Millions of people across the UK could be in line for compensation of up to £70 each following a landmark legal case against Mastercard.
Around 47 million consumers are potentially eligible under the collective legal action, which claimed Mastercard had charged excessive fees to businesses accepting its cards between 1992 and 2008.
The case was brought by former financial ombudsman Walter Merricks, who argued that Mastercard’s fees increased the cost of accepting card payments for retailers, with some of those additional costs ultimately being passed on to shoppers through higher prices.
How much could people receive?
Although headlines have focused on a £70 payout, this is the maximum rather than a guaranteed payment.
The amount each successful claimant receives will depend on how many eligible people come forward. Court documents indicate payments could be between £45 and £70 under the expected level of claims.
The overall settlement agreed with Mastercard was worth £200 million, with around £100 million set aside for consumers after costs and other deductions.
Who could be eligible?
The claim is unusually broad because people do not necessarily need to have owned a Mastercard.
The case concerns purchases made from UK businesses that accepted Mastercard payments during the relevant period. Eligibility is based on factors including where a person lived and whether they made purchases during the qualifying period.
The final eligibility requirements and claims process will be confirmed when claims officially open.
When can people claim?
The claims process has not yet fully opened, but the latest updates indicate that eligible consumers are expected to have a six-month window to submit a claim later in 2026.
Payments are currently expected to begin during the first half of 2027.
Consumers are being advised not to pay anyone simply to register an interest. The official claims website currently allows people to sign up for notifications about when the claims process begins.
For millions of Britons, the long-running case could therefore result in a payment of tens of pounds, although the final amount will depend on how many eligible consumers actually make a claim.