Visa & Mastercard $199.5 Million Settlement 2025 — How to Check Eligibility and File Your Claim Before Deadline

A landmark $199.5 million settlement involving Visa and Mastercard is making headlines in 2025, offering a significant payout opportunity to thousands of U.S. businesses. The settlement addresses longstanding disputes about fees charged on declined transactions, reinforcing financial accountability and transparency in the credit card industry. Businesses that incurred such charges between 2016 and 2023 may be entitled to a share of the settlement. Here’s an in-depth look at the history, eligibility criteria, payment process, and important deadlines for filing a claim.

Why Was This Settlement Reached?

The lawsuit, filed in 2016 by a coalition of U.S. retail companies, alleged that Visa, Mastercard, and other credit card networks improperly charged merchants “declined transaction fees” even when retailers had done everything required on their end. The core complaint was not just the financial losses but the principle: businesses should not be penalized for situations beyond their control when consumers’ transactions fail to process.

Beyond seeking financial recovery, plaintiffs wanted the case to send a message: global credit card networks must respect fair business practice and uphold greater transparency with their merchant clients.

Financial Details and Scope

The court-approved settlement totals $199.5 million. Of this, Visa will contribute $119.7 million and Mastercard another $79.8 million. American Express and Discover previously settled separately for a combined $32.2 million over similar allegations. This class action represents one of the largest business-oriented settlements in the U.S. payment processing sector. It serves both as a remedy for affected retailers and a warning for increased scrutiny of merchant-facing financial practices.

Who Is Eligible to Claim Settlement Funds?

Eligibility for this payout is clear-cut and focused on merchants only—not individual cardholders. The following criteria apply:

• Business or merchant status: You must have operated a business that processed card transactions during the eligibility period.
• Visa or Mastercard transaction history: Incurred charges for declined transactions processed on the Visa or Mastercard network between the lawsuit period (typically 2016–2023).
• Record keeping: You must provide transaction evidence (merchant statements, bank records, or processor notifications) as proof.
• Timely claim submission: Claims must be filed by the official deadline—December 18, 2025.

If your business falls into this category, you could be in line for a payment proportional to your incurred fees and the size of other claims submitted.

How to File a Claim and Receive Payment

Filing for your portion of the settlement is a time-sensitive and document-driven process. Here are the steps retailers and business claimants should follow:

1. Access the Official Settlement Portal:
   Visit www.paymentcardsettlement.com/en for the official claims process.
2. Complete the Claim Form:
   Provide your business name, Tax ID, contact information, and upload supporting documentation of declined transaction fees paid to Visa or Mastercard.
3. Select Payment Method:
   Choose your preferred payment method—options include PayPal, Venmo, prepaid debit card, or mailed check.
4. Submit Your Claim:
   Ensure everything is accurate and submit the claim before the December 18, 2025 deadline.
5. Track Your Status:
   The settlement administrator will review details and confirm eligibility before distributing funds. You can track updates through the official online portal.

Businesses should retain copies of all records submitted, as follow-up documentation may be required if any questions arise during claims processing.

Key Legal Dates and Deadlines

• Claim Submission Deadline: December 18, 2025
• Opt-Out/Objection Deadline: November 17, 2025
• Final Judicial Approval: Pending, but expected after public notice period ends

Eligible business owners are strongly encouraged not to delay and to file as early as possible, as untimely claims may be excluded from settlement payments.

How Much Will You Receive?

Individual payments will vary depending on several factors:

• The total value of declined fees each merchant paid
• The overall number of valid claims filed
• Available funds after deducting administrative and legal costs

While exact payment amounts for each claimant are not pre-set, the more fees a business incurred, and the fewer total claimants, the larger each payout could be. Settlement documentation suggests eligible businesses could receive compensation covering a substantial part—or all—of the disputed fees from the specified period.

Additional Corporate Settlements in 2025

The Visa and Mastercard settlement follows a string of high-profile consumer and data privacy settlements this year, including:

• AT&T: $177 million paid to resolve allegations tied to a major data breach
• Facebook: Payments up to $237 per user tracing back to a privacy incident
• Amazon: $2.5 million in refunds over billing discrepancies

These agreements reflect a sustained commitment to holding large corporations responsible for the economic impact of their practices.

Why This Settlement Matters for U.S. Businesses

Besides restoring funds to affected companies, the Visa and Mastercard $199.5 million settlement sends a message to the payments and financial industry. Merchants have the right to transparency, fair policies, and the absence of hidden fees or unexpected penalties. This resolution is an important example of collective action helping restore economic fairness—and shows the growing effectiveness of legal recourse against large payment processors.

Protecting Your Rights and Remaining Vigilant

Business owners should only interact with the official settlement administrator and never pay a fee or provide personal financial information outside the recognized portal. Keep correspondence records and verify the legitimacy of any contact received regarding the settlement.

The 2025 Visa and Mastercard settlement is not just a financial payout for the past—it solidifies the foundation for fairer, more responsible practices in America’s digital and retail economy. Be proactive, review your eligibility, and file for your share before the deadline to ensure your business benefits from this historic agreement.