UKHow does Money Claim Online work for small claims in England and Wales?
Money Claim Online (MCOL) is a free, secure government service for filing small claims up to £10,000 in England and Wales without needing a lawyer.
What the Law Says
Money Claim Online operates under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and is governed by Practice Direction 7A, which sets out procedures for issuing money claims electronically. It is designed specifically for straightforward monetary disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed £10,000 and no complex legal or factual issues arise.
The service is provided by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and forms part of the wider civil justice reforms aimed at improving access to justice for individuals and small businesses. Under CPR Part 7, claims issued via MCOL are treated as if issued in the County Court, with the same procedural rights and obligations.
The Limitation Act 1980 determines whether a claim is still legally enforceable — most simple contract and negligence claims must be started within six years from the date the cause of action arose. Failure to file within this window generally bars the claim entirely.
Importantly, MCOL is only available for claims against defendants who reside or carry on business in England or Wales, as confirmed by CPR Part 6.34. Claims involving multiple defendants or foreign addresses require traditional paper filing or alternative routes.
Statutory TextA claim form may be issued electronically through the Money Claim Online service if it is a claim for a specified sum of money not exceeding £10,000.
— Civil Procedure Rules, Practice Direction 7A, para 2.1
What to Do
Create a Government Gateway account at www.gov.uk/money-claim-online and verify your identity.
Enter claim details: amount owed, reason (e.g., unpaid invoice, loan, deposit), and defendant’s full name and address.
Upload supporting evidence (e.g., contracts, emails, receipts) — optional but strongly recommended.
Pay the correct court fee (e.g., £35 for claims up to £300; £275 for £5,001–£10,000) using debit/credit card.
Track your claim online; if the defendant admits liability, you’ll receive payment automatically; if disputed, the case may be allocated to the small claims track for hearing.
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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-11.