Paying just £100 of a used car purchase on a credit card can protect the entire transaction value. Most buyers do not know this. Here is how Section 75 works and how to activate it on any used EV purchase from a dealer.
What Section 75 is
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes a credit card company jointly liable with the seller for any misrepresentation or breach of contract, where the purchase price is between £100 and £30,000.
This means if the seller misrepresented the vehicle undisclosed write-off, undisclosed battery lease, battery condition significantly different to what was stated you can claim against your credit card company, not just the seller.
This is particularly valuable if the seller has disappeared, gone into administration, or is refusing to engage with a complaint.
How to activate it
Pay at least £100 of the purchase price using a credit card. The protection covers the entire transaction value not just the £100 paid on card as long as the minimum threshold is met. Pay a deposit on credit card, even if you pay the remainder by bank transfer, and Section 75 applies to the full amount.
What it covers
Misrepresentation the vehicle was materially different to how it was described. Breach of contract the seller failed to deliver what was agreed.
For used EVs, this could include an undisclosed battery lease, a battery SoH significantly below what was stated, an undisclosed write-off, or ADAS systems that were not functioning as represented.
Important limitations
Section 75 applies to dealer purchases not private sales. Private sellers are not "suppliers" under the Act. It applies to credit cards not debit cards, bank transfers, or cash. And it applies to purchases from UK-regulated suppliers not all overseas dealers.
