Chargeback vs Section 75: Which Refund Method Gets Your Money Back Faster?

When you need a refund and the seller won't help, your bank can be your best friend. But there are two different ways to claim through your bank - chargeback and Section 75 - and knowing which to use can make or break your claim.

Quick Comparison: Which Should You Use?

Feature

Chargeback

Section 75

Card types	Debit AND credit	Credit only
Minimum purchase	No minimum	£100 minimum
Maximum claim	No maximum	£30,000
Legal right?	No (voluntary)	Yes (statutory)
Time limit	120 days typical	6 years
Success rate	Good	Very good
Best for	Quick claims, debit cards, under £100	Larger claims, seller gone bust

Bottom line: Use Section 75 for credit card purchases over £100. Use chargeback for debit cards or credit card purchases under £100.

What Is Chargeback?

Chargeback is a process run by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) where your bank reverses a transaction. It's not a legal right - it's a voluntary scheme the card companies run.

When Chargeback Works

Goods not delivered - You paid but nothing arrived
Goods not as described - Significantly different from what was shown
Defective goods - Faulty or broken items
Services not provided - Paid for something that didn't happen
Duplicate charges - Charged twice for the same thing
Fraudulent transactions - Didn't authorise the payment

Chargeback Time Limits

Here's the tricky part - time limits vary:

Reason

Typical Deadline

Goods not received	120 days from expected delivery
Goods not as described	120 days from discovery
Services not provided	120 days from expected date
Fraud	120 days from statement date

Some card issuers are more generous, but don't rely on it.

How to Request Chargeback

Step 1: Contact your bank's disputes team (not just customer service)

Step 2: Explain what happened and why you're disputing

Step 3: Provide evidence:

Proof of purchase
What went wrong
Communication with seller
Proof you tried to resolve it

Step 4: The bank investigates and contacts the seller's bank

Step 5: Decision usually within 45-90 days

Chargeback Success Tips

Act quickly - The 120-day limit is strict
Document everything - Screenshots, emails, photos
Try the seller first - Banks want to see you attempted resolution
Be specific - "Item not as described" is better than "I want a refund"
Follow up - Don't assume it's being handled

What Is Section 75?

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your credit card company jointly liable with the seller. If the seller breaches the contract or misrepresents something, your card company is equally responsible.

Section 75 Requirements

To use Section 75, you need:

Credit card payment (not debit, not PayPal)
Single item costing £100-£30,000
Breach of contract OR misrepresentation

The £100 Rule Explained

The £100 minimum applies to the single item, not the total basket.

Example that works: You buy a £150 coat, it's faulty = Section 75 applies

Example that doesn't work: You buy a £60 shirt and £50 jeans (total £110) = Neither item hits £100, so Section 75 doesn't apply

Smart trick: If buying multiple items, pay for the most expensive one separately on credit card.

Section 75 Advantages

6-year time limit (not 120 days)
Covers seller going bust - Your card company still pays
No requirement to contact seller first
Legal right - They can't just say no
Full purchase price recoverable

How to Make a Section 75 Claim

Step 1: Write to your credit card company (not just call)

Step 2: State clearly: "I am making a claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974"

Step 3: Explain:

What you bought and when
How much you paid
What the breach/misrepresentation was
What resolution you want

Step 4: Include evidence:

Receipt/booking confirmation
Product description vs what you received
Communication with seller
Photos of defective goods

Step 5: Give them 8 weeks to respond, then escalate to Financial Ombudsman

Using BOTH Together

Here's a pro tip: you can try chargeback AND Section 75 at the same time.

When to Use Both

Urgent situation - Chargeback might be faster
Approaching 120 days - Start chargeback before deadline expires
Uncertain which applies - Let the bank work it out

How to Do It

Tell your bank: "I'd like to pursue this as both a chargeback dispute and a Section 75 claim, whichever is most appropriate."

They can't use both to get you a double refund, but they'll pursue whichever route is most likely to succeed.

What If Your Bank Refuses?

For Chargeback Refusals:

Ask for explanation in writing
Appeal the decision with more evidence
Complain formally through their complaints process
Financial Ombudsman if still refused (though chargeback isn't a legal right, they can still review)

For Section 75 Refusals:

Demand reasons in writing
Escalate internally first
Financial Ombudsman - They rule on Section 75 all the time
Court action as a last resort (Section 75 is legally enforceable)

Common Reasons Claims Fail

Chargeback Failures:

Too late (past 120 days)
Seller provides evidence you received goods
You agreed to seller's terms
Bank can't contact seller's bank

Section 75 Failures:

Item under £100
Paid by debit card or PayPal
No actual breach of contract
Outside 6-year limit

Quick Decision Guide

Use Chargeback when:

Debit card purchase
Credit card purchase under £100
Need fast resolution
Within 120 days

Use Section 75 when:

Credit card purchase over £100
Seller has gone bust
More than 120 days ago (but under 6 years)
You need the legal weight

Use Both when:

Credit card purchase over £100
You want to maximise your chances
Time is running out on chargeback

Get Your Money Back

Whether it's a dodgy purchase or a company that's gone bust, you have options. Use our Section 75 Checker to see if your purchase qualifies, then take action. Don't let companies keep money that's rightfully yours.