Can a credit card be liable for breach of warranty?

Full question:

Do you think that a financial product,such as a credit card, could be liable for breach of warranty?

  • Category: Warranties
  • Date:
  • State: Minnesota

Answer:

A breach of warranty refers to a failure to uphold a promise about a product made by a manufacturer or seller. It includes any false statement or agreement by a seller that is part of the sales contract, which is essential for the contract's validity. Warranties can be express or implied. An express warranty is a specific promise included in the written contract, while an implied warranty is a legal guarantee that exists even if no explicit promises were made. Buyers receive some protection under these warranties.

Warranty protection is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which most states have adopted in part. Additionally, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty—Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975 sets federal standards for written warranties and service contracts related to consumer products. This Act ensures that written warranties meet specific disclosure and remedy requirements for consumers.

The UCC defines 'consumer goods' as movable items at the time a security interest attaches, excluding money, documents, and certain other items (UCC § 9-313). While a credit card may facilitate payments for goods that come with warranties, the card itself is not considered a good. It represents an agreement between a lender and a borrower for lending and repaying money. The credit agreement outlines each party's responsibilities, and any breach of this agreement is subject to local contract law.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, a product can often be replaced under warranty if it is found to be defective or not functioning as promised. Warranties typically outline the conditions under which a product can be repaired or replaced. The specific terms will depend on whether the warranty is express or implied, and consumers should review the warranty documentation for details on coverage and procedures.