Also known as: Citizens Advice Bureau (historical); Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a national charity network that provides free, confidential, and impartial advice across a wide range of topics, including debt, benefits, employment, housing, and consumer rights. It operates through a network of local Citizens Advice offices across England and Wales, with separate organisations in Scotland (Citizens Advice Scotland) and Northern Ireland (Advice NI).
Citizens Advice is one of the most trusted free advice services in the UK. Its debt advice service covers help with all types of consumer debt including credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, council tax, utility bills, and benefit overpayments. Advisers can help you understand your rights, communicate with creditors, deal with debt collectors, respond to court claims, and access formal debt solutions.
Citizens Advice services can be accessed in person at a local bureau, by phone through the national Adviceline (0800 144 8848 in England; 0800 702 2020 in Wales), or online at citizensadvice.org.uk. The online resources include detailed, self-help guides on a wide range of topics.
Citizens Advice is not a lender or debt purchaser. It does not charge for its services. It is not affiliated with any commercial business and does not receive commission for referring people to debt solutions providers.
If you have received correspondence from a debt collector, lender, or solicitors firm, or if you are struggling with debt, Citizens Advice is an excellent first point of contact. They can help you understand the situation clearly and advise you on your options — all for free.
Local Citizens Advice offices also help with benefit checks, appeals, and a wide range of non-financial problems.
Quick summary
Always verify this information directly with the company, the FCA Register and Companies House before relying on it.
Free regulated debt advice — start here
If you are struggling with debt, arrears, or feel under pressure to pay, contact a free regulated debt advice service before taking any action. These services are confidential and free to use.
These are general questions that may be relevant to your situation. They are not personalised advice.
Always use contact details from Citizens Advice’s official website ↗ or the FCA Register — not from unexpected letters or messages.
Main products and services
Free debt advice; Benefits advice; Housing advice; Employment advice; Consumer rights; Debt management plan referrals; IVA referrals
Trading names and group notes
National charity network. Not a single FCA-authorised entity. Individual local offices (e.g., Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex, FRN 617500) are separately FCA-authorised. Funded by government grants, lottery, and local authorities.Review scores are third-party public indicators only. They are not proof of FCA compliance, product quality, or suitability for your circumstances.
No review data available.
Other review sources
One of the most trusted free advice services in the UK. Individual local office ratings vary widely.
Overall public sentiment
Generally very positive public reputation as a trusted, impartial free advice service. Quality and availability of in-person services varies by local office.
Get free qualified debt advice first
Before making any payment decision or agreeing to a plan, speak to a free regulated debt adviser who can review your full situation.
Organise your budget before making any decisions
Before making any payment decisions about a debt, get free qualified debt advice from StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice. Ask Fin can also help you understand your monthly income and outgoings more clearly — but is not a substitute for regulated debt advice. General guidance only.
Explore Ask Fin — £4.99/monthGeneral guidance tools only. Not regulated advice.
Answers are general guidance only. Rules and procedures may change. Always verify with the company or a qualified adviser.
Source URLs used in preparing this record
Date checked
2026-06-05
Next review due
Periodic review
StepChange Debt Charity
StepChange; Consumer Credit Counselling Service (formerly)
View details →
PayPlan Limited
PayPlan; Totemic Limited (FCA-authorised trading entity)
View details →
The Debt Advisor Limited
The Debt Advisor; The Business Debt Advisor
View details →
Money Advice Trust
National Debtline; Business Debtline; Wiseradviser
View details →
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