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Recent Class Action Settlement Announcement

Berman Tabacco has recently made headlines following the announcement of a settlement regarding a class action lawsuit. If you made purchases using your Visa or Mastercard debit card, or non-rewards credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, or Discover, between 2015 and 2022, your eligibility for compensation could be impacted.

Understanding the Settlement

The class action primarily revolves around claims made against American Express Company and its related services. The lawsuit highlights regulations within American Express's merchant agreements that prevent merchants from encouraging customers to use cards that might incur lower transaction fees. Because of these rules, purchases made with non-Amex cards might often lead to inflated prices, as merchants raise their fees to cover the high costs associated with American Express transactions.

Interestingly, although the lawsuit claims these practices have harmed consumers financially, American Express has denied any wrongdoing. Regardless, a settlement of $17.5 million has been reached following a jury's verdict, and certain consumers are eligible for a share of this fund.

Who Qualifies for Compensation?

To be considered part of the settlement, consumers need to fit specific criteria which vary by card type:

• - Debit Card Holders: If you used a Visa or Mastercard debit card for purchases from qualifying merchants in states such as Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah during the stipulated timeframes (January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022 for some states; a slightly different period for others), you may qualify.
• - Credit Card Users: Users of non-rewards Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit cards who made purchases from qualifying merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois also fall into the settlement’s class. Here, the time period is similar, covering transactions from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022, for specific states.

For people unsure if they qualify, Berman Tabacco advises visiting the settlement website, which provides detailed information on qualifying merchants and exclusion criteria.

What Does the Settlement Include?

The $17.5 million settlement fund is dedicated to covering various costs including:

• - Taxes
• - Administrative expenses for notifying cardholders
• - Legal fees and expenses
• - Awards for those serving as representatives in this case

Eligible class members from Illinois who hold a non-rewards credit card are particularly set to benefit, as they’ll have the option to file claims for compensation from this fund.

Claiming Your Payment

If you qualify under the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, it's essential to submit your claim by May 19, 2026. Doing so will enable you to receive an equal share of the settlement fund, but how much each individual gets will depend on the number of valid claims submitted.

What Are Your Options Moving Forward?

If you haven't opted out previously, the final court decisions regarding this settlement bind you. For those who wish to contest the terms of the settlement, objections must be lodged by April 29, 2026. Further details can be found through their official website at www.AmexAntitrust.com.


A final hearing is slated for June 17, 2026, when the court will review the settlement’s approval, alongside a request for attorney fees and service awards. Although it isn't mandatory to attend, those wishing to make their voices heard can opt to attend the proceedings themselves.

In summary, those affected by these purchasing conditions could stand to gain from this substantial settlement. Stay informed and ensure to check the qualifications to secure your rightful compensation. For further information, remember to check the settlement website or reach out to the support center at 1-877-315-0587.