People who paid fees to withdraw cash from independent ATMs could be eligible for money from a proposed $167.5 million settlement involving Visa and Mastercard.
The settlement applies to qualifying transactions made between Oct. 24, 2007 and Aug. 14, 2026. Eligible consumers must submit a claim by Feb. 10, 2027, to seek a share of the settlement.
The case, Burke v. Visa Inc., centers on allegations that Visa and Mastercard rules restricted how independent ATM operators could set their access fees. Plaintiffs say the rules prevented operators from offering lower fees when transactions could be processed through competing networks, resulting in higher costs for consumers.
Visa and Mastercard deny the allegations and agreed to settle without admitting liability.
Who could qualify?
The nationwide settlement generally covers people who were charged an access fee when they used an independent ATM in the United States or its territories to withdraw cash from a deposit account, as long as their bank did not fully reimburse the fee.
The withdrawal must have been made using an ATM or PIN debit card. Independent ATMs are machines not owned by banks or other financial institutions and can be found at places such as convenience stores, gas stations, hotels and bars.
Credit card transactions, cash advances and prepaid card transactions are not included.
How much money could people receive?
Visa and Mastercard agreed to contribute a combined $167.5 million to the settlement fund. Visa’s share is $88.775 million, and Mastercard’s is $78.725 million.
Individual payments will depend on how many valid claims are submitted and how many qualifying transactions each claimant reports. The settlement fund will also cover approved expenses, including attorneys’ fees, litigation costs and administration.
That means there is no predetermined payment amount for eligible consumers.
How can you file a claim?
Claims must be received by Feb. 10, 2027, and can be submitted online or by mail.
The official settlement website provides the claim form and additional information. Consumers can also call the settlement administrator at 1-866-893-1052.
When will settlement payments be sent?
A court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2027, to determine whether to approve the settlement.
If the agreement is approved and there are no appeals or delays, the claims administrator anticipates that payments will be distributed within six months. Payment options include digital payments such as PayPal or a virtual debit card, as well as checks.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT