Credit cards and other unsecured debt have their own rules. Acting early keeps the options simpler.
Credit cards, store cards, personal loans, and overdrafts are non-priority debts. They matter, but the consequences move more slowly than priority bills like rent, mortgage, or council tax. Falling behind first costs fees and interest; later it can affect your credit score and eventually lead to court action.
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates UK credit card lenders. FCA rules require lenders to treat you fairly when you can't pay, to offer forbearance options like payment plans or temporary holds, and to not add unreasonable fees or apply pressure.
The Statutory Breathing Space scheme (the Debt Respite Scheme) gives 60 days of legal protection from creditor action while debt advice happens. A mental-health breathing space lasts as long as treatment plus 30 days. A free debt advice service applies on your behalf.
Lenders have to take complaints seriously. If a lender won't engage or treats you unfairly, the Financial Ombudsman Service can review the case for free. Most complaints don't reach that stage because lenders prefer to settle.
Free debt advice will check what's owed across cards and other unsecured debts, and which options realistically apply. The free services below cover all of this, including the formal debt solutions that exist when informal arrangements aren't enough.
Free, confidential debt advice and debt solutions for people in the UK. One of the largest debt charities in the country, with online advice available 24/7 and a freephone helpline.
Regulatory status: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Firm Reference Number 729047. Charity numbers 1016630 (England and Wales) and SC046263 (Scotland).
Free, independent, confidential advice on debt, benefits, housing, employment, and consumer issues. Network of local offices across England and Wales.
Regulatory status: FCA for debt advice
Free, independent debt advice over the phone and online, run by the Money Advice Trust. Covers England, Wales, and Scotland.
Regulatory status: FCA for debt advice
Free and impartial money guidance backed by the UK government, run by the Money and Pensions Service. Covers debt, pensions, benefits, and everyday money topics.
Regulatory status: Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), arm's-length body of HM Government