Guides › Furniture and White Goods › Section 75 or Chargeback: Which Should I Use?
Section 75 or Chargeback: Which Should I Use?
Section 75 covers a single item costing over £100 and up to £30,000 bought on a credit card, or with regulated buy now pay later, even if only part was paid that way. Chargeback works with debit cards, and with credit cards for items of £100 or less; it is an industry scheme, not a legal right, and you should claim within 120 days of realising there is a problem.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Section 75
Section 75
If you paid by credit card, or with regulated buy now pay later, Section 75 can let you claim from the card or credit provider as well as the shop. source
Section 75
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act is available for regulated buy now pay later, giving the same protection as paying by credit card, so you can claim from the lender if something is faulty or not delivered. source
Chargeback
Chargeback
For a chargeback, claim within 120 days of realising there is a problem, not from the payment date. Note that date. source
If the Retailer Goes Bust
If a retailer goes into administration, your protection depends on how you paid. Section 75 covers a single item costing over £100 bought on a credit card, even if you only paid a deposit on the card. Chargeback on a Visa or Mastercard debit card, or on a credit card for items of £100 or less, is an industry scheme, not a legal right. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 120 daysChargeback claimWithin 120 days of realising there is a problem
- £100 to £30,000Section 75 card claimCredit card payments over £100 and up to £30,000
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Ask the seller to put things right first, in writing. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 2 of 4
If you paid by credit card and the item cost over £100, ask your card provider for a Section 75 claim.
Step 3 of 4
If you paid by debit card, or the item cost £100 or less, ask for a chargeback within 120 days.
Step 4 of 4
If the card provider refuses, complain to it and then to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Card or Credit Provider
If you paid by credit card or regulated buy now pay later and the shop will not put it right.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
The retailer has not refunded; then Financial Ombudsman Service if the card provider refuses.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Note the date you realised there was a problem: the chargeback time limit counts from then, not the payment date.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 12 October 2026
- moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/company-administration-help Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 8 October 2026