Finance glossary
Consumer Credit Act — CCA 1974
Also known as: CCA, Consumer Credit Act 1974
In simple terms
The Consumer Credit Act is the main law protecting people who borrow. It sets out what lenders must tell you and gives you rights like cancelling and the powerful Section 75 protection.
On this page
What does the Consumer Credit Act mean?
The Consumer Credit Act 1974 is the cornerstone of UK borrowing law. It regulates most consumer credit — loans, credit cards, hire purchase, catalogue credit and more — and sets out the protections that come with a regulated agreement.
It works alongside the FCA’s consumer credit rules (CONC).
How the Consumer Credit Act works
It requires lenders to give clear pre-contract information, sets rules on the form and content of agreements, provides a right to withdraw from many agreements, and creates Section 75 — which makes a credit card provider jointly liable for certain purchases.
If a lender fails to follow key requirements, its ability to enforce the debt can be affected.
How could this affect me?
The Act underpins many everyday protections — from being told the true cost of credit to reclaiming money when a purchase goes wrong. Knowing it exists helps you assert those rights.
For example, Section 75 can let you claim from your credit card provider if a retailer fails to deliver.
Things to watch out for
- Not all borrowing is regulated by it (some Buy Now, Pay Later and business lending sit outside).
- Protections depend on the agreement being properly “regulated”.
- Rights only help if you use them — keep your paperwork.
Know your rights
- The Consumer Credit Act 1974 gives rights including pre-contract information, a right to withdraw from many regulated agreements, and Section 75 joint liability on qualifying credit-card purchases.
- Complaints about lenders can be escalated to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- legislation.gov.uk, Consumer Credit Act 1974 (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.