Did you know that if you ever made card payments through Visa or Mastercard, you can now get a refund? Yes, you heard that right. A major class action settlement has been approved in the US, and thousands of eligible merchants could receive $2,000 or more in 2025.
This refund comes after years of legal disputes involving Visa and Mastercard over merchant fees. If your business accepted payments through these cards between 2004 and 2019, you may be eligible for this claim.
In this article, we’ll explain in detail what this settlement is, who can apply, how much money can be received, and how to claim it.
What is the Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement?
The Visa-Mastercard Class Action Settlement is the result of years of legal battles. The case alleged that Visa and Mastercard overcharged merchants for transaction fees (interchange fees or swipe fees).
Merchants claimed that these companies imposed high fees, which limited competition and increased costs for merchants. After several years of court proceedings, Visa and Mastercard reached a settlement of approximately $5.54 billion.
This amount will now be distributed among eligible businesses in the United States through a claims process.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for this settlement if you meet the following conditions:
- Your business was located in the United States.
- You accepted payments with Visa or Mastercard between January 1, 2004, and January 25, 2019.
- During that period, you were charged normal merchant processing fees.
If you meet these criteria, you will be considered a “class member” and entitled to a share of the settlement funds.
How much can you receive?
The refund amount will depend on several factors. These include:
- The number of Visa/Mastercard transactions processed by your business
- The number of total claims filed by other merchants
- The percentage of your transactions during the eligible period
The amount will vary for each claim, but many businesses can receive refunds of $2,000 or more, especially those with high transaction volume.
How to Check Your Eligibility
You can easily check your eligibility by visiting the official settlement website: paymentcardsettlement.com
You can check this in two ways:
- Through an online search: Enter your business name or tax ID number (EIN). The site will indicate whether your business is eligible.
- Through the notice mail: If you already received a class action notice, file a claim by logging in directly using the claim number and confirmation code provided.
How to File a Claim
If you are eligible, filing a claim is simple. You can submit it either online through the official website, or by downloading a physical form and mailing it in.
You’ll need the following information to file a claim:
- Business Name
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Years of Transaction (2004–2019)
- Estimated Amount Processed via Visa/Mastercard
The official claim submission deadline is expected to be mid-2025. However, it’s best to check the official website for updates.
When will the settlement amount be received?
Payment processing may take some time, as it involves verification and legal procedures. Once your claim is approved, you can expect payment in late 2025 or early 2026.
Payment will typically be made via direct deposit or check, depending on which option you selected during the claim process.
Is there a fee to file a claim?
No, filing a claim under this settlement is completely free. If someone asks you for a fee or offers to “expedite the claim,” it is likely a fraud.
Is a lawyer required?
No, a lawyer is not required. The court has appointed class counsel to represent all eligible claimants. These attorneys negotiated the terms of the settlement on behalf of the merchants, and their fees are covered by the settlement funds.
Is the refund taxable?
The taxation of this refund depends on your accounting and IRS reporting. In some cases, it may be considered compensation for previously overcharged fees and not taxable income. However, it is important to consult your tax advisor or accountant to report it correctly.
How to file a claim without receiving a notice?
Yes, if you haven’t received a notice by mail, you can still file a claim. As long as your business accepted Visa or Mastercard payments between 2004 and 2019, you can verify eligibility online and submit a claim with supporting records like transaction statements.
How to Avoid Scams and Fraud
This settlement involves billions of dollars, so scammers may try to take advantage of merchants. To protect yourself, keep the following in mind:
- Use only the official website: paymentcardsettlement.com
- Never share personal or financial details with third-party sites.
- Report suspicious requests for money or information.
Conclusion
The Visa-Mastercard class action settlement is a golden opportunity for merchants who accepted card payments between 2004 and 2019.
FAQs
1. What is the Visa-Mastercard 2025 Settlement?
A. The Visa-Mastercard 2025 Settlement is a class action settlement approved in the United States, where Visa and Mastercard agreed to pay approximately $5.54 billion to merchants who were allegedly overcharged for processing card payments between 2004 and 2019.
2. Who is eligible to claim the refund?
A. Any business located in the United States that accepted Visa or Mastercard payments between January 1, 2004, and January 25, 2019, and was charged standard merchant processing fees during that period is eligible.
3. How much refund can I receive?
A. Refund amounts vary depending on your transaction volume, the number of claims filed, and your share of transactions during the eligible period. Many businesses may receive $2,000 or more.
