In a major win for consumers, Visa and MasterCard have agreed to pay $200 million to settle a class action lawsuit involving inflated ATM surcharge fees. If you’ve ever used an ATM tied to either of these companies—especially between 2007 and 2025—you could be entitled to up to $2,000 in refunds.
This case is more than just a settlement—it’s a message to big financial institutions: consumers won’t tolerate hidden fees and anti-competitive behavior.
What’s This All About?
The lawsuit accused Visa and MasterCard, along with big-name banks like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, of teaming up to enforce unfair ATM surcharge fees. These fees were tacked on to standard ATM withdrawals and weren’t clearly disclosed. According to the court, this violated antitrust laws and left millions of consumers paying more than they should have.
In short: the fees weren’t just annoying—they were illegal.
Here’s how the settlement breaks down:
| Company | Settlement Contribution |
|---|---|
| Visa | $104.6 million |
| MasterCard | $92.8 million |
Who Can Get?
You might be eligible for a piece of the $200 million payout if you meet these criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Period | October 1, 2007 – July 26, 2025 |
| Card Network | Visa or MasterCard |
| Surcharge Requirement | You were charged a non-refundable ATM fee |
| Banks Involved | JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America |
| Max Refund | Up to $2,000 per eligible person |
That’s right—if you were charged an ATM fee while using one of these card networks and banks, you could be owed money.
How to Claim
The process is fairly simple, but you need to follow the steps carefully:
- Go to the official ATM surcharge settlement website (name to be announced).
- Check your eligibility by reviewing your ATM transactions during the claim period.
- Fill out the online claim form or print and submit a physical version.
- Attach supporting documents, such as bank statements that show ATM surcharges.
- Submit your claim before the deadline (date to be announced on the site).
Strong documentation helps your case—so dig up any records you can.
Amount
While $2,000 is the maximum individual payout, not everyone will receive the same amount. Your actual refund depends on a few key factors:
- How often you were charged ATM fees
- The total dollar amount of those surcharges
- How many people submit claims
- How complete and accurate your documents are
The more proof you have—and the more fees you’ve paid—the bigger your potential payout.
Why It Matters
This lawsuit shows that consumers have power—especially when they come together. It also puts banks and financial networks on notice: hidden charges, shady fee practices, and collusion won’t be tolerated.
Millions of people unknowingly overpaid at the ATM. This settlement is their chance to get some of that money back—and push for more transparency going forward.
If you qualify, don’t leave your refund on the table. File your claim, keep a record of your submission, and watch for your payment.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the ATM fee refund?
Anyone charged ATM surcharges between 2007–2025 with Visa/MasterCard.
How much can I get from the settlement?
You may receive up to $2,000, depending on surcharges and claims.
What documents are needed?
Bank statements showing ATM fees during the claim period.
Where do I file my claim?
At the official ATM surcharge settlement website (coming soon).
When is the claim deadline?
Exact deadline to be announced on the official settlement site.
