When a purchase goes wrong — faulty goods, something never delivered, or a company going under — you’re not stuck. Two powerful tools can claw your money back through your card: Section 75 (a UK legal protection on credit cards) and chargeback (a card-scheme process that works on debit and credit cards). Knowing the difference can save you hundreds.
Quick facts
- Section 75
- UK credit-card purchases £100–£30,000; card firm jointly liable
- Chargeback
- Debit & credit cards; via the card scheme; time limits apply
- Cost
- Free to use
- Tip
- Pay the deposit on a credit card for big purchases
Section 75 (UK)
- A UK legal protection: for credit-card purchases between £100 and £30,000, the card provider is jointly liable with the retailer if something goes wrong.
- It covers faulty goods, non-delivery, misrepresentation and the seller going bust.
- It can apply even if you only paid part of the cost on the credit card (such as a deposit) — which is why paying a deposit by credit card on a big purchase is smart.
Chargeback
Which to use — and Ireland
- UK, credit card, £100–£30,000: use Section 75 first — it’s the stronger, legal protection.
- Debit card, or under £100, or outside the Section 75 range: use chargeback.
- Ireland: Section 75 is UK law and doesn’t apply, but chargeback works the same way through Visa/Mastercard, and you also have strong consumer rights under EU/Irish law. The CCPC is the place to check your rights.
How to claim
Try the retailer first
Give the seller a chance to fix it — and keep records of what you asked and when.
Contact your card provider
For Section 75, claim from your credit-card company. For chargeback, ask your bank to start a chargeback.
Send your evidence
Order confirmation, receipts, photos of faults, and your attempts to resolve it with the seller.
Mind the clock
Chargeback has time limits (often ~120 days), so don’t delay.
Common questions
What’s the difference between Section 75 and chargeback?
Does this work in Ireland?
Is there a time limit?
What if the company has gone bust?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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