Struggling With Bills and Credit Card Payments? Where to Get Free Help

Written by Al Baker | Founder & Editor, The Penny Pincher - Last updated: the 9th of October 2026

Payday arrives, the rent or mortgage goes out, and by the time you’ve covered food, energy and the credit card payment, there’s barely anything left.

If you’re struggling with bills, putting another supermarket shop on the card might get you through this week, but it also leaves more to repay next month. Free debt advice is available before you miss a payment, so you don’t need to wait for an overdue letter before asking for help.

New research highlights how many people are finding this difficult. In polling commissioned by StepChange Debt Charity and conducted by YouGov, 38% of UK adults said they’d found it difficult to keep up with household bills and credit commitments in the preceding few months. The findings were highlighted on the 8th of October, alongside a warning about rising problems with credit repayments.

This guide provides general information rather than personal financial advice. Debt options and legal processes differ across the UK, so speak to a free debt adviser about your circumstances.

What does the latest research tell us about credit card debt?

The Bank of England’s latest Credit Conditions Survey, published on the 8th of October, found that lenders reported rising defaults on credit cards and other unsecured loans during the three months to the end of August. Unsecured borrowing includes credit that isn’t secured against a particular asset, such as your home.

The findings describe changes reported by lenders, rather than giving a percentage of households that have missed payments.

StepChange also reported that 75% of its clients had credit card debt, compared with 69% in August last year. Those figures relate to people using the charity’s services, so they shouldn’t be read as saying that three-quarters of all UK households have credit card debt.

They do show why help with credit card payments forms such a substantial part of the charity’s work.

Which bills should you pay first when money is short?

When several payments are due, it can be tempting to pay the company sending the most reminders just to stop the messages. But priority debts are determined by the seriousness of the consequences of not paying, rather than the size of the balance or how often someone contacts you. Falling behind with your home or essential services can create a more urgent problem than an unpaid credit card.

Rent or mortgage arrears and debts to your current gas or electricity supplier are examples that need particular attention. Council tax arrears are another priority debt where council tax applies, while Northern Ireland has domestic rates instead. Other commitments can also take priority depending on your circumstances, so use MoneyHelper’s bill prioritiser rather than assuming one short list covers everything.

Credit cards, overdrafts and unsecured personal loans generally fall into the non-priority category, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. Interest, charges and collection action can still make the situation worse, and you should tell the lender when you’re struggling. A debt adviser can help you work out what you can afford after allowing for essential living costs and priority commitments.

If you’ve received court papers, face eviction or have been warned about your energy being disconnected, seek urgent advice and explain that immediately. Keep any letters and deadlines available so the adviser can see what stage things have reached. Don’t postpone that conversation while trying to finish a perfect budget.

What should you say to your lender?

Contact the lender as soon as you’re worried about keeping up, and explain what has changed and which payment you’re concerned about. You could say: “After covering my essential bills, I can’t afford the payment due this month. Can you explain what support is available and how any arrangement would affect interest, charges and my credit file?”

The help available will depend on your circumstances and the type of borrowing, so don’t assume a payment pause or interest freeze is automatic. MoneyHelper’s guidance on talking to your creditor explains how to prepare for the conversation and ask about support. A creditor simply means a person or company you owe money to.

If several lenders are asking for money, speak to a debt adviser before agreeing to repayments you can’t sustain. An amount that sounds manageable during one phone call may leave you short once the other bills arrive. Keep a record of what you’ve discussed and ask for the terms of any arrangement in writing.

Where can you get free debt advice?

StepChange Debt Charity offers free debt advice, with an online service you can start at any time and a freephone number, 0800 138 1111. You don’t need to decide which debt solution you want before contacting the charity. The starting point is understanding your circumstances and what you can afford.

Use the direct website link above rather than assuming an advert using a familiar charity name belongs to that charity. StepChange’s latest press release warns about firms impersonating it in online adverts. Check that you’re on its genuine website before entering personal or financial information.

You can also use MoneyHelper’s debt advice locator to find free support online, by phone or locally. MoneyHelper is a government-backed service providing free, impartial money guidance. If you need help with a broader money question as well, our guide to where to get financial advice in the UK explains other routes.

If you’re self-employed, StepChange directs people in England, Wales and Scotland to Business Debtline, and those in Northern Ireland to Advice NI. Specialist support can consider business debts alongside your personal finances. Choose the appropriate service through StepChange’s guidance on getting debt help.

What should you have ready before asking for help?

Gather recent statements, details of your income and benefits, regular household costs, and information about what you owe. Include smaller commitments, such as buy now, pay later instalments, alongside credit cards, loans and overdrafts. Knowing when payments are due is useful too, particularly if several arrive before your next payday.

You don’t need to have every figure ready before starting. With StepChange’s online advice service, you can save your progress and return later when you’ve found missing information. Use statements or ask the lender for a balance instead of guessing.

It’s also worth asking the adviser whether you’re missing any benefits or other support. A budget can show where the gap is, but it can’t make an income cover costs that are genuinely unaffordable. MoneyHelper’s guidance for people struggling with debt includes checking benefit entitlement and possible grants.

Will asking for help affect your credit score?

Getting debt advice from StepChange won’t affect your credit file or credit score. What happens afterwards depends on your circumstances and the action you take. Missed payments, paying less than the contractual amount and some debt arrangements can affect your credit record.

For example, a debt management plan involves making payments towards debts through an agreed budget, but paying less than the original minimum can still be recorded on your credit file.

StepChange explains these credit-file consequences, including how reduced payments may be reported. Ask the adviser to explain the likely effects of any proposed option before deciding.

If you’re struggling with bills, you can start by gathering the next payments due and contacting a free advice service. Tell them straight away if you’re short of money for essentials or have received anything with a legal deadline. You don’t have to work out the whole solution before making that first contact.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get help before I miss a payment?

Yes, you can seek free debt advice if you’re worried about keeping up, even before a payment is missed. Explain any urgent bills or deadlines when you contact the service.

Is StepChange debt advice free?

Yes, StepChange provides free debt advice online and by phone. You can call 0800 138 1111 or start through its official website.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Getting advice from StepChange won’t affect your credit score. Missed payments or arrangements involving reduced repayments can affect your credit file.

Can I get debt advice if I’m self-employed?

Yes, specialist help is available for self-employed people. StepChange directs people in England, Wales and Scotland to Business Debtline, and those in Northern Ireland to Advice NI.