Big banks are under fire again in 2025—this time for charging excessive overdraft fees, duplicate charges, and hidden banking costs. Consumers across the U.S. have filed class action lawsuits against financial institutions accusing them of deceptive, unfair billing practices that cost everyday Americans millions of dollars.
If you’ve ever been hit with unexpected charges from your bank, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide explains the top class action lawsuits against banks for overdraft and hidden fees, and how you can check your eligibility or file a claim.
Why Are Banks Being Sued?
Banking institutions have long been criticized for fees that disproportionately hurt low- and middle-income customers. Common consumer complaints include:
- Multiple overdraft fees on the same transaction
- Charging fees when accounts were never actually overdrawn
- Reordering transactions to maximize overdraft charges
- “Surprise” maintenance or transfer fees
- Charging monthly fees on supposedly free checking accounts
- Withholding deposits to trigger overdraft penalties
Many lawsuits claim these practices violate consumer protection laws, breach contract terms, and constitute unfair business practices.
Major Bank Fee Lawsuits in 2025
Here are some of the most active or recently settled class action lawsuits involving U.S. banks and unfair fees:
1. Bank of America Overdraft Fee Lawsuit
- Allegations: Charging multiple overdraft fees on a single transaction
- Status: $75 million settlement approved
- Eligibility: Customers charged overdraft fees between 2015 and 2022
- Claim Site: boaoverdraftsettlement.com
2. Wells Fargo Hidden Fee Class Action
- Allegations: Surprise charges, duplicate fees, and misleading account maintenance practices
- Status: Active in federal court
- Details: Plaintiffs say fees were charged even when accounts had available balance
- Estimated Compensation: Up to $100–$400 per affected account
3. TD Bank Transaction Reordering Lawsuit
- Allegations: Intentionally reordering withdrawals to increase overdraft penalties
- Status: Settled for $62 million
- Eligibility: TD Bank customers from 2010–2020
- Compensation Range: $50–$500 depending on fee amounts
4. Navy Federal Credit Union Class Action
- Allegations: Charging overdraft fees without customer opt-in
- Status: Ongoing legal battle in 2025
- Important Note: Even credit unions are not exempt from deceptive billing practices
5. PNC Bank “Authorize-Hold-Fee” Lawsuit
- Allegations: Charging overdraft fees even when debit card purchases were authorized with available funds
- Status: Part of a consolidated multi-bank class action
- Estimated Payouts: $75–$250 per claimant
Why These Lawsuits Matter
These lawsuits are about more than just a few dollars in charges—they shine a spotlight on:
- Systemic abuse of consumer trust
- Predatory practices that disproportionately impact vulnerable groups
- Lack of transparency in the banking industry
- The urgent need for financial accountability
For many, joining a class action is the only realistic way to fight back.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
You may qualify to join one of these lawsuits or receive compensation if:
✅ You were charged overdraft fees multiple times for one transaction
✅ Your bank withheld deposits, leading to overdrafts
✅ You paid a “surprise” account maintenance or transfer fee
✅ You did not opt into overdraft coverage but were still charged
✅ You had a free or student checking account that suddenly started charging fees
✅ You received an email or postcard about a settlement
Even if you didn’t get a notice, you can often file a claim using your account information and transaction records.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
| Damage Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Fee Reimbursement | Full or partial refund of overdraft or maintenance fees |
| Interest or Losses | Money lost due to withheld deposits or delayed credits |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation if the bank acted in bad faith |
| Legal Costs | Covered by the settlement fund |
| Credit Repair | In some cases, damage to credit may be eligible for remedy |
How to Join a Bank Fee Class Action Lawsuit
Step 1: Search for Active Settlements
Visit trusted sites like:
- TopClassActions.com
- ClassAction.org
- The official bank lawsuit settlement sites (listed in notices or emails)
Step 2: Fill Out a Claim Form
You’ll usually need:
- Your name and contact info
- Bank account number (or last 4 digits)
- Dates you held the account
- Optionally, the estimated fees you were charged
Step 3: Choose a Payment Option
Most settlements offer PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit, or paper check.
Step 4: Monitor the Claim
You’ll receive updates about approval, potential appeals, and payout schedules. Expect 3–9 months for most payments.
What If You Didn’t Keep Records?
That’s okay. Most banks have electronic records of fee assessments and eligible customers. If your name is part of a settlement class, you may automatically qualify or be prompted to verify your identity through a form.
Still, it’s helpful to check your old bank statements or log into online banking archives for fee histories.
Can You Sue Your Bank Individually?
Yes, but it’s more difficult unless:
- Your loss was significant
- The issue caused identity theft or financial damage
- You were discriminated against or denied services unlawfully
- You’ve already exhausted class action options
Hiring a consumer protection attorney is recommended if you’re not part of a class action but have a solid case.
Final Thoughts
Banks make billions from fees every year—but that doesn’t mean those charges are always legal or fair. If you’ve been hit with overdraft fees, surprise costs, or shady billing tactics, you may be entitled to money back.
Class action lawsuits are giving power back to consumers, forcing banks to answer for years of predatory behavior. In 2025, there’s no reason to stay silent or accept unjust charges.
Start by checking if your bank is under investigation or part of an ongoing settlement—and claim what’s rightfully yours.