Store-branded credit cards issued major UK retailers—such as Tesco Bank, Sainsbury’s Bank, and M&S Bank—are widely used to earn enhanced loyalty points and cashback on grocery runs. Beyond forecourt discounts and loyalty perks, paying for household goods, electronics, or travel vouchers with a supermarket credit card triggers powerful legal safeguards.
Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, your card issuer is jointly liable with the seller if goods or services fail to deliver, turn out to be faulty, or if a merchant ceases trading. Knowing how to leverage consumer credit protection ensures your purchases remain fully protected.
What Is Section 75 & How Does It Protect Supermarket Shoppers?
Section 75 is a statutory right in the UK that holds credit card providers jointly and severally liable for any breach of contract or misrepresentation a retailer.
Purchase Value Threshold: Applies to single items costing between £100.01 and £30,000.
Part-Payment Protection: You do not need to pay the full balance on your credit card. Paying even a 1p deposit or partial sum on the card covers the full contract value up to £30,000.
Retailer Insolvency: If a vendor, appliance manufacturer, or travel provider goes bust before fulfilling your order, your credit card provider must refund the loss.
Supermarket Credit Cards vs. Standard Payment Protections
Different payment channels offer varying levels of legal and voluntary consumer protection:
| Payment Method | Statutory Legal Protection | Coverage Limits | Best For |
| Supermarket Credit Card | Section 75 (Consumer Credit Act 1974) | Single items £100.01 to £30,000 | High-value electronics, store gift cards, home appliances, foreign spend. |
| Supermarket Debit Card | Chargeback Scheme (Voluntary Banking Scheme) | No minimum spend; 120-day claim limit | Daily food grocery runs under £100. |
| Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) | Regulated Credit Protections | Contract value dependent | Deferred payments on large general merchandise orders. |
How to File a Section 75 Claim with Your Card Issuer
If a supermarket, online seller, or third-party merchant refuses to honour a refund for faulty or undelivered goods exceeding £100, follow these steps:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Section 75 cover purchases made through third-party payment processors?
Section 75 requires a direct link between the buyer, the card provider, and the seller. Payments routed through certain third-party agents or third-party marketplace sellers (like Amazon Marketplace or independent aggregators) may break this link. In those cases, you can use the Chargeback scheme instead.
Can I claim under Section 75 if I bought goods overseas or on holiday?
Yes. Section 75 applies to eligible credit card transactions made anywhere in the world or on foreign websites, provided the single item value exceeds £100.