Illinois residents who used non-rewards Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit cards may qualify for pro-rata cash payments from the $17.5 million American Express Anti-Steering Antitrust Settlement. Claim deadline: May 19, 2026.
Illinois non-rewards Visa, Mastercard, or Discover cardholders may receive pro-rata cash payments from a $17.5 million antitrust settlement with American Express for alleged anti-steering rules.
The American Express Anti-Steering Antitrust Settlement resolves claims in Moskowitz v. American Express Co.(Case No. 19-CV-566) that American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. imposed anti-steering provisions in merchant contracts that prevented merchants from encouraging customers to use lower-fee payment cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, or Discover). Plaintiffs allege these rules caused merchants to raise prices on goods and services, harming consumers even if they never used an American Express card. American Express denies wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the lawsuit after a jury verdict phase.
Products / Services Covered:
The settlement relates to the practice of anti-steering rules in American Express merchant agreements affecting Visa, Mastercard, and Discover debit and non-rewards credit card purchases from Qualifying Merchants in certain states.
Why the Settlement Matters:
Eligible Illinois residents who used an eligible Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make qualifying purchases may file a claim for a share of the $17.5 million settlement fund. This settlement compensates consumers who allege they paid higher prices due to Amex merchant restrictions.
Who Qualifies:
You may qualify if you are an Illinois resident who, between January 29, 2016 and June 1, 2022, made at least one purchase from a Qualifying Merchant using a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general-purpose credit or charge cardthat does not offer rewards or charge an annual fee, and you never held an Amex card during that period.
Which Specific Transactions Are Eligible:
Purchases in Illinois with a non-rewards Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit/charge card at listed qualifying merchants from the class period are covered. Debit card classes exist for other states, but only the Illinois non-rewards credit card class is eligible for payments under this settlement.
How Payouts Work:
Claimants who submit a valid claim by the deadline will share in the Net Settlement Fund (after administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, and service awards) on a pro-rata basis. Your individual payment depends on the number of claims received and the total amount of claims submitted. Payment methods include electronic payment or mailed check per administrator options.
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Who is the defendant in this settlement?
American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company are the defendants in this antitrust settlement concerning anti-steering rules.
Who qualifies for a payout?
Illinois residents who used a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card for purchases at qualifying merchants between Jan. 29, 2016 and June 1, 2022 and never held an Amex card during that period.
Do I need to provide proof of purchases?
No documentation like receipts or transaction records are required; claimants provide self-certification of eligibility on the Claim Form.
How much can I get?
Payments are pro-rata and depend on the number of valid claims and settlement deductions. There is no guaranteed amount per claimant.
When is the deadline to file a claim?
All Claim Forms must be submitted or mailed by May 19, 2026.
When is the final court hearing?
The Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2026.
• Illinois resident during the class period.
• Used a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to purchase at least one good or service at a Qualifying Merchant.
• Purchase date between January 29, 2016 and June 1, 2022.
• Never held or authorized an American Express card during the class period.
• Submit a valid Claim Form by May 19, 2026.
No Proof Required
• No receipts, statements, or transaction records are required to submit an initial claim.
• Claimants confirm eligibility and qualifying purchases through self-certification on the Claim Form.
• Total settlement fund: $17,500,000.
• Claimants share the Net Settlement Fund on a pro-rata basis.
• Payments may be made via electronic payment or mailed check after processing and court approval.
Varies - Varies
May 19, 2026
77 days left
$17,500,000
By clicking "Submit Claim Now", you will be directed to the official settlement website to file your claim directly with the settlement administrator.