As Merchant Credit Card Fees increase and become more complex, business owners seek ways to minimize costs and ensure they are not overpaying. In navigating this landscape, it's crucial to stay informed about developments such as rebate programs and class action settlements. One recent lawsuit in particular, sheds light on the issue of excessive fees in credit card transactions.
Understanding the Lawsuit
The lawsuit revolves around claims that merchants paid exorbitant fees to accept Visa and Mastercard cards due to violations of antitrust laws by these companies and their member banks.
The Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class
A key aspect of the settlement is the creation of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, comprising individuals, businesses, and entities that accepted Visa-Branded Cards and/or Mastercard-Branded Cards during the specified period of January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019.
Exclusions and Inclusions
Certain entities are excluded from this class, including dismissed plaintiffs, the U.S. government, named defendants, and financial institutions involved in issuing or acquiring card transactions during the relevant timeframe.
The Notice and Merchant Rights
Merchants who fall within the defined class should pay attention to the Notice issued regarding the settlement. This Notice provides essential information about the class action lawsuit, including details of the settlement and the rights and options available to affected merchants.
Accessing Settlement Terms
For those who wish to delve deeper into the terms of the settlement, the Superseding and Amended Definitive Class Settlement Agreement, along with its appendices, is available for reference.
Seeking Financial Expertise
In light of this lawsuit and settlement, merchants must assess their situations to determine if they are eligible to participate in the settlement and potentially recover any overpaid fees. Seeking assistance from financial experts, such as fractional CFOs from reputable groups like the Florida CFO Group, can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of credit card fees and ensuring optimal cost management strategies.
Proactive Measures for Cost Management
Furthermore, merchants should proactively review their credit card processing agreements, monitor fee structures, and explore opportunities for cost-saving measures and participation in rebate programs.
The recent settlement resulting from the lawsuit regarding excessive credit card fees underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive management of merchant expenses. By leveraging available resources and staying informed about developments in the industry, merchants can safeguard their interests and optimize their financial performance in an ever-evolving business landscape.
The Authors
Anna Agnew, MBA, CTP is a Partner at the Florida CFO Group and a Certified Treasury Professional, boasting over 15 years of experience providing CFO Services across 29+ industries. With a rich background in finance, treasury, and accounting, Anna brings a wealth of real-world, hands-on corporate financial leadership experience to the table. Her collaborative, results-oriented approach has driven success in both corporate and consulting roles for public and privately held companies of varying sizes, from start-ups to multi-billion-dollar enterprises. You can also visit Anna’s LinkedIn Profile for more information.
Don Noble is a Partner at the Florida CFO Group and a technology expert, boasts an extensive background in financial leadership and advisory roles. Leveraging his wealth of experience, he collaborates with businesses to optimize their financial and technological strategies, fostering growth and resilience in the dynamic marketplace. You can also visit Don’s LinkedIn Profile for more information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your organization’s finance, accounting, and treasury needs, please give the Florida CFO Group a call at 1-877-352-2367 or email us here. We are here to help you navigate your financial challenges and achieve success.
