Mastercard customers could receive a payout of up to £70 each following a landmark legal case. Payouts to affected customers are expected in 2027, according to Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE).
£200m Settlement Over Card Fees
In 2024, Mastercard agreed to pay £200m in compensation after a legal case launched on behalf of UK consumers. The case alleged that Mastercard’s fees made it more expensive for retailers to accept card payments, and these costs were passed on to customers through higher prices.
This means even those who never held a Mastercard could have been affected. An online claims portal is expected to launch in 2027 after a legal hurdle was cleared.
Who Can Claim and How
To be eligible, you must have lived in the UK for at least three consecutive months between 1997 and 2008 and be aged over 16. Those born on or after March 22, 1992, are not eligible, and you must have lived in the UK on September 6, 2016.
Affected individuals will have six months to make a claim via the MasterCardConsumerClaim.co.uk website. No proof is required – claimants only need to self-certify eligibility and provide personal details including name, phone number, date of birth, home and email addresses, and bank details.
Payout Amounts and Fraud Checks
MSE reports that, based on a similar 2024/2025 group claim against South West Trains, claimants will be asked to attest that the information is true. The claims administrator may conduct random anti-fraud spot checks.
The exact payout depends on the number of claimants. MSE adds that while the case settled for £200m, some funds will cover case costs. If roughly 2.2 million people claim, each will receive £45. If fewer claim, the maximum is £70, with remaining funds going to The Access to Justice Foundation.
