#USA #San Francisco #Mastercard #Visa Debit #Amex Settlement

Important Announcement: Class Action Suit Regarding Visa and Mastercard

In a significant development for consumers, Berman Tabacco has announced a class action lawsuit that impacts individuals who utilized Visa or Mastercard debit cards, or certain credit cards without rewards from Visa, Mastercard, or Discover between 2015 and 2022. If you fall under this category, it’s essential to understand the implications of the $17.5 million settlement that has been proposed.

What is the Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit focuses on actions taken by the American Express Company and its affiliated services that allegedly imposed restrictions preventing merchants from encouraging customers to use cards with lower fees. As a result of these practices, customers often ended up paying higher prices as merchants adjusted their charges to accommodate the fees associated with accepting American Express cards. Importantly, while American Express denies any wrongdoing, the case has gained considerable traction due to its implications for pricing and merchant relations.

Who is Affected by This Settlement?

You may be eligible for this settlement if:

• - You used a Visa or Mastercard debit card in designated states including Alabama, D.C., Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah, between January 29, 2015, and June 1, 2022.
• - You hold a non-reward Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit card and used it for purchases in Illinois or Kansas during similar periods.

These groups were identified because their purchasing behavior could potentially have been affected by the alleged anti-competitive practices of American Express.

What’s at Stake?

The class action lawsuit outlines a settlement fund amounting to $17.5 million. The fund will cover various costs, including legal fees, administrative expenses, and payments to eligible consumers. If you have used an entitled card within the specified states and dates, it's crucial that you act promptly.

How Can You Participate?

To be part of the settlement, you need to submit a claim either online or by mail before May 19, 2026. Should your claim be validated, you will receive your share of the settlement fund, which will be divided among all valid claimants based on the number of claims submitted. Keep in mind that the amount could vary depending on the total number of claims processed.

What Are Your Options?

If you have not excluded yourself from the class, you will be bound by the court’s decisions regarding this case. You have the right to object to the settlement until April 29, 2026. Details on how to raise an objection can be found at www.AmexAntitrust.com.

A final court hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2026, where the court will decide on the approval of the settlement and address any motions for attorneys’ fees and costs associated with the case.

Conclusion

This class action settlement could present an opportunity for many consumers who might have been overcharged due to American Express’s policies. If you think you are eligible, make sure to get informed and submit your claims on time to take advantage of this settlement.

For additional information, please visit www.AmexAntitrust.com or call 1-877-315-0587.