Section 75 Claims and Chargebacks Explained (UK)

Updated for UK consumers. Covers Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, card chargebacks, eligibility, limits, and dispute steps.

When a purchase goes wrong — the trader refuses a refund, goes bust, or disappears — you may be able to get your money back through your card provider. Two main routes exist: Section 75 and chargebacks. Both are free to use and often faster than court.

What is Section 75?

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes the card provider jointly liable with the trader for any breach of contract or misrepresentation. In plain English: if the trader messes up, the bank or card company is equally responsible for refunding you.

When can you use Section 75?

• The purchase was over £100 and under £30,000
• You paid by credit card, even for part of the amount
• The trader breached the contract or misrepresented the goods/service

What is a chargeback?

A chargeback is a voluntary scheme run by card networks. It lets your bank reverse a transaction if:

• Goods weren't delivered
• Goods were faulty or not as described
• The trader is insolvent

Chargebacks don't have the same legal weight as Section 75, but they're available for debit cards and for lower-value transactions.

Time limits

For Section 75, act within the normal limitation period — usually 6 years in England and Wales. For chargebacks, contact your bank promptly; card networks impose shorter windows, often 60–120 days after the transaction.

How to make a claim

1. Contact the trader first and keep records.
2. Raise a dispute with your card provider.
3. Provide evidence: receipts, emails, photos, and proof you tried to resolve it with the trader.
4. Follow up in writing and reference the dispute.

If the card provider refuses

You can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service within 6 months of the firm's final response. They can order the firm to pay compensation. As a last resort, County Court remains an option.

Ready to draft your Section 75 or chargeback letter?

LawImNotSure can generate a tailored dispute letter for your card provider in minutes. The first document is free with signup.

Section 75 vs chargeback — which to use first?

Use Section 75 when you paid by credit card, the item cost £100–£30,000, and the trader breached the contract — it gives you a legally backed claim against the lender. Use a chargeback for debit cards or when the purchase is outside the Section 75 band, but act fast (60–120 days). Both sit alongside your Consumer Rights Act remedies and a faulty-goods complaint.

Worked example: a £1,200 sofa that never arrived

You paid £400 by credit card (the rest by debit) for a £1,200 sofa from a firm that then went into liquidation. Because part-payment was by credit card and the price sits in the £100–£30,000 band, Section 75 covers the full £1,200 jointly with the lender. A chargeback on the debit portion may also recover the rest. You claim from the bank, not the dead trader — and you lead with a letter before action to the card provider.

Frequently asked questions

Does Section 75 cover part-payment by credit card?

Yes. If any part of the price (even £100+) is on a credit card, the whole purchase is covered up to £30,000.

Can the lender refuse and push me to the trader?

No. Under Section 75 the lender is jointly and severally liable, so you can claim directly from them.

What if the trader has gone bust?

That is exactly when Section 75 and chargeback help most — you claim from the card provider instead of a dead business.