Understanding Section 75 Protection on Credit Card Purchases
Learn how Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects UK credit card purchases, what it covers, and how to make a claim.
Understanding Section 75 Protection on Credit Card Purchases
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 is one of the most powerful consumer protections in UK law. If you pay for something on a credit card and something goes wrong, you may be able to claim a full refund from your card provider — even if the retailer has gone bust.
How Section 75 Works
When you use a credit card to buy goods or services costing between £100 and £30,000, your credit card provider becomes jointly liable with the retailer. If the retailer breaches their contract (or makes a misrepresentation), you can claim against your credit card company.
Examples of When It Applies
- You book a holiday and the travel company collapses
- Goods don't arrive and the seller disappears
- A product is significantly not as described
- A service provider goes into administration before completing work
Important Limitations
- The purchase must be between £100 and £30,000 total (not just the amount on the card)
- Debit cards do NOT have Section 75 protection (though Chargeback may apply)
- Third-party payment platforms (like PayPal) may break the Section 75 link — pay directly where possible
How to Make a Claim
Contact your credit card provider in writing. State that you're making a Section 75 claim, explain the breach, and include any supporting evidence. The provider must investigate and respond within eight weeks.
