The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Credit Act 1974 are two major UK consumer protection laws — but they do very different things.

The Consumer Rights Act sets out the standards goods, services and digital content must meet. The Consumer Credit Act, particularly Section 75, provides financial protection when purchases are made using credit.

Understanding the difference between them helps you know who to claim against and what remedy you are entitled to.

What the Consumer Rights Act 2015 Covers

The Consumer Rights Act applies when a trader supplies:

  • Goods.
  • Digital content.
  • Services.

It sets legal standards. For example, goods must be:

  • Of satisfactory quality.
  • Fit for purpose.
  • As described.

If those standards are breached, you may be entitled to remedies such as:

The Act applies whether you paid by cash, debit card, credit card, bank transfer or finance.

You can read the official legislation here: Consumer Rights Act 2015.

What the Consumer Credit Act 1974 Covers

The Consumer Credit Act regulates credit agreements such as credit cards, loans, and hire purchase agreements.

Its most important consumer protection is Section 75, which makes a credit provider jointly liable with the trader for breach of contract or misrepresentation.

This applies when:

  • You paid using a credit card.
  • The item cost between £100 and £30,000.

If the trader refuses to refund you, you can claim from your credit card company instead.

Official legislation: Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Key Differences

Consumer Rights Act 2015
Consumer Credit Act 1974

Sets quality standards for goods, services and digital content
Regulates credit agreements

Gives rights against the trader
Allows claims against the lender

Applies regardless of payment method
Applies only where credit is used

Provides repair, replacement, refund rights
Provides joint liability protection

How They Work Together

The two Acts often operate together.

The Consumer Rights Act tells you whether the goods or services are faulty.

The Consumer Credit Act allows you to recover your money from the lender if the trader fails to honour those rights.

For a detailed explanation of how this interaction works in practice, see
How Section 75 and the Consumer Rights Act Interact.

Example

You buy a £2,000 kitchen appliance using your credit card.

  • If it develops a serious fault, the Consumer Rights Act gives you the right to reject or request repair.
  • If the retailer refuses or goes out of business, Section 75 allows you to claim from your credit card provider.

Which Law Should You Rely On?

Always rely on the Consumer Rights Act first when complaining to the trader.

Use the Consumer Credit Act if:

  • The trader refuses to cooperate.
  • The trader is insolvent.
  • The trader ignores your complaint.

Enforcement and Escalation

If a trader breaches the Consumer Rights Act, you can escalate to:

If a lender refuses a valid Section 75 claim, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.