Chargeback or Section 75: Which One to Use?
Paid by card and the seller will not help? Your card provider may be able to get your money back, but the right route depends on the card and the amount.
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When a seller goes quiet, goes bust or simply refuses to help, the way you paid can be your way back to your money. There are two routes: chargeback and Section 75. They work differently, and choosing the right one matters.
Section 75
- Credit cards only
- Items costing over £100 and up to £30,000
- A legal right: the card company is equally responsible with the seller
- Covers goods not delivered, faulty goods and being misled
- Works even if you paid only a deposit on the card
Chargeback
- Debit, credit and prepaid cards
- Any amount, including under £100
- Not a legal right: a card scheme rule run by Visa, Mastercard and American Express
- Usually must be asked for within 120 days
- Can be slower, as the money is recovered from the seller first
Which One to Use
- Credit card, item over £100: use Section 75. It is a legal right and you can claim the full price, not just what went on the card.
- Credit card, item £100 or under: Section 75 does not apply, so ask for a chargeback.
- Debit card: ask for a chargeback.
- Paid through PayPal or another payment service: Section 75 usually does not apply, so check the payment service's own buyer protection and ask about chargeback.
How to Claim
- Ask the seller first and keep copies of what you sent.
- Write to your card provider. Say whether you are making a Section 75 claim or asking for a chargeback, and include your evidence.
- Watch the clock. For chargeback, contact your bank well within 120 days. For events booked ahead, the time usually runs from the event date.
- If the card provider says no, complain to it and, after its final response or 8 weeks, take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free.
For the full picture, read Section 75 explained in plain English and our guide Section 75 or chargeback: which to use.
Sources (checked 18 October 2026)
- How chargeback and Section 75 work (MoneyHelper, checked 18 October 2026)
- Problems with goods and services: Section 75 and chargeback (Financial Ombudsman Service)
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