Martin Lewis Reveals Shocking Conditions Behind Mastercard’s £100m Payout – Are You Eligible?

Isn’t it rare to find a wealthy guy in the UK who doesn’t stir up a bit of grumble? Yet, Martin Lewis somehow sails above the fray, wearing the crown as the people’s prince. When he’s not dropping savvy money-saving tips on social media—because who doesn’t love a penny-pinching ninja?—he’s even getting chatted up with some wild pick-up lines. But here’s the kicker: the man behind the tips just unveiled how everyday folks can cash in on a colossal £200 million Mastercard lawsuit settlement. Think you’re in for a windfall? Well, it’s not quite a lottery win, but the payout could be a nice little surprise if you qualify. Intrigued? Let’s dive into what Martin’s been unearthing for all of us savvy spenders. LEARN MORE

There are few rich blokes in the UK who we can say are almost universally popular, but Martin Lewis really is the people’s prince.

When he’s not busy telling people on social media all the ways in which they can save a few pennies, the money-saving expert is getting chatted up with some incredible pick-up lines.

In true superhero fashion, the 53-year-old, who has recently shared some advice on using air fryers, has also let people know how they can take advantage of the £200 million lawsuit that was settled against the credit card company Mastercard last month.

£100,000,000 lawsuit payout for Mastercard users

The landmark lawsuit was first filed back in 2016. In May 2025, it was agreed that Mastercard would pay out £200 million.

Martin truly deserves a medal for how much money he saves us (Andrew Matthews-Pool/Getty Images)

The case alleged that Mastercard’s fees made it more expensive for retailers to accept card payments, and that these extra costs were passed on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services, with it decided that half of this would then be paid to eligible customers.

For those of you getting excited, it sadly won’t be £100m each, and you’re more likely to receive somewhere between £45 and £70, depending on how many individuals file their claim.

The MSE site explains: “If the expected number of people claim – roughly 2.2 million based on professional estimates – each person will get £45.

“If fewer people than expected claim, the maximum each person will get is £70… due to a cap that was put in place to avoid people getting disproportionate payouts compared to the alleged loss they suffered.

“If many more people than expected claim, you may only get a few quid. However, this scenario is seen as unlikely based on representative polling and the views of the claims administrator.”

Who is eligible for the Mastercard lawsuit payout?

In order to be eligible for the payout, you need to fulfil all of these criteria, so don’t bother buying a Mastercard this week in the hope of getting a few free pints.

You lived in England, Northern Ireland, or Wales for at least three months in a row between June 20, 1997, and June 21, 2008. Or, you lived in Scotland for at least three months in a row between May 22, 1992, and June 21, 2008.

A legal challenge might mean customers have to wait a while for their payout (David McNew/Getty Images)

You were aged 16 or over during those three months.

During the same period, you bought goods or services from a firm selling in the UK – regardless of how you paid.

You lived in the UK on September 6, 2016.

You haven’t previously opted out of the legal case – you would have needed to actively fill in a form to do so, so if this is the first you’ve heard of the case, it doesn’t apply.

Martin Lewis explains when customers might be paid out

A legal challenge from a company called Innsworth looks likely to put a stopper in the works, meaning you might have to wait months to claim your compensation.

However, once the legal challenge is sorted out, eligible customers will be able to apply through the Mastercard Consumer Claim official website.