Section 75 Explained: Your Credit Card Purchase Protection
If you pay for something by credit card and it goes wrong, the law may let you claim your money back from your card provider, not just from the shop. This is Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, and it's one of the best reasons to use a credit card for larger purchases.
Key takeaways
- Section 75 covers credit card purchases where a single item or service costs more than £100 and up to £30,000.
- Your card provider is equally liable with the seller if goods are faulty, not delivered or misrepresented, or if the seller goes bust.
- You're covered even if you paid only part (such as a deposit) on your credit card.
- It doesn't apply to debit cards. They use chargeback instead.
- Claims must generally be made within six years (FCA guidance).
This is general information, not financial advice.
What is Section 75?
Section 75 makes your credit card provider jointly and equally responsible with the seller if there's a breach of contract or misrepresentation. In practice, if the seller won't or can't put things right, you can go to your card provider instead.
It applies to every UK credit card automatically. You don't need a special card or to sign up for anything.
What Section 75 covers
MoneyHelper lists the main situations:
- Goods or services not supplied. For example, a sofa that never arrives.
- Goods not up to standard. For example, faulty or not as described.
- Misrepresentation. The seller told you something untrue that led you to buy.
- The company going bust. For example, an airline or holiday firm collapsing before your trip.
You may also be able to claim for some consequential losses, such as extra costs caused by the failure, where you could have claimed them from the seller.
The £100–£30,000 rule
The protection applies where the cash price of a single item or service is more than £100 and up to £30,000. It's the item's price that counts, not how much you put on the card or your total basket.
- A £200 item with a £20 deposit on your credit card is covered, and MoneyHelper says you could claim the full £200.
- Two separate £60 items in one transaction aren't covered, because neither is over £100.
- A family ticket counts as one item. Individual tickets don't.
When Section 75 might not apply
You paid through a third party
Section 75 depends on a direct link between you, your card provider and the seller. Paying through some intermediaries, such as certain payment services or travel agents taking payment for another company, can break that link. Check before you pay for something big.
You used cash from your credit card
Withdrawing cash and then paying the seller isn't covered.
An additional cardholder made the purchase
Claims must be made by the main cardholder. MoneyHelper notes providers may reject a claim if it wasn't for the main cardholder or a joint purchase.
The item cost £100 or less
Use chargeback instead (see below).
Section 75 vs chargeback
| Section 75 | Chargeback | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal right? | Yes, under the Consumer Credit Act | No, a voluntary card scheme process |
| Cards | Credit cards | Credit, debit and some prepaid cards |
| Value | More than £100, up to £30,000 per item | Any amount |
| Time limit | Generally six years | Usually 120 days (MoneyHelper) |
| Consequential losses | Possibly | No, only the amount paid |
How to make a Section 75 claim
- Contact the seller first. Give them a fair chance to fix the problem. Keep records.
- Gather evidence. Receipts, statements, emails, photos and any correspondence.
- Contact your card provider. Most have an online claim form. Explain what went wrong, what you've tried, and what you want (refund, repair or replacement).
- Be patient but persistent. Providers may ask for more information.
- If you're unhappy with the outcome, make a formal complaint to the provider. If that doesn't resolve it, you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free.
Section 75 abroad and online
MoneyHelper confirms Section 75 works the same way whether you buy in the UK or overseas, including online. That makes a credit card a sensible choice for holidays, flights and big online orders. See Using a Credit Card Abroad: Fees, Exchange Rates and How to Save.
What about Buy Now Pay Later?
MoneyHelper says Section 75 protection now extends to many BNPL purchases from third-party providers, where the agreement was taken out on or after 15 July 2026. Retailer-run BNPL schemes aren't included.
Making the most of Section 75
- Use a credit card for purchases over £100, especially from smaller firms, for holidays, or for things paid well in advance.
- If you don't want to borrow, pay the bill in full so you get the protection without paying interest.
- Even a small deposit on a credit card can protect the full price.
Every card on compare all cards carries Section 75 protection. If you'd also like rewards on big purchases, look at Cashback credit cards or spread the cost on 0% purchase credit cards.
Real-life examples
- A holiday company collapses before you travel. You paid a £300 deposit on a £2,000 package by credit card. You can claim from your card provider for the cost of the holiday, and possibly for extra costs if you had to rebook.
- A £450 washing machine breaks within weeks and the shop won't help. Your card provider shares responsibility for putting it right.
- A builder takes a £1,500 deposit for a job worth £8,000 and disappears. Because the deposit was paid by credit card, the full contract value may be claimable.
- Two £70 concert tickets bought separately aren't covered, as neither is over £100. Chargeback could be an option instead.
These are illustrative. Each claim depends on the facts and the evidence you have.
Tips for a smoother claim
- Keep receipts, booking confirmations and emails until well after the purchase.
- Write down dates and names when you speak to the seller.
- Be clear about what you're claiming: the item cost, delivery charges, or extra losses.
- If your provider says no, ask for the reasons in writing. You'll need them for any complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Frequently asked questions
Does Section 75 apply to debit cards?
No. Debit card payments can use the chargeback scheme instead.
Is there a minimum spend for Section 75?
The single item or service must cost more than £100. It's the item's price that matters, not how much you paid on the card.
Can I claim if I only paid a deposit by credit card?
Yes. MoneyHelper says you can claim for the full cost, not just the deposit.
How long do I have to make a Section 75 claim?
FCA guidance says claims should be made within six years of the purchase, or of when goods were due if they didn't arrive.
Does Section 75 cover PayPal payments?
Not usually, because a third party sits between your card and the seller. Some protection may come from the payment service's own scheme, so check its terms.
Will a Section 75 claim affect my credit score?
No. Making a claim isn't credit activity and isn't recorded on your credit report.
This is general information, not financial advice. For help with a dispute, MoneyHelper and the Financial Ombudsman Service offer free guidance.