Don’t lose your money when buying Christmas gifts online

We’re all much more likely to buy presents online this year and with that comes the danger of being out of pocket for items not showing up, not as described, or the seller going bust. If any these happen, you want your money to be protected. The info below will help you stay safe.

• Payment by credit card for goods over £100 guarantees you a refund if the seller goes bust or fails to provide the item as described.

• You’re also protected as long as you pay a deposit of at least £20 deposit using the credit card, using another method, such as a debit card to pay the balance

• Payment by debit card does not offer protection unless your card is issued by a provider who has signed up to the ‘chargeback’ scheme

Fine print stuff

• The credit card protection is only for single items over £100 (and below £30,000) not a number of items that add up to over £100

• The credit card protection is only guaranteed for the main card holder, not a second card holder.

• The credit card protection is law under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act

• The debit card ‘chargeback’ protection is available with cards supplied by Visa, Maestro, Mastercard and Amex.

• Further information from moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-youre-protected-when-you-pay-by-card/amp