Consumer Arbitration COSTS
Rules Effective September 15, 2005
Fees Effective January 1, 2010

There are two fees applicable to the arbitration process. Trained and experienced arbitrators charge a fee for the time they spend on cases. The AAA also charges an administration fee. This fee covers the case administration services provided to the parties, including assistance in selecting the arbitrator, handling documents, scheduling a hearing if required, and distributing the arbitrator's decision.

Administrative Fees

Administrative fees are based on the size of the claim and counterclaim in a dispute. They are based only on the actual damages and not on any additional damages, such as attorneys' fees or punitive damages. These fees may be partially refundable per the Refund Schedule.

Arbitrator Fees

For cases in which no claim exceeds $75,000, arbitrators are paid based on the type of proceeding that is used. The parties make deposits as set forth below. Any unused deposits are returned at the end of the case.

Desk Arbitration or Telephone Hearing $250 for service on the case
In Person Hearing $750 per day of hearing

For cases in which a claim or counterclaim exceeds $75,000, arbitrators are compensated at the rates set forth on their panel biographies.

Fees and Deposits to be Paid by the Consumer:

If the consumer's claim or counterclaim does not exceed $10,000, then the consumer is responsible for one-half the arbitrator's fees up to a maximum of $125. This deposit is used to pay the arbitrator. It is refunded if not used.

If the consumer's claim or counterclaim is greater than $10,000, but does not exceed $75,000, then the consumer is responsible for one-half the arbitrator's fees up to a maximum of $375. This deposit is used to pay the arbitrator. It is refunded if not used.

If the consumer's claim or counterclaim exceeds $75,000, or if the consumer's claim or counterclaim is non-monetary, then the consumer must pay an Administrative Fee in accordance with the Commercial Fee Schedule. A portion of this fee is refundable pursuant to the Commercial Fee Schedule. The consumer must also deposit one-half of the arbitrator's compensation. This deposit is used to pay the arbitrator. This deposit is refunded if not used. The arbitrator's compensation rate is set forth on the panel biography provided to the parties before the arbitrator is appointed.

Fees and Deposits to be Paid by the Business:

Administrative Fees:

If neither party's claim or counterclaim exceeds $10,000, the business must pay $775 and a Case Service Fee of $200 if a hearing is held. A portion of this fee is refundable pursuant to the Commercial Fee Schedule.

If either party's claim or counterclaim exceeds $10,000, but does not exceed $75,000, the business must pay $975 and a Case Service Fee of $300 if a hearing is held. A portion of this fee is refundable pursuant to the Commercial Fee Schedule.

If the business's claim or counterclaim exceeds $75,000, or if the business's claim or counterclaim is non-monetary, the business must pay an Administrative Fee in accordance with the Commercial Fee Schedule. A portion of this fee is refundable pursuant to the Commercial Fee Schedule.

Arbitrator Fees:

The business must pay for all arbitrator compensation deposits beyond those that are the responsibility of the consumer. These deposits are refunded if not used.

If a party fails to pay its fees and share of the administrative fee or the arbitrator compensation deposit, the other party may advance such funds. The arbitrator may assess these costs in the award.

AAA Administrative Fee Waiver/Deferral/Hardship Provisions In cases where an AAA Administrative fee applies, parties are eligible for consideration for a waiver or deferral of the administrative fee. These requirements are detailed in th e AAA Administrative Fee Waiver/Deferral/Hardship Provisions section of the AAA Administrative Fee Waivers and Pro Bono Arbitrators Services document.

Pro Bono Service by Arbitrators : A number of arbitrators on the AAA panel have volunteered to serve pro bono for one hearing day on cases where an individual might otherwise be financially unable to pursue his or her rights in the arbitral forum. See the Pro Bono Service by Arbitrator sec tion of the AAA Administrative Fee Waivers and Pro Bono Arbitrators Services document for more details.

Questions

Further information on fees is available in the Supplementary Procedures for Consumer-Related Disputes, effective September 15, 2005. These rules are available in the Consumer section of Focus Areas on the AAA Web site.

For more information, please contact the AAA's Customer Service Department at 1-800-778-7879.