Mastercard update: Payouts expected soon after legal challenge ends

Millions of UK consumers are a step closer to receiving compensation from Mastercard after a legal dispute that delayed the claims process was resolved.

Mastercard agreed to pay £200 million to settle a landmark collective legal claim. The case alleged that excessive card fees charged between 1992 and 2008 increased retailers’ costs, which were then passed on to shoppers through higher prices. This means you may qualify even if you have never owned or used a Mastercard.

What has changed?

The planned claims portal was delayed after Innsworth, the company that funded the original case, challenged how the settlement money would be divided. That challenge was dismissed by the High Court in June 2026. On 31 July, the Competition Appeal Tribunal authorised a payment of just over £63 million to Innsworth, bringing the dispute to an end.

The  official Mastercard Consumer Claim website says the claims process has not yet begun because a costs assessment still needs to be completed. The portal is expected to open shortly, with payments anticipated during the first half of 2027.

Who is likely to qualify?

You should be eligible if you meet all the relevant conditions, including:

• You lived in England, Wales or Northern Ireland for at least three consecutive months between 20 June 1997 and 21 June 2008, or in Scotland for three consecutive months between 22 May 1992 and 21 June 2008.
• You were aged 16 or over throughout those three months.
• You bought goods or services for personal use from a business selling in the UK during that period, regardless of how you paid.
• You were living in the UK on 6 September 2016.
• You did not previously opt out of the legal case.

People born on or after 22 March 1992 will not qualify.

How much could you receive?

The maximum payment will be £70, but the final amount will depend on how many eligible people submit a claim. If approximately 2.2 million people apply, claimants are expected to receive around £45 each. Fewer claims could mean payments closer to the £70 maximum, while significantly more claims could reduce the amount.

How will you claim?

Once the portal opens, you are expected to have six months to apply using a simple online form. You should not need old receipts or bank statements. Instead, you will self-certify that you meet the eligibility rules and provide personal and bank details so any compensation can be paid to you. Some applications may be checked as part of anti-fraud measures.

You cannot claim yet, be wary of adverts, texts or emails saying otherwise, and never pay a company to submit a claim for you. Check the  official claim website before sharing any personal or banking information.

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