What Is “ATMClassAction.com”?

ATMClassAction.com is the official settlement site for an antitrust class-action dealing with ATM surcharge (access fee) claims. ATM Class Action+3ATM Class Action+3ATM Class Action+3

In essence, it’s a portal created to allow persons (or entities) who believe they were overcharged ATM surcharges (i.e. extra fees when using ATMs) to check eligibility, file claims, review court documents, and monitor the progress of the case. ATM Class Action+3ATM Class Action+3ATM Class Action+3

This domain is used by the settlement administrator to publish notices, forms, FAQs, and related court documents. ATM Class Action+1

Background: The ATM Fee / Surcharge Lawsuits

To understand ATMClassAction.com, we need to look at the legal battle behind it.

Core Allegations

• Beginning around 2011, ATM operators and consumers sued Visa, Mastercard, and certain major banks (e.g. Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo) for allegedly colluding in a way that maintained artificially high ATM surcharge (access) fees. ATM Class Action+5Hagens Berman+5ATM Class Action+5
• The allegation was that Visa/Mastercard network rules imposed restrictions (like “non-discrimination” or “no lower fee” rules) that prevented ATM operators from offering lower access fees via rival networks, effectively insulating the major networks from price competition. ATM Class Action+3LawInc+3Payments Dive+3
• This, the plaintiffs claimed, violated U.S. federal antitrust laws (e.g. the Sherman Act) by restraining trade and harming consumers and ATM operators. LawInc+2Payments Dive+2

Over the years, the case went through motions, appeals, class certification, and settlement negotiations. ATM Class Action+3LawInc+3Payments Dive+3

Earlier Bank Settlements

Before the Visa/Mastercard settlement, there had been an earlier settlement in 2022 with major banks. That settlement was roughly $66.74 million paid by Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, among others. ATM Class Action+5ClassAction.org+5LawInc+5
The ATMClassAction site hosts “Court Documents” referencing both the 2021 bank settlement and the 2024 settlement with Visa/Mastercard. ATM Class Action+1

Visa/Mastercard $197.5M Settlement

A major milestone arrived when a federal court approved a $197.5 million settlement involving Visa and Mastercard. ATM Class Action+3Payments Dive+3LawInc+3
Combined with the prior bank settlement, the total settlement pool is sometimes described as $264.24 million (i.e. $66.74M + $197.5M) in notices and press releases. ATM Class Action+4GlobeNewswire+4LawInc+4

In approving the settlement, Judge Richard J. Leon (D.C. District Court) gave final approval on June 20, 2025. ATM Class Action+3Hagens Berman+3Payments Dive+3

The settlement covers both ATM operators and consumers who paid access fees (i.e. surcharges) at bank-operated ATMs in the United States during the class period. ATM Class Action+3Payments Dive+3ATM Class Action+3

The settlement is “non-reversionary,” meaning unused funds will not go back to defendants but be distributed to class members or as the court deems appropriate. Payments Dive+1

How the Settlement / Claim Process Works

If you believe you are eligible, the ATMClassAction website is the hub for taking action. Here’s how the process typically works based on the information available.

Eligibility & Class Definition

• You must have paid an unreimbursed ATM surcharge (an access fee) in the U.S. during the class period (October 1, 2007 to preliminary approval date, in many notices) using a Visa or Mastercard debit or ATM card. Payments Dive+4GlobeNewswire+4LawInc+4
• If all your ATM surcharges were reimbursed (by your bank or otherwise), or your card was issued by a non-U.S. financial institution, you may not qualify. GlobeNewswire+2LawInc+2
• Persons who previously filed claims in the earlier bank settlement are often automatically included in the new settlement (i.e. they may not need to file again). GlobeNewswire+2LawInc+2

Filing a Claim

• On ATMClassAction.com under the “File a Claim” section, you can download or request a claim form. ATM Class Action+2ATM Class Action+2
• You must submit a valid claim by the deadline, either online (e-filing) or by mail/postmark. ATM Class Action+3ClassAction.org+3ATM Class Action+3
• In the claim form, you may need to state under oath that you were assessed at least one ATM surcharge, give approximate amounts, dates, or other supporting details. ClassAction.org+2ATM Class Action+2
• After the claims deadline, the settlement administrator and the court will review claims, pay valid ones, deduct attorneys’ fees and administrative costs, and distribute the net fund. ClassAction.org+2ATM Class Action+2

Timing, Fees, and Payouts

• Because the exact payout per claimant depends on how many valid claims are submitted, the amount each person receives is uncertain until after claims processing. ClassAction.org+2ATM Class Action+2
• Class counsel will ask for fees, often up to about 33% of the settlement fund plus costs. ClassAction.org+2ATM Class Action+2
• Service awards (payments to named plaintiffs) may also be approved by the court (e.g. $10,000 for each class representative) subject to court review. ClassAction.org
• The site also maintains court documents so class members can view filings, orders, settlement agreements, objections, and notices. ATM Class Action+1

Opting Out / Objecting

• If a person does not want to participate (perhaps because they want to preserve their right to sue independently), they may opt out by a given deadline via a formal exclusion request. ATM Class Action+3ClassAction.org+3ATM Class Action+3
• Class members may also file objections to aspects of the settlement (e.g. fee amounts) and/or attend a fairness hearing to speak on their concerns. ClassAction.org+1

Why It Matters

Consumer Relief & Accountability

For many ATM users, especially frequent cash users, surcharges add up over time. This case seeks to give back a share of those overcharges and hold networks and banks accountable for unfair competitive restraints.

Precedent in Antitrust and Payment Systems

The case spotlights how card networks can influence pricing through contractual rules and agreements, and how those rules may cross into anti-competitive territory. It also serves as a counterbalance to the significant power wielded by Visa and Mastercard in the payment ecosystem.

Transparency Through Official Settlement Sites

Rather than having disparate lawsuits scattered in legal databases, having a unified site like ATMClassAction.com helps centralized communication with class members, provides transparency, and ensures people know how to participate.

Potential Criticisms & Caveats

While the settlement and site offer opportunity, there are important caveats:

1. Uncertainty of individual recovery: Because payouts are proportional (after costs and fees), if many people file claims, individual amounts could be small.
2. High attorney fees: Class counsel often seeks a large share (e.g. 33%). Some class members may feel that amount is excessive relative to their recovery.
3. Release of claims: Unless you opt out, by participating you release (give up) the right to bring further claims related to the same conduct. People must weigh whether to accept settlement vs retaining litigation rights.
4. Deadline sensitivity: Missing the claims or exclusion deadlines disqualifies you from participation. Many class members fail to act in time.
5. Proof difficulties: For some users, recollecting when and how much surcharge they paid (especially years ago) may be hard, complicating claim preparations.
6. Geographic/issuer restrictions: Only ATM surcharges in the U.S. and by U.S.-issued cards are typically covered; if your bank was foreign or reimbursed all fees, you may not qualify. ATM Class Action+3GlobeNewswire+3LawInc+3

Step-by-Step: How to Use ATMClassAction.com (Suggested)

Here’s a suggested workflow if you believe you qualify:

1. Visit ATMClassAction.com and read the “FAQs” and “Court Documents” tabs to understand your rights. ATM Class Action+2ATM Class Action+2
2. Go to the “File a Claim” page to download the claim form or ask for a paper version. ATM Class Action+1
3. Fill it out carefully, including all required information about your ATM surcharge(s).
4. Submit the claim before the stated deadline (online or by mail) and keep confirmation.
5. Monitor the site for settlement updates, court rulings, objections, and payment notices.
6. If you disagree with settlement terms or want to retain your lawsuit rights, consider opting out or submitting an objection (if within allowed deadlines).
7. Once claims processing is complete, watch for payment or communication from the settlement administrator.

Recent Updates & Media Coverage

• The court’s approval of the settlement was widely reported in industry media. Payments Dive
• Some press outlets covered the broader context: that class members could now claim cash back from ATM surcharge payments dating back to 2007. GlobeNewswire+1
• ATMClassAction.com continues to host updated court filings and settlement documents, enabling transparency. ATM Class Action+1

Final Thoughts & Tips for Readers Outside the U.S.

• If you live outside the U.S., your qualifying ability is likely limited (most class action coverage is U.S.-centric).
• Even U.S. residents should check carefully whether their ATM transactions and bank/card issuer fall within class definitions.
• Timeliness matters: missing deadlines is unforgiving in class action settlements.
• Don’t ignore small claims: even modest refunds may be worthwhile if effort is low (especially via online forms).
• Always keep documentation (bank statements, surcharge records) to support your claim if needed.