If you paid by card in the UK and something went wrong, you have two completely different routes to get your money back — and most people only know about one of them. A chargeback reverses the payment through the card network. Section 75 makes your card provider legally liable alongside the supplier. They differ in time limits, amounts, and strength. Here's how to choose.
A chargeback is a reversal of a card payment processed through the card network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). You ask your bank, your bank asks the merchant's bank, and the money is pulled back if the dispute is upheld. Key facts:
Section 75 of the UK Consumer Credit Act 1974 is a law, not a network policy. It makes your credit provider jointly liable with the supplier when there's a breach of contract or misrepresentation. You're claiming against your lender directly. Key facts:
One detail people miss: you don't need to have paid the full amount on the credit card. In most cases, paying even a deposit on the card brings the whole purchase into Section 75's scope, as long as the item's price is within £100–£30,000.
UK or not, enter your dates — we'll check the chargeback window and flag whether Section 75 might extend your options.
| Chargeback | Section 75 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Network payment reversal | UK legal claim vs your lender |
| Time limit | ~120 days | Up to 6 years |
| Cards | Credit + debit | Credit only |
| Amounts | No min/max | £100–£30,000 per item |
| Speed | Weeks, often with provisional credit | Slower, formal investigation |
| Legal force | Network rules | Statute — stronger for big claims |
You generally pursue one route at a time — you can't be compensated twice for the same loss. A common practical sequence: try the chargeback first (it's quicker and the bank handles the legwork). If it fails, or the ~120-day window has already closed, fall back to Section 75 if the purchase qualifies. Tell each party honestly what you've already tried; double recovery would have to be repaid.
A chargeback is a card-network reversal (~120 days) processed through your bank. Section 75 is UK law making your credit provider jointly liable with the supplier for purchases of £100–£30,000, claimable for up to 6 years.
It depends. Section 75 is stronger for large, qualifying credit purchases and old disputes — but it's credit-only, slower, and needs a breach of contract or misrepresentation. Chargebacks are faster, cover debit cards, and have no minimum amount.
Pursue one at a time — no double recovery. Many people try chargeback first, then Section 75 if it fails or the window closed, provided the purchase qualifies (£100–£30,000 on a UK credit card).
No — Section 75 is credit cards (and some linked credit agreements) only. Debit card holders use the chargeback process instead, typically ~120 days from the transaction.
The single item or service must cost over £100 and no more than £30,000. You usually only need to have paid a deposit on the credit card for the whole purchase to be covered.
