Consumer Credit Act. My Rights. Debt Advice. StepChange (2024)

The Consumer Credit Act is an important law that covers most types of lending in the UK. It sets out rules on:


  • How businesses can lend
  • How they collect money
  • What your rights are when you borrow

What debts does the Consumer Credit Act cover?

Debts covered by the Consumer Credit Act are called regulated debts.

This applies to most common types of borrowing.

Debts that are usually regulated by the Consumer Credit Act include:


Debt that are not regulated include:


  • Mortgages
  • Debts to family or friends
  • Debts to unlicensed lenders or loan sharks
  • Household bills
  • Gas
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Debts to local or central Government
  • Council tax
  • Benefit overpayments
  • Taxes
  • Some credit union loans
  • Charge cards
  • Some types of business debt
  • And more

Sometimes a debt could be either regulated or unregulated

This depends on:


  • The date you took it out
  • The amount you borrowed

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What are the benefits of the Consumer Credit Act?

You have more rights with a debt regulated by the Consumer Credit Act.

Things like:


  • You must be given a default notice if you fall into arrears
  • They must give you time to bring your account up to date before taking further action
  • All regulated creditors must have a licence
  • It is a crime to trade without one
  • Creditors must send you regular statements
  • They must send you arrears letters if you fall behind
  • The Financial Ombudsman Service can investigate if:
  • You make a complaint and
  • You are not happy with the result
  • There are limits to the type of court action some creditors can take
  • Find out more

What rights do I have with unregulated debts?

You may not have all the same rights if you owe money to an unregulated debt.

There are still legal requirements for unregulated creditors.

But your rights may depend on the terms and conditions you agreed with the lender.

Lenders are overseen by:


  • Trade bodies or
  • Ombudsman services

These groups help make sure customers are treated fairly.

We can help if you fall into arrears with an unregulated debt.

Use our free, online debt advice tool to find the best solution for you.

Consumer Credit Act. My Rights. Debt Advice. StepChange (2024)

FAQs

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors? ›

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

What is the 7 in 7 rule for debt collectors? ›

One of the most rigorous rules in their favor is the 7-in-7 rule. This rule states that a creditor must not contact the person who owes them money more than seven times within a 7-day period. Also, they must not contact the individual within seven days after engaging in a phone conversation about a particular debt.

How to get rid of $30k in credit card debt? ›

How to Get Rid of $30k in Credit Card Debt
  1. Make a list of all your credit card debts.
  2. Make a budget.
  3. Create a strategy to pay down debt.
  4. Pay more than your minimum payment whenever possible.
  5. Set goals and timeline for repayment.
  6. Consolidate your debt.
  7. Implement a debt management plan.
Aug 4, 2023

What sort of debt does the Consumer Credit Act apply to? ›

The following types of agreements are usually covered by the Consumer Credit Act: personal loans. credit cards. payday loans.

How to outsmart a debt collector? ›

You can outsmart debt collectors by following these tips:
  1. Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors.
  2. Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt.
  3. Write a cease and desist letter.
  4. Explain the debt is not legitimate.
  5. Review your credit reports.
  6. Explain that you cannot afford to pay.
Mar 11, 2024

What is the 777 rule for debt collectors? ›

What is the 777 rule with debt collectors? The “777 Rule” states that debt collectors may attempt to contact a consumer about a single debt up to seven times in seven days. Phone numbers do not matter; it's the number of debts that matters.

What is the new FCRA law passed in 2024? ›

Fair Credit Reporting Act File Disclosure: The maximum charge to a consumer under the FCRA for file disclosure increases effective January 1, 2024, to $15.50 from $14.50. See 88 Fed.

What are debt collectors forbidden to do? ›

Debt collectors cannot make false or misleading statements. For example, they cannot lie about the debt they are collecting or the fact that they are trying to collect debt, and they cannot use words or symbols that falsely make their letters to you seem like they're from an attorney, court, or government agency.

How to pay off $20k in debt fast? ›

Use a debt consolidation loan

With a debt consolidation loan, you borrow money from a lender and roll all of those debts into one loan with a single interest rate. This allows you to make one monthly payment rather than paying multiple creditors.

How long will it take to pay off $20,000 in credit card debt? ›

It will take 47 months to pay off $20,000 with payments of $600 per month, assuming the average credit card APR of around 18%. The time it takes to repay a balance depends on how often you make payments, how big your payments are and what the interest rate charged by the lender is.

What is the snowball method of paying off debt? ›

The debt snowball method is a debt-reduction strategy where you pay off debt in order of smallest balance to largest balance, gaining momentum as you knock out each balance. When the smallest debt is paid in full, you roll the minimum payment you were making on that debt into the next-smallest debt payment.

What do you say to a bill collector to stop calling? ›

If you want a debt collector to stop contacting you, the FDCPA gives you the right to make that happen. Putting your request in writing, via a cease-and-desist letter, is an easy and effective option to stop the communication.

What not to say to debt collectors? ›

Never give out or confirm personal or sensitive financial information – such as your bank account, credit card, or full Social Security number – unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector.

What is the word of one who Cannot pay his debt? ›

Insolvent is a person who has no money to pay off his debts.

What is the word for debt cancellation? ›

DEBT RELIEF | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary.

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