Visa, Mastercard & Discover $17.5M Class Action Settlement

Individuals who used a Visa, Mastercard or Discover nonrewards credit card to make in-person purchases at certain major retailers in Illinois between Jan. 29, 2016, and June 1, 2022, may be eligible to submit a claim for a cash payment from a $17.5 million a class action settlement.

American Express Co. and American Express Travel Related Services Co. Inc. agreed to pay $17.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging its antisteering rules in merchant agreements led to higher prices for all customers, including those who did not use Amex cards, by preventing merchants from encouraging the use of lower-fee credit cards.

The case went to trial, which concluded in August 2025. Out of 12 certified classes, the Illinois nonrewards credit card class was the only one that won at trial.

The settlement includes 38 qualifying merchants and the retail stores and brands they may operate under. This includes Walmart and Sam's Club, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, Best Buy, Kroger, Albertsons and others listed in the official settlement notice.

Who can file a claim for a settlement payout?

Class members must meet the following criteria:

• They are an individual, not a business entity, who held a nonrewards Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit card with a billing address in Illinois.
• The nonrewards credit card must not have charged annual fee.

• They made at least one in-person purchase at a qualifying retailer in Illinois between Jan. 29, 2016, and June 1, 2022, using qualifying nonrewards credit card.
• They did not have had an American Express card at any time during the class period.

Are there any exclusions?

The settlement includes the following exclusions:

• Individuals who currently hold or previously held an Amex credit or charge card, including Amex cobranded cards, in Illinois during the class period cannot submit a claim.
• Purchases made with a credit card that offers rewards or charges an annual fee do not qualify for the settlement.
• Purchases of prescription drugs or medical services from a pharmacy where the class member paid only a flat insurance copay do not qualify for the settlement.

How much is settlement payment?

Pro rata cash payment: Class members can submit a claim to receive an equal pro rata cash payment from the net settlement fund. The settlement administrator will determine the final payment amount by the total number of valid claims filed.

Example payment calculations

• If, after all deductions, $8,000,000 remains for distribution and class members file 100,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $80.
• $8,000,000 / 100,000 = $80

• If, after all deductions, $8,000,000 remains for distribution and class members file 50,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $160.
• $8,000,000 / 50,000 = $160

How to claim a class action rebate

To receive a settlement payment, class members can file a claim online or print and complete the PDF claim form to mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Amex Antitrust, c/o A.B. Data Ltd., P.O. Box 173092, Milwaukee, WI 53217

The claim deadline is May 19, 2026.

Required claim information

• All class members must provide their Illinois credit card billing address.
• The claim form does not require supporting documentation, but the settlement administrator may request it at a later date to verify eligibility.

Payout options

• Electronic payment
• Paper check mailed to the address provided

$17.5 million settlement fund breakdown

The $17,500,000 settlement fund will include:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees and expenses: Up to $8,000,000
• Service awards to class representatives: To be determined
• Payments to approved claimants: Remaining settlement funds

Important dates

• Deadline to file a claim: May 19, 2026
• Final approval hearing: June 17, 2026

When is the Amex antitrust settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to approved claimants after it completes claim processing and the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged American Express included antisteering provisions in its merchant agreements, which prevented merchants from encouraging customers to use lower-fee cards. The plaintiffs claimed these rules caused merchants to increase prices for all customers not just those using Amex cards.

In August 2025, a jury found Amex violated Illinois law and only the Illinois nonrewards credit card class suffered damages. American Express denies the allegations but agreed to settle before the court entered the final jury verdict judgment.

Sources

1. Official settlement website
2. Class action notice
3. Claim form