Published 15 days ago • loading... • Updated 14 days ago

Martin Lewis' simple guide to refunds, returns and the 'inviolable' Section 75 rule

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis explained that refund rights depend entirely on whether an item is faulty, where it was purchased, and how it was paid for, clarifying that many people wrongly assume one set of rules applies to all retailers.
Under the Consumer Rights Act, faulty items are protected by law. Martin stated, "If you buy something that is faulty, whether you buy it online or in store, if you return it within 30 days, you have an absolute right to a full refund."
Shopping online typically grants 14 days to notify retailers of a return, followed by another 14 days to send items back. Conversely, Martin said, "If you buy something in store and it isn't faulty, you have no right of return whatsoever."
Shoppers need not provide a paper receipt if they can prove purchase through alternative evidence like credit card statements. Martin added, "If they say we only accept receipts and we only give store credit, then they're being more generous than they need to be."
Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, credit card providers are jointly liable for purchases between £100 and £30,000 if retailers breach consumer rights. Martin describes this protection as "inviolable"—essentially one of the best pieces of consumer law protecting buyers.

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