Millions in the UK Could Receive Up to £70 Each After Mastercard Legal Ruling
WafricNews – May 21, 2025
A landmark legal ruling could see millions of UK consumers receive up to £70 each, following a class action settlement against global payments giant Mastercard.
The case, which dates back nearly a decade, was spearheaded by former financial ombudsman Walter Merricks, who argued that UK shoppers were unfairly charged higher prices as a result of fees Mastercard imposed on retailers between 1992 and 2008.
This week, the Competition Appeal Tribunal officially approved a £200 million settlement, opening the door for millions of consumers to claim compensation—even if they never owned or used a Mastercard.
Who Can Claim?
If you lived in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland for at least three months between June 1997 and June 2008, and bought goods or services from a UK retailer that accepted Mastercard, you may be eligible. For Scottish residents, the qualifying period begins in May 1992.
An estimated 46 million people were impacted. If 2.5 million consumers (roughly 5%) make a claim, each is expected to receive around £45. If fewer people come forward, the payment could rise to £70 per person.
Registration will be done via an online form, which will soon be made available to the public.
How Did This Happen?
The legal challenge followed a 2007 ruling by the European Commission, which found Mastercard’s “multilateral interchange fees” to be in violation of competition law. Though retailers paid these fees, the cost was passed onto shoppers through increased prices on everyday goods and services.
Merricks launched the collective claim on behalf of UK consumers, arguing that these inflated prices affected virtually every household across the country.
“Virtually all UK consumers lost out for long periods by paying higher prices than they should have done,” he said. “The settlement approved today represents a fair and just outcome for UK consumers.”
What Happens to Unclaimed Money?
Any unclaimed compensation is expected to go to the litigation funder that backed the case, in line with standard procedures in group litigation settlements.
Mastercard has declined to comment on the ruling.
For now, consumers are advised to stay informed, as registration for compensation is expected to open before the end of the year.
By WafricNews Business Desk.
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