Consumers who used Visa or Mastercard debit cards, or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit cards between 2015 and 2022 may be eligible for a payment from a $17.5 million class action settlement. The settlement relates to allegations against American Express regarding fees charged to merchants, potentially impacting the cost of goods and services for cardholders. Individuals who used non-rewards credit cards in Illinois between 2016 and 2022 may as well qualify for a portion of the funds.
The lawsuit, brought against American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (referred to as “Amex”), alleged that the company’s merchant agreements included rules preventing businesses from encouraging customers to use payment methods with lower fees. Plaintiffs claimed merchants, to offset Amex’s fees, increased prices for all customers, meaning those not using Amex cards effectively paid a premium. Amex has denied any wrongdoing.
Individuals may have received a court-authorized notice regarding the debit and non-rewards credit card classes (“certified classes”). The case has progressed to the trial phase, with a jury rendering a verdict, and this notification concerns a post-trial settlement reached with Amex.
Who is Covered by the Settlement?
Generally, you are included in the settlement if you fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Debit Card Class: You are a Visa or Mastercard debit cardholder, and you or an authorized user used that debit card to make purchases from qualifying merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and purchase activity must be in the same state, and for Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah, the transactions must have occurred between January 29, 2015, and June 1, 2022. For Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi, the timeframe is January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
- Non-Rewards Credit Card Class: You are a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general-purpose credit or charge card holder that does not offer rewards or charge an annual fee, and you or an authorized user used that card to make purchases from qualifying merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and purchase activity must be in the same state, and for the District of Columbia, the transactions must have occurred between January 29, 2015, and June 1, 2022. For Kansas or Illinois, the timeframe is January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
More specific information, including a complete list of qualifying merchants and excluded individuals, is available on the settlement website: www.AmexAntitrust.com.
What Compensation is Available?
Amex will contribute $17.5 million to the settlement fund. This amount will cover taxes, notification and administration costs, attorney’s fees and expenses, class representative service awards, other expenses, and distribution to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit card class members.
If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit card class – meaning you are a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover cardholder with a card that doesn’t offer rewards or charge an annual fee and used it to make purchases at a qualifying Illinois merchant – you can submit a claim. Your billing address and purchase activity must be in Illinois between January 29, 2016, and June 1, 2022.
How to File a Claim
If you are a member of the Illinois non-rewards credit card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will receive a distribution from the settlement fund on a per capita basis (after deductions for expenses). The specific amount you receive will depend on the number of valid and timely claims submitted.
Your Options
If you have not opted out of the settlement, you are bound by the court’s decision. You can object to the settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information on how to object is available at www.AmexAntitrust.com.
The court will hold a final hearing on June 17, 2026, to determine whether to approve the settlement and authorize attorney’s fees of up to 33% of the settlement fund, reimbursement of expenses up to $8 million, and class representative service awards. You or your attorney can attend the hearing and speak, but it is not required.
For more information, visit www.AmexAntitrust.com or call 1-877-315-0587.
The outcome of this settlement highlights ongoing scrutiny of credit card interchange fees and their potential impact on consumers. The court’s approval of the settlement, and the final distribution of funds, will be closely watched by both consumers and the financial industry. The final hearing in June will determine the specifics of the payout and associated costs.
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