Gold Crest Holidays - Best way to get money back?

djsmiley2k

As you're likely all aware, Gold Crest Holidays have gone into administration.

Their website points to ABTA for getting money back, and ATBA strongly reccomend making a section 75 claim. So right now I'm doing that with HSBC, and already alarm bells are ringing that HSBC are going to fight it (they've noted the wrong day for some transactions, they're asking for details I already provided, they've asked for a Letter of Refusal from ABTA?!).

Has anyone gone through this process, and how does it work when we had to pay via Paypal, because that was the only online method Gold Crest accepted as the other payment method they offered didn't work. I didn't pay using paypal credit or anything like that, it was all direct payments, and it does indeed show PAYPAL *GOLDCRESTHO on the statement, it's pretty obvious it's a payment to Gold Crest.

I've heard applying to ABTA for the money could take 6-9 months, which frankly feels redicious, concidering the administrators have all the details of who's paid what.

Looking for some hope, or someone to tell me not to bother with the section 75 and instead go directly to ABTA as that's the 'right' option or something.

Isthisforreal99

Section 75 only applies if you paid by credit card and it appears you didn't so not sure why you have involved your bank?

Either way if the correct process is ABTA first then that's what you will have to do but it seems that is your only option anyway.

Woodstok2000

Did you use your credit card on PayPal?

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6652894/gold-crest-holidays-best-way-to-get-money-back

So give us a hint on how you paid?

ABTA always tell people to go via their bank, despite the fact that they should be paying out. Which is the whole point of their cover.

HSBC would never use S75 in such a case they would use a chargeback, so the money comes from the retailers merchant bank.

bagand96

It's worth reading this MSE Guide on PayPal and Section 75 as there are a few grey areas https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/paypal-section75/

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861894#Comment_81861894

It's quite normal for ATOL and ABTA to refer people to their banks if money is recoverable by Section 75. And it's usually much quicker for the customer.

daveyjp

Having to pay by Paypal is a big red flag to me.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6652894/gold-crest-holidays-best-way-to-get-money-back

The administrators need to gather in any funds available.

Then they prioritise creditors paying to the highest priority first.

Customer are at the bottom of the queue for any payment, if there is any money available.

Alan_Bowen

As members of ABTA, customers do not need to wait for the administrators to distribute funds. If it was paid by credit card, they pay out, any other method ABTA pays, and usually within 28 day of receiving all the information they need