Skip to content
£ moneyguide
How-to · Step-by-step

How to claim a Section 75 refund

Where a link is marked *, it is a partner link — we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * earn us nothing. How we make money.

In short. Section 75 makes your credit card provider jointly liable for purchases between £100 and £30,000 if goods are faulty, not delivered, or the supplier goes bust — claim directly from the card company, not just the retailer.

Section 75 is one of the strongest consumer protections in UK law. It applies to most credit card purchases and some store card and finance agreements. You can claim the full amount even if you only paid a deposit on the card.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 56 days

The steps

  1. 01

    Confirm Section 75 applies to your purchase

    The item must cost between £100 and £30,000 (the total, not just the card payment). It must be a single item — a £120 hotel room qualifies, but two £60 rooms booked together may not. The credit agreement must be UK-regulated.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Try to resolve the problem with the retailer first

    Contact the seller about the fault, non-delivery, or misrepresentation. Keep records of emails and calls. You can claim under Section 75 even while the retailer dispute is ongoing, but showing you tried helps.

  3. 03

    Gather evidence for your card provider

    Collect your credit card statement showing the payment, order confirmation, correspondence with the retailer, photos of faults, and any expert reports. Write a clear timeline of what went wrong.

  4. 04

    Submit a Section 75 claim to your card provider

    Write to the credit card company (or call then follow up in writing). State you are claiming under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Explain the breach of contract or misrepresentation and the amount you want refunded.

    Official link →

  5. 05

    Allow the provider eight weeks to respond

    The card company must investigate. They may ask for more evidence. If they reject the claim or do not respond within eight weeks, you can refer the dispute to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • Section 75 does not apply to debit cards, most PayPal payments, or credit card cash withdrawals
  • Buying through an intermediary (like some travel agents) can break the direct link required — each case depends on facts
  • Chargeback is a separate, weaker scheme with a shorter deadline — use Section 75 for qualifying credit card purchases

FAQ

Can I claim if I only paid a deposit on my credit card?
Yes. If the total item cost is £100 to £30,000 and any part was paid on a credit card, Section 75 covers the full amount.
Does Section 75 cover flights and holidays?
Yes, if booked directly with the airline or holiday company and the total cost qualifies. Package holidays also have separate ATOL protection.
What if my claim is rejected?
Ask for a final response letter and refer to the Financial Ombudsman Service within six months. The ombudsman service is free and binding on the provider if they accept the decision.
← All how-to guides