receive money from the settlement?
This is a legal process and takes some time. If you have filed the claim correctly and all the papers are in order, you can expect payment by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Will it cost anything?
No. Filing a claim is completely free. If someone asks you for a fee for this, be careful – it may be a scam.
Do I need a lawyer?
You do not need a lawyer in this case. In the class action case, the court has already appointed Plaintiffs lawyers who fight this case on your behalf.
Will this refund be taxable?
This depends on your accounting and IRS reporting. It would be better to contact your accountant or tax advisor. Sometimes this refund is considered compensation for losses and is not taxable.
Can I make a claim if I did not receive a notice?
Yes, absolutely. If you have accepted card payments during that time period, and you have evidence (records), then you can still file a claim.
How to avoid fraud in this claim?
- Always visit the official website (paymentcardsettlement.com)
- Do not fill your personal details on any unknown website
- Report if someone asks for money
Conclusion:
Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement 2025 is a historic decision which will provide relief to millions of small and big businesses. If you have also accepted Visa/Mastercard payments in your store or company between 2004 and 2019, then definitely check whether you are eligible for this refund.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for the settlement?
A. Any U.S. business or merchant that accepted Visa and/or Mastercard debit or credit card payments between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019 may be eligible to claim part of the settlement.
Q2. How much can a business receive from the settlement?
A. Eligible businesses can receive a portion of the $5.54 billion settlement fund. Refund amounts vary depending on the total fees the business paid during the eligible period. Some claims may be worth up to $2000 or more.
Q3. What is the deadline to file a claim?
A. As of now, the claim submission deadline has not yet been officially announced. Stay tuned to the official settlement website or trusted news updates for final dates.
Q4. Is there any cost or fee to file a claim?
A. No, filing a claim is completely free. You do not need to hire a lawyer or pay any third party to receive your refund—unless you choose to.
Q5. Can businesses that are now closed still apply?
A. Yes. If your business accepted Visa or Mastercard payments during the eligible period (2004–2019), you can still file a claim even if the business has since closed.