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Class Action Lawsuit Against American Express

On March 3, 2025, Berman Tabacco announced a significant class action lawsuit against American Express Company and its affiliate, American Express Travel Related Services Company. If you used a Visa or MasterCard debit card, or a non-rewards credit card from Visa, Mastercard, or Discover for purchases between 2015 and 2022, you could be part of this lawsuit. This legal notice serves not just as awareness but also as a potential opportunity for consumers who may have been affected by the practices of one of the most recognized names in financial services.

Understanding the Lawsuit

The crux of the lawsuit revolves around allegations against American Express regarding certain rules and stipulations in their agreements with merchants. It is claimed that these rules hinder merchants from encouraging customers to use different payment methods that might impose lower fees on the merchants. Consequently, this could lead to inflated prices for customers not using American Express cards for their purchases. Therefore, consumers who opted for other forms of payment may have inadvertently paid more than necessary due to these controversial practices.

American Express has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that they have not engaged in wrongful behaviors. The case is now in the hands of the courts, where the plaintiffs' lawyers will need to substantiate their claims.

Am I Included in This Class Action?

Generally speaking, you might qualify to be part of the class if:

• - You held a Visa or MasterCard debit card and used it for purchases at authorized merchants in states like Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah.
• - For debit card users, the relevant time frame is from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022.

For those using credit cards that do not offer rewards, you might qualify if:

• - You have a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit or debit card that does not provide rewards and was used at authorized merchants in specific states and times similarly outlined above.

To ensure your inclusion, a full list of eligible merchants and more detailed criteria will be available on the designated website.

Who Represents the Class?

A court-appointed team of attorneys will represent the individuals in this class action. Notably, participants do not need to pay for legal representation as any potential attorney fees and costs awarded would be covered by any gains or benefits achieved through the lawsuit. However, if you wish to have personal legal representation, it’s important to note that you would be responsible for those legal expenses.

What Are My Options?

If you wish to remain part of this lawsuit, you do not need to take any action; however, if you want to preserve your right to sue American Express independently concerning the claims in this lawsuit, you must opt-out by the exclusion deadline on May 2, 2025. Further details regarding the opt-out process can be found on the lawsuit's website or by calling the provided toll-free number.

Conclusion

This class action lawsuit against American Express opens a path for justice and potentially compensates those affected by the alleged pricing unfairness. As the situation unfolds, it’s crucial for anyone who believes they might be involved to stay informed and understand their rights within this legal process. For further inquiries, potential class members can call 1-877-315-0587 or visit www.AmexAntitrust.com for detailed information and resources.