What protection do I get when using a credit card?

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act is a law that protects credit card users from paying off debt for something they never received (or isn't quite right). It means BOTH your credit card provider and the person you bought from have to take responsibility for issues with your purchase.

If you pay for something using your credit card that didn’t get delivered, was damaged or not as advertised, and the retailer is refusing to refund you, Section 75 means you could get your money back from your credit card provider instead.

When can I use Section 75?

Section 75 can be used in most cases where you've paid using credit, and the product or service you bought must have cost more than £100, and less than £30,000. You're covered even if you only pay a deposit on your credit card, and pay the balance by other means. 

It's great protection when you've not got what you paid for, from holidays, to computers to pretty much anything you use a credit card (or other types of credit) to buy.

It can be particularly helpful if a company goes bust after they take your money, but before delivering the product or service you bought - because your credit card provider equally responsible for the amount you're owed, you're more likely to get your money back.

There are some exceptions, for example buying something using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), or a third party seller - but in these cases, you'll often get protection from chargeback. We have a complete list of what's covered (and what's not) in our full Section 75 rights guide.