By What Is the American Express Antitrust Settlement?
American Express has agreed to a $17.5 million class action settlement to resolve claims that it violated antitrust laws by enforcing anti-steering rules that prevented merchants from encouraging customers to use lower-cost payment methods. This is the american express lawsuit settlement known as Moskowitz, et al. v. American Express Co., et al. (Case No. 1:19-cv-00566-NGG-JRC), filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
The anti-steering rules at the core of the American Express antitrust case prohibited merchants from offering discounts for Visa, Mastercard, or Discover payments even though those cards cost merchants far less to process. Because merchants couldn’t steer customers, they baked Amex’s higher fees into retail prices for everyone, including consumers who never owned an Amex card.
Ohio v. American Express Co.: The Supreme Court Backdrop
The American Express antitrust battle traces back to Ohio v. American Express Co. (2018), where the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Amex’s favor under federal antitrust law, holding that the credit card market is a ‘two-sided platform’ requiring analysis of effects on both cardholders and merchants. That ruling blocked government enforcement but it left the door open for state-law class actions like this one.
Who Is Eligible to File an Amex Claim Form?
Debit Card Holders
You qualify if you used a Visa or Mastercard debit card at a qualifying merchant in Alabama, D.C., Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah between January 29, 2015 and June 1, 2022. Kansas, Illinois, and Mississippi residents may also qualify under an extended sub-class beginning January 29, 2016.
Non-Rewards Credit Card Holders
You qualify if you used a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit or charge card with no rewards program and no annual fee to shop at qualifying merchants in D.C., Kansas, or Illinois between January 29, 2015 and June 1, 2022 (or Kansas/Illinois from January 29, 2016).
How to File a Claim for AmEx Settlement
The amex antitrust settlement claim form is available online. Follow these steps before the May 19, 2026 deadline:
- Visit amexantitrust.com and click ‘File a Claim’
- Enter your name, address, and card/account number (if known)
- Provide proof of a qualifying purchase during the class period
- Submit online or mail to: Amex Antitrust c/o A.B. Data Ltd., P.O. Box 173092, Milwaukee, WI 53217
AmEx Settlement Timeline
- January 29, 2015 – June 1, 2022: Class period for most eligible states
- April 29, 2026: Opt-out and objection deadline (passed)
- May 19, 2026: CLAIM DEADLINE last day to submit Amex claim form
- June 17, 2026: Final approval hearing, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- Late 2026 / Early 2027: Expected distribution of settlement payments
Do not miss the May 19, 2026 deadline. File your claim today at amexantitrust.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. I no longer have my old card number. Can I still file?
Possibly. The amex claim form requests your card number ‘if known.’ Contact the settlement administrator at 877-315-0587 before the deadline for guidance on verifying your eligibility without it.
Q2. I’m an Amex cardholder am I included?
No. This amex settlement benefits consumers who paid with Visa/Mastercard debit cards or non-rewards credit cards, not Amex cardholders. The claim is that Amex’s rules forced non-Amex consumers to overpay.
Q3. How much will I receive from the $17.5M antitrust class action settlement?
The individual award is TBD. It depends on total valid claims filed. After legal fees and costs are deducted from the $17.5 million fund, remaining funds are divided proportionally among eligible claimants based on qualifying purchases.
Q4. What states are covered by the amex settlement?
Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, and the District of Columbia (with some variation by card type). Residents of other states are not part of this settlement class.
Q5. Where can I get the latest amex settlement updates?
Visit amexantitrust.com or call 877-315-0587. The final approval hearing is June 17, 2026. Payments are expected to be distributed after that date pending court approval.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. AttorneysMag is not affiliated with the settlement administrator, class counsel, or American Express. Contact a qualified attorney or the settlement administrator for advice specific to your situation.