💳 Section 75 Refunds in the UK: How to Get Your Money Back When Things Go Wrong

If you’ve used a credit card to make a purchase in the UK and the product was faulty, never arrived, or the company disappeared — Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 may be your safety net.

This powerful piece of consumer protection means your credit card provider is equally responsible with the retailer if something goes wrong — and you can claim a full refund.

In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explain how Section 75 works, who’s covered, how to claim, and what to do if your refund is refused.

🧾 What Is Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act?

Section 75 is a UK law that protects consumers when they buy something using a credit card. It applies when:

• You spend between £100 and £30,000

• The item or service is bought directly from a retailer or trader

• You pay some or all of the cost using a UK-issued credit card

It covers broken, faulty, or undelivered items, as well as situations where a company goes bust before delivering your purchase.

✅ Example:

You buy a laptop from an online retailer for £800 using your credit card. The company goes into liquidation before shipping it. Under Section 75, you can claim a refund directly from your card provider — even if you only paid £100 deposit with the card.

💷 What Does Section 75 Cover?

🛍️ What Purchases Are Protected?

Examples of common purchases covered:

• Electronics (phones, laptops, appliances)

• Travel (flights, hotels, package holidays)

• Furniture

• Online purchases

• Services (weddings, events, tuition)

• Deposits for future purchases (e.g. a car deposit)

As long as the total purchase value is £100 or more, and you paid even a small part with a credit card, Section 75 applies.

🏦 Which UK Banks Support Section 75?

If you used a credit card from a UK bank or provider, you’re likely covered. Major card issuers include:

• Barclaycard

• Halifax

• Santander

• NatWest

• HSBC

• MBNA

• Tesco Bank

• Sainsbury’s Bank

Section 75 applies whether your card is Visa, Mastercard, or American Express – as long as it’s a credit card, not a debit or prepaid card.

❗ Debit Cards Are NOT Covered – Use Chargeback Instead

If you used a debit card, you’re not covered by Section 75 — but you may still be able to claim via Chargeback, a separate voluntary scheme operated by card providers.

More on Chargeback here:
MoneyHelper: How Chargeback Works

📋 How to Make a Section 75 Claim

Step-by-Step Guide:

🔹 1. Contact the Retailer First

Before going to your card company, try to resolve the issue with the retailer. If they refuse or are unreachable, move to step 2.

🔹 2. Contact Your Credit Card Provider

• Use your online banking or app to message customer service

• Or call the disputes department

• Some banks offer a form for Section 75 claims on their websites

Include details of:

• What you bought and when

• Proof of payment

• What went wrong

• Evidence of communication with the retailer

• Why you believe Section 75 applies

🔹 3. Wait for a Response

Banks have 8 weeks to respond. If they reject your claim, ask for a “final response letter” and take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

You can submit a complaint to the FOS online here:
Financial Ombudsman Service – Make a Complaint

📅 Is There a Time Limit to Claim?

Yes. You must make a Section 75 claim within:

• 6 years from the date of purchase

• Or 3 years from when you became aware of the issue

So if you booked a flight in 2019 that was never refunded due to COVID-related issues, you can still make a claim today.

📧 Sample Section 75 Claim Letter (Template)

Subject: Section 75 Claim – Credit Card Purchase Refund Request

Dear [Bank Name],

I am writing to make a formal claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

On [date], I used my [credit card type and last 4 digits] to purchase [item/service] from [retailer name] for £[amount].

Unfortunately, [brief explanation of what went wrong — item faulty, undelivered, or misrepresented].

I have attempted to resolve the matter with the retailer but have been unsuccessful. I now wish to exercise my right to claim a refund directly from you as the credit provider.

Please find attached:

• Proof of purchase

• Communication with the retailer

• Any relevant supporting documents

I would be grateful if you could review this claim and issue a refund accordingly.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]

🤔 Common Questions About Section 75

❓ Can I claim if I only paid the deposit by credit card?

Yes. If the total cost is between £100 and £30,000, and you paid any part of it on a credit card — even just £1 — Section 75 applies to the entire transaction.

❓ Can I claim on a joint credit card?

Yes, if your name is on the account (either as the main cardholder or authorised user), you are protected.

❓ Is PayPal covered?

It depends. If you used PayPal but funded the payment directly with a credit card, you may be covered if PayPal acted as a payment processor and not a marketplace. It’s a grey area — speak to your card provider or the FOS for help.

🔎 Real-World Examples

• Holiday company collapse: You booked a £1,200 holiday with a travel agent that ceased trading. You can claim through your credit card provider.

• Online retailer scam: You purchased a laptop online that never arrived. The seller disappeared. You’re protected under Section 75.

• Wedding service failure: You paid a £300 deposit by credit card to a wedding caterer who cancelled last minute. You can claim the full deposit back.

🔗 Useful Resources

• Financial Ombudsman Service

• MoneyHelper: Section 75 Explained

• Consumer Credit Act 1974 – GOV.UK Overview

✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Your Right to a Refund

Section 75 is one of the strongest consumer protection tools available in the UK — and most people don’t realise how far its coverage extends. If a retailer lets you down, your credit card provider has equal legal responsibility to put things right.

And best of all? It’s completely free to use — no need for claims companies or legal fees.

If something has gone wrong with a major purchase, don’t delay. Submit a claim today and get the refund you deserve.