$1,797 Direct Payment Announced for Visa and Mastercard Users: In a major win for financial transparency and consumer rights, eligible Visa and Mastercard users will receive a direct payment of up to $1,797 under a recently announced class-action settlement. The settlement relates to additional ATM fees that were illegally charged over the past 17 years.
The case is a significant step towards holding financial institutions accountable and protecting consumers’ rights. Visa, Mastercard and major US banks have been held responsible for this illegal fee collection. Let’s understand in detail how the settlement happened, who is eligible and what will be the process to receive the payment.
Key details about the settlement
Fact | Details |
---|---|
Total Settlement Amount | $197 million (approximately ₹1,600 crore) |
Maximum Payment | Up to $1,797 per claimant (approximately ₹1.5 lakh) |
Eligibility Period | Transactions between October 1, 2007, and July 26, 2024 |
Claim Deadline | January 22, 2025 |
Affected Banks | ATMs operated by JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America within the Visa/Mastercard network |
More Information | Available on the official settlement website |
Payment of up to $1,797 – What is the case?
Background of the case
The class-action lawsuit was based on the allegation that Visa and Mastercard, along with major US banks like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Bank of America, charged unnecessary ATM fees to customers. When consumers withdrew cash from ATMs of banks other than their own, they were charged excessive fees.
The plaintiffs claimed that these fees were imposed with the aim of eliminating competition and placed an unfair financial burden on consumers.
How were ATM fees charged illegally?
- Market dominance: Visa and Mastercard abused their influence to prevent banks from setting ATM fees independently.
- Unfair fees: Customers had to pay higher ATM fees than normal, causing them financial losses.
- Lack of transparency: Consumers were not given clear information about this fee system, forcing them to pay expensive fees.
How did the settlement happen and who will benefit?
After several years of legal battles, Visa and Mastercard have approved a settlement fund of $197 million. This amount will be distributed to customers who paid this illegal fee.
Eligibility Conditions

If you want to be eligible for this payment, the following conditions must be met:
- ➤ Time frame: You should have made an ATM withdrawal using a Visa or Mastercard debit card between October 1, 2007 and July 26, 2024.
- ➤ The concerned bank: An ATM transaction must have been executed on machines operated by JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America.
- ➤ Paid ATM fees: You must have incurred a non-refundable ATM fee during that date, appearing in the bank statement as ATM Withdrawal Fee or Surcharge Fee.
How to claim up to $1,797?
If you think you are entitled to this agreement settlement, please proceed with the instructions given below:
1. Visit the settlement website
Head to the case’s official website (www.example-settlement.com). There you will find the claim form and procedures, as well as frequently asked questions (FAQs).
2. Fill out the claim form
There is a choice of filing a claim online or downloading it to fill out. It will require the following information:
- ✔ The complete name and contact details
- ✔ The debit card used
- ✔ Proof of ATM transactions and fees charged
3. Attach the required documents
While documents are not compulsory for every claim, some claimants may be asked to submit bank statements, transaction receipts, or an account summary.
4. Submit the application before the deadline
Claims must be filed by January 22, 2025. Late-filed applications will be rejected.
Impact of the settlement on consumers
- Protecting consumer rights
- An important win in favor of consumers-including the largest financial institutions in proving that above-the-law exists.
- Banks held accountable
- This lawsuit is one such instance in which banks can be held responsible for unfair practices.
- Better regulation in the future
- This case has warned regulatory agencies to keep a close eye on banks’ fees to protect customers from financial losses.
Conclusion
This settlement will provide a big financial break to Visa and also Mastercard users. If you’ve been paying excess ATM fees under these networks for 17 years now, here is your golden opportunity to claim all that extra money you spent. File a claim in time and protect your financial rights!
FAQs On $1,797 Direct Payment Announced for Visa and Mastercard Users
Q. Am I eligible for this settlement?
A. If you withdrew cash using a Visa/Mastercard debit card from an ATM of the affected banks between October 1, 2007 and July 26, 2024 and paid an additional fee, you may be eligible for a claim.
Q. How much payment can I receive?
A. You can get up to $1,797 (₹1.5 lakh), but the final amount will depend on the number of claimants and the fees they paid.
Q. How do I file a claim?
A. You can fill out a claim form by visiting the official website of the settlement (www.example-settlement.com).