If you've bought goods or services with your credit card and things went wrong — maybe the item never arrived, was faulty, or the trader went bust — Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 could help you get your money back. This protection applies to purchases between £100 and £30,000 made on credit cards and is a vital consumer right in the UK. Here's a straightforward guide on what Section 75 is, how it works in 2026, and how you can claim refunds.
Quick Summary: What You Need to Know About Section 75
- Section 75 covers credit card purchases from £100.01 up to £30,000.
- It applies whether you bought goods or services, in the UK or abroad.
- You can claim even if you only paid a deposit on your credit card, as long as the total cost is within the limits.
- The credit card company is equally responsible if the trader breaches contract or misrepresents the product or service.
- You can claim from both trader and credit card provider simultaneously but only get refunded once.
- Refund claims can be made directly to your credit card company without waiting for the trader’s response.
- Section 75 applies to purchases made online, by phone, mail order, or in person.
How Section 75 Protection Works
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 is a legal protection that holds your credit card company jointly liable with the retailer or service provider if something goes wrong with your purchase. This means if the product is faulty, not delivered, or the service was not provided as promised, your credit card provider must help you recover your money.
For example, if you booked a holiday costing £1,500 and paid a £100 deposit on your credit card, Section 75 covers the entire £1,500, not just the deposit. This makes it easier to claim a refund if the holiday company collapses or cancels without refunding you.
The protection applies automatically to transactions between £100.01 and £30,000. If your purchase falls outside this range, unfortunately, Section 75 won’t cover it.
Why Section 75 Protection Matters in 2026
Consumer protection is still important in 2026 because more people are shopping online, buying from abroad, and using credit cards.
Section 75 covers overseas purchases and still protects you even if the trader has gone out of business.
As worries about payment security and scams grow, Section 75 acts as a safety net for consumers. Debit card chargebacks are voluntary and can be undone, but Section 75 is a legal right supported by the UK government.
Open Banking payments are becoming more popular, but they still don’t provide the strong protections Section 75 offers, which was a key safeguard in 2024 and still is in 2026, according to MoneySavingExpert and FCA.
How to Claim a Refund Using Section 75 in 2026
Claiming a refund under Section 75 is straightforward but requires some steps:
- Check Your Purchase: Confirm your purchase was made on a credit card, cost between £100.01 and £30,000, and was for goods or services.
- Contact the Trader: Although not mandatory, it's good practice to first try resolving the issue directly with the retailer or service provider. Keep records of all communications.
- Gather Evidence: Compile receipts, contracts, correspondence, and proof of payment. This will support your claim.
- Contact Your Credit Card Provider: Write to your credit card company detailing your complaint and requesting a refund under Section 75. Many providers now offer online claim forms to simplify this process.
- Wait for Response: Credit card companies have up to eight weeks to investigate and respond. They may ask for more information.
- Escalate if Needed: If your claim is rejected, you can take the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free dispute resolution.
Remember, you can't claim twice — either from the retailer or your credit card company — so choose your claim route wisely.
Comparing Credit Card Providers with Section 75 Protection in 2026
Almost all UK credit cards issued by FCA-regulated providers offer Section 75 protection. However, the benefits, interest rates, fees, and rewards vary. Here’s a comparison of popular options you might consider:
| Provider | Typical APR (2026) | Annual Fee | Minimum Deposit | Rewards | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard | 19.9% APR | £0 | None | Cashback on spend | Low fees, good customer service | Average rewards rate |
| American Express Platinum | 21.9% APR | £575 | £500+ (credit limit) | Air miles, exclusive perks | Excellent travel rewards | High annual fee |
| HSBC Advance Credit Card | 18.9% APR | £0 | £500 minimum income | Balance transfer offers | Good for balance transfers | Limited rewards |
| Lloyds Bank Classic Credit Card | 22.4% APR | £0 | None | Basic rewards | Widely accepted | Higher interest rate |
| NatWest Reward Credit Card | 19.9% APR | £24 per year | Minimum £500 income | Rewards on everyday spend | Decent rewards | Annual fee applies |
How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Section 75 Protection
Since Section 75 protection is standard across credit cards, your choice should focus on interest rates, fees, and additional benefits. Here are some pointers:
- Interest Rates: If you tend to carry a balance, look for a card with a low APR. In 2026, typical rates range from 18.9% to 22.4%.
- Annual Fees: Decide if rewards are worth any fees. For example, Amex Platinum's £575 fee might suit frequent travellers but not casual users.
- Rewards and Benefits: Cashback, air miles, and purchase protection are common extras. Match these to your spending habits.
- Credit Limits and Income Requirements: Some cards require minimum income or deposits. Check eligibility before applying.
- Customer Service: A responsive credit card provider can smooth claim processes.
Fees and Catches to Watch Out For
While Section 75 is a great protection, be mindful of these points:
- Section 75 applies only to credit card purchases, not debit cards or charge cards.
- The protection covers transactions between £100.01 and £30,000. Below or above this range, you’re not covered.
- You can’t claim twice for the same loss—choose between the retailer and your credit card provider.
- Some credit card providers may have time limits for making claims, often within six years of the purchase.
- Section 75 doesn't cover transactions split into parts on different cards if no single transaction falls within the threshold.
How to Switch Credit Cards and Keep Section 75 Protection
If you want a better credit card deal in 2026, switching is fairly simple. Your Section 75 protection remains intact on purchases made with your original card. Here’s how to switch smoothly:
- Choose your new credit card based on your needs—compare interest rates, fees, and rewards.
- Apply for the new card and once approved, transfer any balances if needed (watch for balance transfer fees).
- Use the new card for future purchases to benefit from both the card’s features and Section 75 protection.
- Keep your old card until outstanding transactions are cleared. Section 75 applies to those purchases even after you switch.
- Inform your credit card provider if you plan to make a Section 75 claim on an older purchase.
MoneySavingExpert and the FCA recommend keeping documentation and records for all purchases and correspondence in case you need to claim.
Common Questions About Section 75 Protection
Q: Does Section 75 cover debit card purchases?
No, only credit cards and some store cards are covered.
Q: Can I claim Section 75 for purchases under £100?
No, £100.01 is the minimum spend to qualify.
Q: What if the trader has gone bust?
Section 75 is especially useful here because you can claim directly from your credit card provider.
Q: How long do I have to make a Section 75 claim?
You have up to six years from the date of purchase to make a claim.
Q: Does Section 75 apply to online and overseas purchases?
Yes, it covers goods and services bought online, by phone, or mail order from overseas companies delivering to the UK.
Q: What if I paid a deposit on the credit card but the rest in cash?
The full purchase price is covered as long as the total cost is between £100.01 and £30,000.
Understanding Section 75 protection gives you peace of mind when shopping with credit cards in 2026. It’s a powerful legal right that can help recover your money when things go wrong.
Section 75 remains a key part of consumer protection in the UK for credit card users in 2026. It covers many purchases and protects you against faulty products, poor service, and even trader insolvency. Knowing how to claim refunds under Section 75 can save you stress and money. Whether you’re buying a TV, booking a holiday, or shopping online abroad, this right is worth using. Just remember to keep your receipts, be clear in your claims, and don’t hesitate to contact your credit card provider if things go wrong.
This article was created with AI assistance.
