Key facts (2026): Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your credit card provider jointly liable with the retailer for purchases between £100 and £30,000. This means if the retailer fails to deliver goods, goes bust, or breaches the contract, you can claim a full refund directly from your credit card company — even if you only paid a deposit on the card.
Section 75 is one of the most powerful consumer protections in UK law, yet many cardholders do not know it exists or how to use it. It applies to credit cards only — not debit cards, prepaid cards, or charge cards — and provides an additional layer of protection on top of your rights against the retailer.
How Section 75 Works
Under Section 75, your credit card provider is equally liable as the retailer for breaches of contract or misrepresentation. This means if you buy a holiday that is cancelled, a product that is never delivered, or goods from a retailer that goes into administration, you can claim from your credit card company instead of — or in addition to — the retailer. Critically, you only need to have paid part of the price on credit card — paying even £1 of a £5,000 purchase by credit card brings the whole purchase under Section 75 protection.
Section 75 Limits and Exclusions
Section 75 applies to purchases of £100–£30,000. The single item or service must cost over £100 — it does not apply if you buy multiple items each under £100 even if the total exceeds £100. It does not apply to payments made through third-party payment processors like PayPal (where PayPal is the merchant of record rather than the retailer). It does not cover debit card purchases — those are covered by the voluntary chargeback scheme instead.
How to Make a Section 75 Claim
Contact your credit card provider by phone or in writing and state clearly you are making a Section 75 claim under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Provide evidence: order confirmation, proof of payment, evidence of non-delivery or breach, and any correspondence with the retailer. The card company must investigate and respond within 8 weeks. If they reject your claim unreasonably, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Our Verdict
Section 75 is a powerful right that many UK cardholders leave unused. If you have paid for something by credit card and the trader has failed to deliver or gone bust, make a Section 75 claim immediately — do not waste time only chasing the retailer. The card company is jointly liable and cannot pass the buck. Always keep evidence of your purchase and any failed delivery attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Section 75 UK?
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your credit card provider jointly liable for purchases between £100 and £30,000 where the retailer fails to deliver or breaches the contract.
Does Section 75 cover debit cards?
No — Section 75 applies to credit cards only. Debit card purchases may be covered by the voluntary chargeback scheme.
How do I make a Section 75 claim?
Contact your credit card provider, state you are making a Section 75 claim, and provide evidence of the purchase and the breach. Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman if rejected.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources such as gov.uk or qualified professionals before making decisions.
Last updated: April 2026 · Author: Chandraketu Tripathi
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