When to use Consumer Credit Act 1974 section 75 credit-card protection and when to use a chargeback, the key differences, and how to claim if a purchase goes wrong.
Under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, your credit provider is jointly and severally liable with the retailer when something goes wrong, for a single item with a cash price over £100 and up to £30,000. This is a legal right, so you can claim the full amount from your credit card company even if you only part-paid on the card.
It applies where there has been a breach of contract or misrepresentation — for example, goods that are faulty or never delivered, or a trader that has gone out of business. The purchase must normally be on a credit agreement such as a credit card; debit cards and most prepaid cards are not covered.
Chargeback is a card-scheme rule operated by Visa, Mastercard and others, not a legal right. It lets your bank try to reverse a transaction on a debit or credit card. There is no minimum spend, which makes it useful below £100 or for debit-card payments, but it is time-limited — often around 120 days from the transaction or expected delivery.
For credit-card purchases over £100, section 75 is usually the stronger route because it is a statutory right and reaches the whole transaction. For debit cards, smaller amounts, or where you are close to a scheme deadline, chargeback may be the only option. If section 75 is declined, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Often yes. As long as the total cash price of the item is over £100 and up to £30,000 and at least part of it went on the credit card, section 75 can make the credit provider liable for the full contract, not just the deposit you paid.
Chargeback time limits are set by the card scheme rather than by law and are commonly around 120 days from the transaction or from when you expected the goods or service. Because it is not a legal right, contact your bank promptly and keep evidence of the problem.
No. The Counsel is an AI tool offering legal information, not advice, and it does not deal with your bank or represent you. It can help you understand which route fits your situation and draft your claim wording, which you then submit yourself.
The Counsel is an AI tool for England & Wales. It provides legal information, not legal advice, and does not replace a regulated solicitor. For anything high-value or contested, take advice before you act.
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