Millions of people across the UK — including some who never used a Mastercard — could be eligible for compensation, following a historic legal decision over unfair fees charged by Mastercard.
The case focused on interchange fees that Mastercard imposed on retailers, which courts have ruled were anti-competitive. Although charged to businesses, these fees were often passed on to customers through higher prices.
Mastercard charged fees between the 1990s and 2008, which have been declared unlawful by a court in the United Kingdom. As a result, ordinary Mastercard users indirectly absorbed the cost.
Who Can Claim?
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- You lived in the UK for any part of the period before 2008
- You made purchases from UK businesses during that time (regardless of payment method)
- You used a Mastercard between the 1990s and 2008 (this strengthens your eligibility)
Even individuals who never used a Mastercard could qualify, as the court found the fee structure impacted prices across the entire retail sector.
How to Claim
An online claim form will soon be made available for eligible consumers to register. The compensation amount will depend on how many people apply, but individuals could receive up to £70.
A Major Win for Consumer Rights
This case, years in the making, represents a significant step forward for consumer protection, holding corporations accountable for anti-competitive pricing practices that affect the broader public.
Consumers are advised to monitor official updates in the coming weeks as details of the claims process — including the official registration link — are expected to be released soon.
