What is a Section 75 claim and when can I use it?
Section 75 of the UK Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your credit card company jointly liable with the merchant for purchases between £100 and £30,000 — it is a powerful consumer right that applies even if only part of the price was on the credit card.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Section 75 is a statutory protection unique to UK credit card purchases. When you buy something costing between £100 and £30,000 with a credit card and the merchant breaches the contract (goods not delivered, significantly not as described, business becomes insolvent), your credit card company is equally liable with the merchant. This means you can claim directly from your card company for a refund, even if you only put a deposit on the card and paid the rest by other means.
To make a Section 75 claim, contact your credit card issuer in writing, explain the purchase, describe the breach of contract, and request reimbursement under Section 75. The issuer may conduct its own investigation. Unlike chargeback (which is a card scheme rule with time limits), Section 75 is a legal right and the card company cannot simply refuse it without legal basis.
Section 75 does not apply to debit cards, to purchases via third-party payment systems in some circumstances, or to amounts outside the £100–£30,000 range (though chargeback may help with amounts below £100). It is one of the strongest protections available to UK consumers.
This is general information. The specific application of Section 75 depends on the facts of your purchase and whether there was a genuine breach of contract. Consult a consumer law adviser if your claim is disputed.
Common red flags
- Merchant has gone out of business before delivering goods or services
- Goods delivered were significantly different from what was described or advertised
- Service paid for was never provided
- Merchant is refusing to honour a warranty or guarantee
- Purchase was fraudulent and the merchant identity was entirely fabricated
What to do now
- Contact your credit card company in writing and specifically cite Section 75
- Describe the breach of contract clearly and attach supporting evidence
- Include your transaction details, the merchant name, and the amount
- If the card company disputes your claim, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service
- Keep copies of all correspondence in case of escalation
Frequently asked questions
Does Section 75 apply if I paid through PayPal?
Generally no. When you use a credit card via PayPal, the contract is between you and PayPal, not you and the merchant, which has typically excluded Section 75. PayPal has its own buyer protection, but if that fails you may not have a fallback Section 75 claim. Direct card payments to the merchant are safer for this reason.
Is there a time limit for Section 75 claims?
There is no specific statutory time limit in the legislation itself, but the general 6-year limitation period for contract claims in England applies. Card companies may have their own internal processes with shorter timescales. Acting promptly is always advisable.