The Card & Payments Awards: London, United Kingdom 2026
Overview
The Card & Payments Awards (TCPA) stands as the UK’s longest-running and most prestigious celebration of excellence in the card and payments sector, convening over 1,100 industry leaders from 300+ companies to honor innovation in credit, debit, prepaid, and charge card programs, merchant acquiring, processing, and retail payments within the UK and Irish markets. Organized by The Card and Payments Awards Ltd since 2006, the 2026 edition—marking its 20th anniversary—takes place on February 5 at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London’s Mayfair, featuring a glittering black-tie gala with categories spanning Best New Card Product to Industry Achievement Award, judged by an independent panel of experts. Amid a UK payments market projected to reach £1.2 trillion by 2027, TCPA spotlights trends like contactless evolution, open banking integrations, and sustainable fintech, drawing blue-chip sponsors and fostering deals worth millions through its renowned networking.
This one-evening extravaganza transcends accolades, blending rigorous entry evaluations—open from June to October—with a high-energy ceremony, photo gallery premieres, and post-awards receptions that have become synonymous with sector camaraderie. Attendees, including issuers from Barclays and processors like Worldpay, gain visibility via winner logos (licensed post-first-year for £150+VAT) and media partnerships amplifying global reach. With a commitment to charity—benefiting organizations like Wooden Spoon—and GDPR-compliant data management, TCPA 2026 upholds its legacy of recognizing diverse achievements, from startups to giants, in a post-Brexit landscape ripe for cross-border innovation. From eligibility criteria ensuring UK/Irish focus to judge tips on compelling narratives, it’s the essential platform where payments pioneers converge to celebrate, strategize, and propel the industry’s future.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Witness the awards ceremony with live announcements across 20+ categories, including Best Prepaid Programme and Merchant Innovation, featuring speeches from winners like 2025’s standout issuers and a keynote-style Industry Achievement tribute to a sector luminary.
- Special traditions or features: Mark the 20th anniversary with retrospective highlights from two decades of winners, a charity auction segment supporting Wooden Spoon, and the infamous post-ceremony gala dinner with entertainment echoing the event’s storied networking heritage.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Network in Mayfair’s opulent Grosvenor House ballroom with 1,100+ elites, access exclusive table bookings for sponsored groups, and preview a digital gallery of past triumphs, all while forging partnerships in an atmosphere blending formality and fintech fervor.
Why Attend
Attending The Card & Payments Awards 2026 immerses you in the UK’s pulsating £1.2 trillion payments ecosystem, connecting you with 1,100+ decision-makers—from issuers at NatWest to acquirers at Adyen—who drive contactless adoption and open banking, unlocking collaborations that accelerate market share in a sector growing 8% annually. Whether entering for recognition or tabling for leads, you’ll benchmark against 2025 winners like Revolut for debit innovation, gaining judge-validated insights to refine your offerings amid PSD3 horizons. The black-tie prestige elevates your brand, with winner status boosting visibility via media partners and licensed logos; past events have sparked £50M+ in deals through serendipitous receptions.
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Beyond glamour, TCPA fosters enduring networks via alumni spotlights and GDPR-secure attendee exchanges, extending value through newsletters and follow-up webinars on eligibility trends. London’s Mayfair allure enhances the experience with nearby cultural jaunts, while inclusive judging panels ensure diverse narratives shine. By joining, you’ll not only celebrate excellence but influence the narrative, emerging with alliances that propel sustainable growth. In an era of fintech fusion, TCPA is your unmissable rite for payments prowess and prestige.
Date & Duration
- Dates: February 5, 2026
- Duration: 1 evening (typically 6–7 hours, including dinner and receptions)
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City: London, United Kingdom
- Main venue: JW Marriott Grosvenor House, a legendary Art Deco icon in Mayfair, renowned for its opulent ballroom hosting high-profile galas with elegant dining and networking spaces.
- Notable areas: The Great Room for the ceremony and dinner; Park Lane foyer for arrivals and photo ops; no additional venues.
- Google Maps address: JW Marriott Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 7TN, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Individual tickets via general inquiry form on cardandpaymentsawards.com; table bookings (10 seats) online or via sales team; sponsorship packages include complimentary access.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Paid event; complimentary for category winners and select sponsors; entry fees for submissions separate.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Individual tickets $1,200 USD; full tables from $12,000 USD; prices exclude VAT.
- Any special seating or VIP options: Premium tables offer central placement and branded recognition, available for $15,000–$20,000 USD via sponsorship.
- Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum pricing $1,200 USD (single ticket); maximum $20,000 USD for top-tier sponsor tables.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@cardandpaymentsawards.com (general inquiries); sales@cardandpaymentsawards.com (tables/sponsorship); michael@cardandpaymentsawards.com (entries).
- Phone: +44 20 7183 2778 (English available).
- Website: https://cardandpaymentsawards.com/, https://cardandpaymentsawards.com/thecardandpaymentsawards2025/en/page/home.
- Social Media: @CardPaymentsAwards (Instagram, Twitter/X), The Card & Payments Awards (LinkedIn).
- Key Staff: Michael Harty (Managing Director); Marie O’Callaghan (Operations Director); Emma Glanville (Event Manager UK & Ireland).
- Press/Volunteers: Email info@cardandpaymentsawards.com for media accreditation; volunteer applications via form (open seasonally).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: London Heathrow (LHR), 15 miles west (30–45 minutes by Heathrow Express to Paddington, then short tube); London City (LCY), 7 miles east (25 minutes by DLR to Bank, then taxi).
- Public transport: Piccadilly Line tube to Hyde Park Corner (5-minute walk); Elizabeth Line from LHR to Bond Street (10-minute walk); buses 14/N9 from central London.
- Parking: Valet at Grosvenor House ($50–$70 USD/evening); nearby Q-Park Park Lane ($40–$60 USD); recommend public transport.
- Other options: Taxis/Uber from LHR $50–$70 USD (30 minutes); Santander Cycles with docks on Park Lane; walking from Marble Arch (5 minutes).
Accommodation Options
- Budget options: Ibis London Hyde Park (0.8 km, $100–$140 USD/night, basic rooms near tube); YHA London Central (1.5 km, $80–$120 USD/night, shared with Wi-Fi).
- Mid-range hotels: Holiday Inn London Mayfair (0.5 km, $150–$200 USD/night, gym and dining); DoubleTree by Hilton London Marble Arch (0.6 km, $140–$190 USD/night, cookie welcome).
- Luxury stays: The Grosvenor House itself (on-site, $400–$600 USD/night, gala-adjacent with spa); Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (0.4 km, $500–$800 USD/night, rooftop elegance).
- Apartment rentals: Airbnb in Mayfair (from $180/night, suites near Park Lane); Cheval Three Quays (1 km, $250–$350 USD/night, serviced with views).
- Booking tips: Reserve via cardandpaymentsawards.com partners for event rates; most offer free cancellation and transport perks; book early for February peak.
Reviews
- “TCPA’s Grosvenor House gala was electric—20 years of excellence celebrated with winners’ spotlights and networking that sealed our acquiring deal.”
- “Prestigious yet approachable: The judging rigor and receptions connected us across issuers and processors like never before.”
- “A fintech milestone: From entry tips to trophy moments, it elevated our prepaid innovation story globally.”
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FAQ's
What is The Card & Payments Awards and who should attend?
TCPA is the UK's flagship gala honoring card and payments excellence across 20+ categories, from Best Debit Card to Merchant Innovation, judged independently for UK/Irish programs. Ideal for issuers, acquirers, processors, and retailers like Barclays or Worldpay seeking recognition and networks, it draws 1,100+ from 300 firms. Open worldwide if UK-focused; enter June–October at cardandpaymentsawards.com. It's the convener for prestige and partnerships in a £1.2T market.
When and where is the 2026 ceremony, and what's new this year?
February 5, 2026, at JW Marriott Grosvenor House (86-90 Park Ln), Mayfair's Deco jewel for galas. New for 2026: 20th anniversary retrospectives, enhanced charity auctions for Wooden Spoon, and digital entry tools for seamless submissions. Evening: 6 PM–1 AM with dinner. LHR ease; black tie. Amplifies inclusivity with diverse judges.
How do I enter or attend, and what are the costs?
Enter free via site (June–October); attendance via inquiry for tickets ($1,200 USD individual) or tables ($12,000 USD). Winners get trophies and logos (£150+VAT post-year 1). No lotteries—judged on merit. Cancellations per terms; includes gala access. Groups via sales.
What networking and ceremony highlights await?
Network via 1,100-attendee receptions and table bookings yielding 25% deals; ceremony features live category announcements, Industry Achievement tribute, and photo premieres. Apéros foster issuer-acquirer chats; pre-event judge tips guide entries. Curated for high-caliber synergies.
How can I prepare and what post-event support is offered?
Prep: Review eligibility/judge tips, submit compelling narratives; pack black tie. Visa via UKVI; dietary via form. Post-event: Gallery, winner lists, and newsletters; media recaps. Contact info@cardandpaymentsawards.com for queries. Ensures sustained prestige.
