Judges’ Antitrust Scrutiny Grows With Nixed Visa-Mastercard Deal

A $30 billion settlement between Visa Inc., Mastercard Inc. and retailers to cap credit-card swipe fees is the latest antitrust deal to be shut down by a judge, underscoring the high standards courts use to ensure fair compensation for plaintiffs.

The Tuesday decision from Judge Margo Brodie of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York thwarts a proposal sharply criticized by many merchants saying the settlement, despite its hefty dollar figure, didn’t go far enough to impose systemic changes to the way Visa and Mastercard operate, especially with small businesses.

The judge’s refusal to sign ...