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Berman Tabacco Class Action Settlement Announcement

In a groundbreaking development, Berman Tabacco has announced a class action settlement that could benefit numerous consumers. If you utilized a Visa or Mastercard debit card or a non-reward credit card from Visa, Mastercard, or Discover between 2015 and 2022, your rights may be affected under this settlement. The total compensation fund allocated for this settlement stands at a remarkable $17.5 million.

Background of the Settlement

This class action lawsuit was initiated to address allegations against American Express Company and its affiliate, American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. The lawsuit contended that these companies incorporated clauses in their merchant contracts that hindered merchants from encouraging customers to use lower-fee cards instead of American Express cards. As a result, prices were reportedly raised, leading customers who did not use American Express cards to pay higher amounts.

Despite these allegations, American Express firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their practices were lawful and did not unfairly disadvantage consumers or merchants. Nevertheless, this settlement represents a significant recognition of the consumer's rights and the competitive practices among credit card companies.

Who is Affected by This Settlement?

Consumers who fall into one of the following categories might be eligible for compensation:

• - Debit Card Users: If you possess a Visa or Mastercard debit card and made purchases at qualifying merchants in states like Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, and several others between January 29, 2015, and June 1, 2022, you may qualify.
• - Non-Rewards Credit Card Users: If you hold a non-reward Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card and made purchases in Washington D.C., Kansas, or Illinois within the specified date range, you are also a part of the eligible group for compensation.

The total compensation will be determined based on the number of valid claims submitted.

Structure of the Settlement Fund

The $17.5 million settlement fund is allocated to cover various costs, including tax liabilities, notification and administrative expenses, attorney's fees, and awards for class representatives. This fund will be used to compensate eligible claimants, who will receive respective portions based on the total claims verified against the fund.

Submitting a Claim

If you believe you are eligible under the non-reward credit card category in Illinois, you need to submit a claim by May 19, 2026. Claims can be submitted online or via mail, and if valid, you will be awarded your share of the settlement fund after deducting applicable costs.

It's crucial to ensure your submission is completed on time, as late submissions generally will not be accepted.

What Are Your Rights?

Should you not wish to participate in the settlement, you have the option to opt-out, but you must do so by April 29, 2026. Additionally, a final hearing is set for June 17, 2026, where the court will review and finalize the settlement.

If you have any questions regarding the details or are unsure about your eligibility, the official website AmexAntitrust.com provides comprehensive information, or you may contact them directly for assistance.

In summary, the Berman Tabacco class action settlement is a significant move towards protecting consumer rights and holding companies accountable. It's an opportunity for those who might have been affected to reclaim some of their losses, reflecting the importance of staying informed about your rights as a consumer in a complex financial landscape.