08. What are my rights if I buy on credit ?

If you pay £100 or more for something using credit (such as a credit agreement or credit card), the Consumer Credit Act 1974 gives you rights against the credit card company if the goods are faulty, or if they aren't delivered. Along with the retailer, the card company is responsible for the things you buy. It is equally responsible for sorting out any faulty product or one that doesn't get delivered, so you can complain to the credit card company if the retailer won't help you. This is especially useful if the retailer has gone out of business.

The same Act allows a five-day cooling-off period for a credit contract that you didn't sign at the retailer's or the credit provider's property (which normally means contracts signed in your home).

Remember that the Consumer Credit Act applies to credit cards, but not to charge cards or debit cards, like Switch or Delta, for example.

What if I am sent something that I didn't order?
If you're sent something that you haven't asked for (called 'unsolicited goods'), you can keep them, sell them, or get rid of them however you want, as long as you have not already agreed to buy them or to send them back.

If the person who sent them says that you must pay for them or threatens you with legal action, contact the trading standards department at your local council.

This does not apply if you have ordered something, but have been sent the wrong item by mistake - then you must return it or pay for it.