If you've ever withdrawn cash from an out-of-network ATM in the US and paid a surcharge for it, there may be money waiting for you. Visa and Mastercard have agreed to settle a US class-action lawsuit worth $167.5 million over ATM surcharges. Eligible consumers have until February 10, 2027 to file a claim.
Key catch: you can file either online or by traditional mail — but not both.
What the settlement covers
The case centers on a US class-action lawsuit challenging the rules around surcharges for using ATMs outside your own bank's network. Under the settlement, Visa and Mastercard will pay a combined $167.5 million. This isn't a per-person fine — it's a fund distributed among those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Who qualifies
Consumers who meet the settlement's conditions — meaning they used ATMs and paid the disputed surcharges during the period covered by the case — are eligible to claim. For travelers from outside the US, this matters most if you've visited the States, withdrawn cash from local ATMs, and paid extra fees for it. Exact criteria and the covered period are laid out in the official settlement documents, so check those before filing.
How to file a claim
- Deadline: February 10, 2027.
- Filing methods: online or by traditional mail.
- Important restriction: you cannot file through both channels — pick one, or your claim may be rejected.
Keep proof of your submission — a screenshot of the online form or a mailing receipt. It'll come in handy if you need to check on the status of your payout.
What this means for travelers in practice
The settlement is a US matter, but it's a reminder of something bigger: ATM fees abroad are a line item that's easy to underestimate. Withdrawing cash in a foreign country often means paying twice — once to your own bank and once to the ATM's owner. For anyone traveling to the US, that stings.
The payment side of a trip deserves attention in general: paying for bookings and visa fees with a foreign card, hotel pre-authorizations (funds held during your stay), refunds when a booking is cancelled, currency conversion nuances, eSIM and ride-hailing apps. Virtual cards help keep spending under control in these situations — you can issue a dedicated card for the trip, set limits, and avoid exposing your main one. If a card won't work with US services or ATMs, it's better to find out beforehand rather than at the checkout.
The bottom line
$167.5 million is what Visa and Mastercard are prepared to return under the US class-action settlement. If you've used US ATMs and meet the criteria, you have until February 10, 2027. The main thing: file through only one channel and keep proof of submission.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Check the official settlement documents for eligibility criteria and payout details.
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