Claim from your card provider (chargeback or Section 75)
See when your card provider shares responsibility with the seller, the time limits for complaints, and prepare a claim letter you review and send yourself.
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General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. You decide what to do.
What this problem is
If you paid by credit card for something costing more than £100 and up to £30,000, section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can make your card provider jointly responsible with the seller. For other payments, your bank may still be able to try a chargeback. If the provider says no, the Financial Ombudsman can look at your complaint for free.
Your rights in plain English
Section 75
Consumer Credit Act 1974, s. 75. Your credit card provider can be jointly liable with the seller for a purchase with a cash price over £100 and up to £30,000.
Verified source: Consumer Credit Act 1974, s. 75 — Liability of creditor for breaches by supplier(opens in a new tab)
Complaints and the Financial Ombudsman
8 weeks from the date you complained to the business (for its final response)
Verified source: How to complain(opens in a new tab)6 months from the date on the business's final response (to complain to the Financial Ombudsman)
Verified source: How to complain(opens in a new tab)
Time limit for a court claim
6 years from the date of the purchase or the problem (to start a court claim)
Verified source: Limitation Act 1980, s. 5 — Time limit for actions founded on simple contract(opens in a new tab)
Key deadlines
| Deadline | Source |
|---|---|
| Your card provider's time to give a final response: 8 weeks (the date you complained to the business (for its final response)) | |
| Complain to the Financial Ombudsman: 6 months (the date on the business's final response (to complain to the Financial Ombudsman)) | |
| Latest date to start a court claim (counting from the purchase): 6 years (the date of the purchase or the problem (to start a court claim)) |
The official process
Contact the seller
Give the seller a chance to put it right, and keep a record.
Claim from your card provider
Make a section 75 claim (credit cards) or ask for a chargeback, in writing, with your evidence.
Complain if they refuse
The provider has up to 8 weeks to give you a final response to a complaint.
Go to the Financial Ombudsman
You have 6 months from the final response to ask the Ombudsman to look at it.
Common mistakes
- Assuming section 75 covers debit cards: it doesn't.
- Waiting too long to ask for a chargeback.
- Missing the 6-month window for the Ombudsman.
Rules where you live
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Questions
Is this free?
The information on this page and your personalised results are free. If you want us to prepare a claim letter for you to review and send, the price is shown before you start.
What's the difference between section 75 and a chargeback?
Section 75 is a legal right for credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000. A chargeback is a voluntary process under card scheme rules, available on debit and credit cards.
Get help from a person
Free and low-cost help, and official bodies that can step in.
- Financial Ombudsman ServiceFree, independent service for complaints about banks, card providers, lenders and debt collectors.
- Citizens Advice: consumer adviceHelp with faulty goods, refunds and problems with traders.
- Citizens AdviceFree, independent advice on housing, consumer, money and legal problems in England.
- Citizens Advice WalesFree, independent advice on housing, consumer, money and legal problems in Wales.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources. We check them regularly.
- Consumer Credit Act 1974, s. 75 — Liability of creditor for breaches by supplierThe National Archives (legislation.gov.uk) · checked 24 Oct 2026
- How to complainFinancial Ombudsman Service · checked 24 Oct 2026
- Limitation Act 1980, s. 5 — Time limit for actions founded on simple contractThe National Archives (legislation.gov.uk) · checked 24 Oct 2026
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