If you bought anything from UK shops between 1992 and 2008, you may be eligible for compensation.
Claim compensation
Overview
A major class action against Mastercard has reached a £200 million settlement after the company was accused of charging unlawful transaction fees that inflated prices for millions of shoppers.
The claim argued that between May 1992 and June 2008, Mastercard’s interchange fees were excessive and pushed up retail prices — even for people who never used a Mastercard.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has now approved the settlement. Around half of the total fund — £100 million — has been reserved for payments to eligible UK consumers who submit a valid claim.
It’s estimated that up to 46 million adults could share the payout, making it one of the largest consumer redress schemes in UK history.
Are you owed compensation from Mastercard? Find out if you meet the criteria for this group claim and potentially get a share of any compensation. It only takes a few minutes.
Mastercard claim – At a glance
What do we know about the Mastercard claim?
How it works
Answer a few simple questions to see if you could be included as part of the group claim.
Join the Claim will keep you up to date with any news or further information about the claim.
We will share details of the official claim website, so you can formally register your details.
Latest updates on the Mastercard settlement
May 2025
The Competition Appeal Tribunal formally approves a settlement. Millions of shoppers could now get up to £70 each.
December 2024
Walter Merricks reached an agreement with Mastercard, in which Mastercard agreed to pay £200 million settlement without any admission of liability.
August 2021
The Competition Appeal Tribunal allows the case to proceed as a class action.
September 2016
Walter Merricks files a collective action on behalf of UK consumers.
May 1992 – June 2008
Mastercard charged interchange fees that we subsequently alleged to be unlawful.
We’ll provide more updates on this claim as they occur.
Could Mastercard owe you compensation?
Find out if you meet the criteria for this group claim and potentially get a share of any compensation. It only takes a few minutes.
FAQs about the Mastercard claim
Anyone who lived in the UK for at least three months between May 1992 and June 2008, and was a UK resident on 6 September 2016, could be eligible.
No. The claim relates to higher retail prices caused by Mastercard’s fees — not card ownership.
This is an opt-out claim. This means, if you are eligible, you are automatically included in the group action, and could be due compensation. However, you’ll usually need to register your details on the official claim site to receive any money you’re owed.
In other words, even though you’re automatically included unless you opt out, you may not get your compensation unless you register on the official claim site.
A group action claim allows people affected by the same issue to take action together. This strength in numbers helps stand up to big organisations.
Payments are expected to range between £45 and £70, depending on the number of people who register. The exact amount will depend on total participation.
The registration window and payment timeline will be confirmed once the claims process opens. This is expected by the end of 2025.
No. Join the Claim is not a law firm. We explain what the ruling means, help you understand eligibility and signpost you to the official site.
Opt-out claims work differently to other types of legal action. If you are eligible, you are automatically included in the case unless you choose to opt out. There are no costs to be part of the claim, win or lose.
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We connect consumers with their legal dream teams to ensure they get the compensation and support they deserve.
Join the Claim is not a law firm. We connect individuals with top law firms for group action claims, and our service is free to use. While we may receive a fee from the law firms we introduce you to, this will not affect your costs or compensation. We are not responsible for the advice or services provided by these firms. Please note, nothing on this website is legal advice, and while we check claim eligibility, we cannot guarantee a law firm will accept a case.
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