Visa and Mastercard have agreed to a $167.5 million class-action settlement involving ATM withdrawal fees charged at independently operated machines across the United States. The lawsuit alleges that the companies’ network rules prevented certain ATM operators from charging lower fees, potentially causing customers to pay more when withdrawing cash. Consumers who paid qualifying, unreimbursed ATM surcharges between October 24, 2007, and August 14, 2026, may be eligible for compensation. The claim deadline is February 10, 2027. The settlement is awaiting final court approval, and neither company has admitted wrongdoing.
What Is the Visa and Mastercard ATM Fee Settlement?
The case, Burke v. Visa Inc., concerns rules that allegedly restricted independent ATM owners from offering lower access fees when transactions were routed through competing networks. Plaintiffs argued that these restrictions limited price competition and increased cash-withdrawal charges. Visa has agreed to contribute $88.775 million and Mastercard $78.725 million to the proposed settlement fund. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. A settlement does not mean the court found either company liable.
Who Qualifies for ATM Fee Reimbursement?
Generally, eligible consumers must have withdrawn cash from a deposit account using an ATM card or PIN-debit card at an independent, nonbank ATM in the United States or its territories during the covered period. They must also have paid a surcharge that their bank did not fully reimburse. Independent machines are commonly found in convenience stores, gas stations, hotels and other retail locations. Withdrawals from bank-owned ATMs are not covered by this particular settlement. Credit card cash advances and prepaid-card transactions are excluded. The settlement also provides for certain statewide classes in California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Michigan.
How to File an ATM Fee Reimbursement Claim
Eligible consumers can complete the online claim form at the official website, NonBankATMSurchargeSettlement.com. The form asks for contact information, confirmation of eligibility and an estimate of the number of qualifying withdrawals on which an unreimbursed surcharge was paid. Claimants should use a reasonable, truthful estimate rather than inventing transactions. One claim form is allowed per class member, including anyone who may fall within an applicable statewide class. Online claims must be submitted by February 10, 2027. A completed paper form may also be mailed, postmarked by that date, to Non-Bank ATM Surcharge Fee Settlement, c/o A.B. Data, Ltd., P.O. Box 173053, Milwaukee, WI 53217.
Is Proof of ATM Fees Required?
No bank statements or receipts are required when initially submitting the claim. However, the settlement administrator may later request supporting records, and the claim must be certified under penalty of perjury. Available bank statements, withdrawal histories or receipts may help support the reported number of eligible transactions. A claimant should not report fees that were fully refunded by a bank.
How Much Money Will Eligible Consumers Receive?
There is no fixed reimbursement amount per ATM withdrawal or guaranteed payment per person. After court-approved attorney fees, administration costs and other deductions, the remaining fund will be divided according to the settlement allocation method and valid qualifying transactions. The actual amount depends on the volume of accepted claims and transactions. Payment options may include electronic delivery or a mailed check, subject to the administrator’s instructions.
Important Settlement Dates and Payment Status
The deadline to object to the proposed settlement or request exclusion is December 11, 2026. The final approval hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2027. Payments will not be distributed until the settlement receives final approval and any appeals or related proceedings are resolved. The schedule may change, so claimants should check the official settlement website for notices rather than relying on an advertised payout date.
Avoid Settlement Claim Scams
Filing a legitimate settlement claim is free. Consumers should use the official claims website rather than links in unsolicited messages requesting processing fees, banking passwords or card PINs. Questions can be directed to the claims administrator at 1-866-893-1053 or info@NonBankATMSurchargeSettlement.com. This settlement is distinct from an earlier ATM surcharge settlement with a January 2025 claim deadline; the two should not be confused.
