For shoppers · UK, US and everywhere cards work
Seller won't refund you? Your card company might have to.
Paid by card for something that never came, broke, or was cancelled? In the UK, Section 75 makes your credit card company liable too. In the US, the Fair Credit Billing Act sets strict deadlines for your issuer. Everywhere else there's the chargeback. Find out which applies and send the right letter.
Your options
Letter to your card company
If they say no
How card refunds work
| Route | Where | Covers | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 75 | UK credit cards | One item or service priced over £100 and up to £30,000 | 6 years (5 in Scotland) |
| Chargeback | Any Visa, Mastercard or Amex card | Any amount; the bank's decision | Usually 120 days |
| Fair Credit Billing Act | US credit cards | Billing errors, including goods not delivered as agreed | 60 days from the statement |
Do I have to try the seller first?
Yes, in practice. Card companies ask what you did to sort it out with the seller, so contact them in writing first and keep the replies.
I paid with PayPal or through a travel agent. Does Section 75 still work?
Often not, because the payment didn't go straight to the seller. A chargeback may still work. Ask for one too.
Should I use a claims company?
No. Card claims are free to make yourself, and the Financial Ombudsman (UK) or the CFPB (US) is free if the card company gets it wrong.
Is this legal advice?
No. It's legal information and a letter template based on the published rules.
Checked 14 October 2026 against Which? guidance on Section 75 and chargeback and the Fair Credit Billing Act's billing-error rules.