Section 75: China purchases and card deposits
Yes, a credit card deposit can trigger Section 75 protection for an eligible personal China purchase. Check the item's cash price, the supplier relationship and the payment route. A valid claim can extend beyond the card deposit, but protection is conditional. Discuss supplier and order records with Cambridge China Bridge.
Check the purchase and card arrangement
Section 75 concerns claims for a supplier's breach of contract or misrepresentation under a qualifying debtor-creditor-supplier agreement. Buying from abroad can fall within its protection. Paying a deposit by credit card can therefore help, but does not establish eligibility by itself.
This guide concerns personal purchases. If buying stock or equipment for your business, ask the issuer to assess your actual credit agreement and transaction. Record who is buying, who holds the card account and who promises to supply the goods. Use our seller or agent guide to clarify the supplier's role. For cardholder arrangements, see our guide to someone else's or an additional card.
Check the item price, not just the deposit
The cash price must be more than £100 and no more than £30,000. Paying only part by credit card can trigger liability beyond that card payment. Do not assess eligibility solely from the deposit amount or assume an expensive basket establishes cover.
Obtain an itemised invoice showing each item's cash price, currency and any separately charged services. For a set or package, save the listing and ask whether it was sold together or could be bought separately. The treatment of grouped purchases can depend on those details. Ask the issuer how it assesses a foreign-currency price.
Trace marketplace and intermediary payments
Third-party payment processing can raise questions about the required debtor-creditor-supplier relationship. The particular arrangements matter. Avoid assuming that every marketplace payment qualifies or that every intermediary automatically removes protection.
Before paying, identify the contractual seller, the payment recipient and any wallet or payment service involved. Save checkout screenshots, payment terms and receipts. Ask the issuer to assess that route, rather than relying on a card logo. Our marketplace card-dispute guide covers the surrounding payment checks.
Prepare and submit the claim
Contact the credit card issuer and explicitly request a Section 75 assessment. Explain the broken promise or misleading statement, what happened and the remedy sought. Attach the order, itemised invoice, listing, card statement, balance-payment records, delivery evidence and relevant correspondence.
Include the supplier's identity and the complete payment route. Ask for a case reference and written reasons for any refusal. Where Section 75 applies, the issuer cannot require you to claim against the supplier first. Keep a record of refunds already received and explain the remaining loss.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
Separate chargeback from a complaint
Ask whether the issuer is considering Section 75, chargeback or both. Chargeback recovery is limited to the card payment, whereas an eligible Section 75 claim can reach beyond it. For chargeback preparation, read our delayed-order chargeback guide. Ask promptly which deadlines apply to your case.
If dissatisfied with the issuer's handling, follow its complaints procedure. GOV.UK says you can complain to an independent complaints service if unhappy with the response or if there is no response within 8 weeks; this is usually the Financial Ombudsman Service. Keep the decision, complaint acknowledgement and supporting records together.
Frequently asked questions
Does Section 75 apply if I only pay the deposit?
It can. Paying part of an eligible purchase by credit card can trigger liability beyond the card deposit. Check the cash price and the debtor-creditor-supplier relationship.
Does the credit card deposit have to exceed £100?
No. The cash price of the eligible purchase must be more than £100 and no more than £30,000. The card payment can be smaller.
Does Section 75 cover marketplace purchases?
It depends on the contractual and payment arrangements. Save the seller details, checkout terms and payment trail, then ask the issuer to assess the intermediary's role.
What if my bank rejects my Section 75 claim?
Request written reasons and use the issuer's complaints procedure. If unhappy with its response or it has not responded within 8 weeks, an independent complaints service can usually consider the complaint.