Money Claim Online (MCOL)

Money Claim Online: money claims over the internet

Money Claim Online (MCOL) is an online service managed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) that allows claimants and defendants to make or respond to a money claim over the internet. The service is presented as a convenient and secure way to handle this type of procedure.

Access requirements and registration

To use MCOL you must first register for a UK Government Gateway account. If you have problems logging in, the platform itself refers you to the annex on the final page of the user guide. The service is not available to those applying for 'Help with Fees' to reduce the court fee.

Case management and search

The platform includes a claim history in which cases over 40 days old are hidden by default to optimise performance, although they can still be found using filters such as claim number, date, parties or reference. Advanced search also supports postcode and claim event filters, with the asterisk as a wildcard.

Notices relevant to claimants and defendants

The service warns that if the defendant has entered a 'breathing space', a new claim must not be issued and enforcement proceedings must not be commenced without permission from the court. If the claim has already been issued, the court must be informed. If a warrant of control has been issued and the debtor enters a 'breathing space', as well as updating the case online, you must contact the County Court executing the warrant to prevent bailiffs from taking action.

It is reminded that a warrant of control may not be issued for more than £5,000 unless issued under the Consumer Credit Act. Likewise, the use of emojis in responses to claims is advised against, as the system does not recognise these images and causes issues for the claimant when viewing the response.

Claimants who provide vulnerability details must notify the court separately, by post or email.

Security and data protection

MCOL uses industry standard cryptography to protect the information entered into the platform. Crown copyright material is subject to protection unless otherwise indicated. The HMCTS privacy policy details the handling of personal data.