Millions of UK consumers could now be eligible to claim up to £70 compensation following a major legal settlement in the Mastercard class action lawsuit. The Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved a £200 million settlement relating to unlawful fees Mastercard charged to businesses between 1992 and 2008 — fees which ultimately led to higher prices for shoppers.
The legal claim, led by former Financial Ombudsman Walter Merricks, argued that consumers were unfairly overcharged over a 15-year period due to Mastercard’s “multilateral interchange fees”, which breached competition law.
Do I qualify for the Mastercard settlement?
To be eligible to join the Mastercard compensation claim, you do not need to have held a Mastercard. You may qualify if you:
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Lived in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland for at least three months between June 1997 and June 2008,
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Or lived in Scotland from May 1992 onwards,
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And purchased goods or services from businesses in the UK that accepted Mastercard payments.
Consumers can expect to receive £45 to £70 depending on how many people apply. Claims can be submitted online, and the deadline to claim is the end of this year.
If you think you’re eligible, it’s worth speaking to a UK class action lawyer or a specialist in Mastercard legal claims to understand your options.
🔗 Read the full BBC News report on the Mastercard compensation ruling
