#USA #Class Action #San Francisco #American Express #Berman Tabacco

Berman Tabacco's Class Action Lawsuit Announced

On March 3, 2025, Berman Tabacco revealed that a class action lawsuit has been initiated for consumers who used Visa or Mastercard debit cards or non-reward Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit cards for transactions between January 29, 2015, and June 1, 2022. If you fit this criterion, you might be eligible to join this lawsuit against American Express Company and its related travel services entity.

What Is the Lawsuit About?

The class action revolves around allegations that American Express maintained terms in its merchant agreements that prohibited merchants from steering customers toward forms of payment that incur lower transaction fees. Consequently, it is claimed, consumers who used cards other than American Express paid inflated prices as merchants adjusted their pricing strategies to make up for American Express's fees. American Express denies these allegations, asserting that it hasn’t committed any wrongdoing, placing the burden on the plaintiff's attorneys to substantiate these claims in court.

Who Is Included in the Class Action?

You might be included in one of two groups specified in the lawsuit:

1. Debit Card Class: If you're a cardholder of a Visa or Mastercard debit card and used it at qualified merchants in states like Alabama, Washington D.C., Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah during the prescribed period, you likely fall under this group.

2. Non-reward Credit Card Class: This applies to individuals holding non-reward Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit or charge cards. If you have used such cards at qualified merchants in the same locations during the specified period, you may also be included.

Eligibility is contingent upon having the billing address matching the location where the purchase occurred, emphasizing the importance of geographical verification in this lawsuit.

Legal Representation

A court-appointed group of attorneys, referred to as Class Counsel, will represent the members of the lawsuit. Participants in the class action will not incur any direct legal fees as these costs will be sought from any settlements or court-ordered amounts awarded to the class. Participants may hire personal attorneys at their own expense if preferred, but class action representation is provided without charge.

Your Choices Going Forward

You may choose to remain as part of the class action without needing to take any actions at this stage. If any settlement or benefit is awarded, all members will receive notifications on how to claim their share. Conversely, if you wish to pursue an individual lawsuit against American Express, a formal opt-out process must be followed prior to the deadline of May 2, 2025. Failing to opt out means you forfeit the right to claim any benefits from the potential settlement in this collective action.

For more specific details, including lists of qualified merchants or further information about the opt-out process, please visit AmexAntitrust.com or contact their helpline at 1-877-315-0587. This lawsuit underscores the ongoing scrutiny regarding competitive practices in the payments industry and could have significant implications for consumers and merchants alike.

Conclusion

In an age where consumer rights and competitive fairness are increasingly debated, this lawsuit stands as a pivotal moment for those who have utilized their debit and credit cards between 2015 and 2022. The outcome could not only impact the wallets of the consumers involved but also influence financial institutions and their practices going forward. Members of the class action are encouraged to stay informed about the developments as the case progresses.