Spotted “ME Group International” on your UK bank statement and wondering what it is? You’re not alone. This charge appears when you’ve used one of their self-service machines across the UK, including Photo-Me passport photo booths, Revolution Laundry services, or Amuse.ME children’s rides.
What Is ME Group International on the Bank Statement?
ME Group International is a UK-based public limited company (formerly Photo-Me International) that operates over 48,000 automated vending machines across 18 countries. When you see “ME Group International” or variations like “MEGP,” “Photo-Me,” or “Revolution Laundry” on your bank statement, it means you’ve paid for one of their services.
The company is headquartered in Epsom, Surrey, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MEGP) as part of the FTSE 250 Index.
Common ME Group International Charges in the UK
| Service Used | Typical Amount | Statement Description |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photo booth | £4 – £15 | ME Group International, Photo-Me |
| Revolution Laundry wash | £5.50 – £11 | ME Group, Revolution Laundry |
| Dryer service | £2+ (per 15 mins) | ME Group International |
| Children’s rides | £1 – £2 | Amuse.ME, ME Group |
| Photo printing kiosk | Varies | Print.ME, ME Group |
Why Does ME Group International Appear on My Statement?
This charge typically appears after using any of these services:
Photo-Me Booths – Found in supermarkets, shopping centres, train stations, and post offices across the UK. These booths provide passport photos, ID photos, and fun photo strips. Photo-Me is accredited by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) for digital passport photo submissions.
Revolution Laundry (Wash.ME) – Self-service launderettes located in Morrisons, Tesco, Asda car parks, and petrol station forecourts. These 24/7 outdoor machines accept contactless payments.
Amuse.ME – Children’s coin-operated rides found in supermarkets and shopping centres.
Print.ME – Digital photo printing kiosks for printing photos from your smartphone.
Is ME Group International a Legitimate Charge?
Yes, ME Group International is a legitimate FTSE 250 company established in 1962. However, if you don’t recognise the charge, consider these possibilities:
- A family member used a photo booth or laundry service
- You used a machine at a supermarket and forgot
- Contactless payment was triggered accidentally
- A pending authorisation hold that will be released
If you’re certain the charge is unauthorised, contact your bank immediately to dispute the transaction.
How to Get a Refund from ME Group International
If a machine malfunctioned or you were charged incorrectly, you can request a refund:
- Visit help.megroup.uk
- Complete the online refund form
- Provide the machine code (displayed on the unit)
- Include your bank statement showing the charge
- Allow 5-10 working days for processing
You can also email ME Group customer service at callcentre@photo-me.co.uk.
How to Track These Charges on Your Bank Statement
Reviewing bank statements regularly helps identify unfamiliar transactions quickly. If you receive PDF bank statements from your UK bank and need to analyse multiple transactions, convert your bank statement to Excel for easier tracking.
Using a spreadsheet format allows you to:
- Search for specific merchant names like “ME Group”
- Filter transactions by date or amount
- Categorise spending across different services
- Spot duplicate or incorrect charges faster
ME Group International Bank Statement: Key Takeaways
ME Group International charges on UK bank statements are legitimate payments for self-service vending machines. Whether you’ve used a passport photo booth at your local Tesco, done laundry at a Revolution Laundry unit, or let your children enjoy a ride at the shopping centre, these transactions will appear under ME Group International or related trading names.
If you frequently use these services and want better visibility of your spending, consider converting your bank statements to spreadsheet format for comprehensive financial tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ME Group International mean on my bank statement?
ME Group International on your bank statement indicates a payment made to a Photo-Me photo booth, Revolution Laundry machine, Amuse.ME children’s ride, or Print.ME kiosk. It’s a legitimate UK company operating automated vending services.
Is ME Group International the same as Photo-Me?
Yes. Photo-Me International rebranded to ME Group International in August 2022. Both names may appear on bank statements depending on which service you used.
Why was I charged by ME Group International?
You were likely charged after using a passport photo booth, self-service laundry machine, photo printing kiosk, or children’s ride operated by the company. Check if you or a family member used any vending machines recently.
How do I dispute an ME Group International charge?
Contact ME Group UK customer service through their help portal at help.megroup.uk or email callcentre@photo-me.co.uk with your transaction details and bank statement. For unauthorised charges, also notify your bank.
Where are ME Group machines located in the UK?
ME Group machines are found in Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s, train stations, shopping centres, post offices, and petrol station forecourts throughout the United Kingdom.
How much do ME Group services typically cost?
Photo booth services range from £4-£15, Revolution Laundry washes cost £5.50-£11 depending on drum size, and dryer services start at £2 for 15 minutes. Children’s rides typically cost £1-£2 per use.
