CCA request: ask for the agreement before you pay an old credit debt

A Consumer Credit Act request can be useful when an old credit card, loan or catalogue account has been sold to a debt purchaser and you need proof before paying.

This guide was last checked on 26 April 2026 against official court, government, regulator, or legislation sources listed on this page.

Quick answer

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• A CCA request asks for a copy of the regulated credit agreement. If the creditor cannot comply for a covered debt, court enforcement may be restricted while the default continues.
• It normally applies to regulated consumer credit agreements, not council tax, utilities, rent, parking charges or benefit overpayments.
• Keep a copy of the request, payment and postage proof.
• Use the response to decide whether payment, dispute, settlement or wider advice is needed.

What this means

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The request is a document check, not a debt solution by itself. It helps establish whether a collector can produce the agreement they would need for enforcement.

It is particularly relevant for old purchased credit card, personal loan and catalogue debts. If the debt is not covered, use a general prove-the-debt request instead.

What to check first

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• Check whether the debt is credit card, loan, catalogue or another regulated credit agreement.
• Check the current collector and original lender.
• Check whether a CCJ already exists.
• Check whether the debt may also be statute barred.
• Check whether you need a CCA request or a general evidence request.

What to do next

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1. Write to the creditor or collector with the CCA request.
2. Include the required fee if applicable.
3. Keep proof of posting and a copy of the letter.
4. Pause any decision to admit or settle until evidence is checked.
5. Get advice if court papers arrive while evidence is outstanding.

Keep copies of anything you send. If you speak by phone, write down the date, time, person you spoke to, and what was agreed.

What not to do

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• Do not use a CCA request for every type of debt.
• Do not assume no paperwork means the debt has vanished.
• Do not ignore a court claim.
• Do not enter a formal solution before checking old disputed debts.

When an IVA may help

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An IVA may help once enforceable qualifying debts are clear and the wider budget shows a formal repayment arrangement is suitable.

An IVA is a formal insolvency solution. It can affect your credit file, borrowing, assets, and future financial choices. It should be compared with a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order, bankruptcy, informal arrangements and Breathing Space before you choose.

When an IVA may not solve this

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A CCA request may show that a particular debt should be disputed or treated differently. It should be checked before including uncertain old accounts in an IVA.

If you are unsure, get regulated debt advice before relying on any single option.

What to do today

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1. Identify the account type.
2. Find the original lender details.
3. Check whether judgment exists.
4. Send the correct evidence request.
5. Keep all replies together before making a payment decision.