Credit Solutions Ltd is a debt collection agency. Check whether it acts for another creditor or whether an account was assigned. A doorstep collector is not a bailiff: they can ask to speak with you, but cannot force entry or take belongings merely because they are collecting a debt.
If several debts are unaffordable, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) may stop direct collection for included qualifying debts once approved. Only remaining included qualifying debt is written off if the IVA completes, so compare every suitable alternative before choosing it.
Quick answers #
Can Credit Solutions send bailiffs to my home? No. Credit Solutions are debt collectors, not bailiffs. Their field agents can visit your home and knock on your door, but they have no legal power to force entry, take your belongings, or clamp your vehicle.
Are Credit Solutions legitimate? Yes. Credit Solutions Ltd (Company 03232898) is FCA-authorised (Reference 681086) and has operated since 1996. They’re based in Purley, Surrey and collect debts for major creditors.
Can an IVA stop Credit Solutions? A qualifying unsecured account handled by Credit Solutions may be included in an approved IVA. Direct collection should then normally stop in line with the arrangement, but the debt type, legal owner, timing and approved terms matter.
Who are Credit Solutions Ltd? #
Credit Solutions Ltd (Company 03232898) was founded in 1996 and specializes in debt collection and purchase. Like some agencies, they operate a field service where agents visit homes when phone calls and letters haven’t worked.
Company details:
- Registered office: Capella Court, Brighton Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 2PG
- Company number: 03232898
- FCA reference: 681086 (authorised since 1 April 2014)
Credit Solutions is fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the Credit Services Association (CSA). They collect debts on behalf of banks, credit card companies, utility providers, and telecoms companies. They also purchase debt portfolios, meaning they sometimes own the debt outright rather than acting as an agent.
Why is Credit Solutions contacting me? #
Credit Solutions operates as a debt collection agency, collecting debts on behalf of other companies. When your bank, credit card company, or utility provider can’t recover a debt directly, they hire Credit Solutions to collect it.
This is why you might not recognise Credit Solutions’ name:
You had a credit card with Barclays. You fell behind on payments. Barclays tried to contact you for 6 months. Barclays then hired Credit Solutions to collect the debt. A Credit Solutions letter (or field agent) arrives, and you think “I don’t owe money to Credit Solutions”—but you do owe money to Barclays, and Credit Solutions is acting as their agent.
Who instructs Credit Solutions:
- High street banks (credit cards, loans, overdrafts)
- Utility companies (gas, electricity, water)
- Telecoms providers (mobile phones, broadband)
- Catalogue and store card companies
- Retailers and mail order companies
Credit Solutions also purchases debt portfolios outright, meaning they own the debt and collect for themselves rather than acting as an agent.
Check the original debt:
Every Credit Solutions letter must state the “original creditor”—the company you originally owed money to. If you’ve never heard of that company, or if you believe the debt is wrong, you have the right to dispute it and request proof.
Can Credit Solutions send bailiffs to my home? #
No. Credit Solutions are debt collectors, not bailiffs.
This is particularly important to understand because Credit Solutions operates a field service. Their agents can (and do) visit your home, but they are not bailiffs and have no legal powers.
What Credit Solutions field agents CAN do:
- Knock on your door
- Speak to you politely
- Hand you information about your debt
- Offer to discuss repayment options
- Show you ID (they must carry this)
What Credit Solutions field agents CANNOT do:
- Force entry to your home
- Enter without your permission
- Take your belongings
- Clamp your vehicle
- Threaten you
- Damage your property
- Refuse to leave when asked
- Discuss your debt with neighbors
If a Credit Solutions field agent visits:
- You don’t have to let them in. Speak through a closed door if you prefer.
- Ask for ID. They should show a Credit Solutions badge.
- Don’t sign anything on the doorstep.
- Don’t feel intimidated. They’re collectors, not bailiffs—they can’t take anything.
- If they’re aggressive or won’t leave, call the police.
- If they speak to your neighbors, complain immediately. This breaches FCA rules.
Can Credit Solutions take me to court? #
Yes—and this is where their real power lies.
While Credit Solutions field agents can’t seize goods, the company can take legal action if the debt remains unpaid.
The legal escalation process:
1. Pre-Action Protocol (30-day warning)
Before Credit Solutions can issue a court claim, they must follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, sending a formal “Letter of Claim” giving you 30 days to respond.
2. County Court claim
If you don’t respond or arrange payment, Credit Solutions will instruct solicitors to issue a County Court claim. You’ll receive court papers (form N1) at your address.
3. County Court Judgment (CCJ)
If you don’t defend the claim, the court will enter a judgment against you. This is a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which:
- Stays on your credit file for 6 years
- Makes it nearly impossible to get credit, mortgages, or phone contracts
- Allows Credit Solutions to enforce through bailiffs
4. Enforcement after a CCJ
Once Credit Solutions has a CCJ, they can apply for:
- Attachment of Earnings Order: Your employer deducts money from your wages
- Charging Order: Credit Solutions secures the debt against your property (if you’re a homeowner)
- Warrant of Control: The court issues a warrant allowing actual bailiffs to seize goods
Don’t ignore court papers. If you receive a County Court claim form, follow the service date and deadline in its response pack. If a valid claim is not answered in time, the claimant may request judgment in default.
Is the debt really yours? #
Before you pay Credit Solutions anything, verify the debt is actually yours.
Request proof under the Consumer Credit Act 1974:
If the debt is a qualifying regulated credit agreement—for example, some credit-card, loan or handset-finance agreements—you may be able to request a copy under sections 77–79 of the Consumer Credit Act. Ordinary mobile service contracts and many other debts are not covered; check the applicable section, fee and effect.
Write to Credit Solutions:
Credit Solutions Ltd
Capella Court
Brighton Road
Purley
Surrey
CR8 2PGSay:
“I’m writing regarding account reference [your reference number]. Under Section 77/78 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, I request a true copy of the executed credit agreement for this debt. I also request a full breakdown of how the current balance has been calculated. I don’t acknowledge this debt until I receive proof.”
For a qualifying Consumer Credit Act request, the creditor normally has 12 working days after receiving the required request and fee to comply. While a relevant section 77-79 default continues, court enforcement can be restricted, but the debt is not erased and a compliant copy may later be supplied. The rule does not apply to every debt.
When is a debt statute-barred?
For many simple-contract debts the headline periods are six years in England and Wales and five years in Scotland, but the start date, debt type, payments, written acknowledgement, an existing judgment and the jurisdiction can change the result. Read the statute-barred debt guide and get advice before paying or relying on limitation.
If limitation has expired and no judgment exists, it may provide a defence to a court claim. A claim can still require a timely defence, so do not ignore court papers or assume the collector decides the legal position.
Warning: A payment or qualifying written acknowledgement before the limitation period expires can restart time for some England-and-Wales debts. The effect after expiry and the Scottish prescription rules differ, so take advice before responding.
Will Credit Solutions accept a settlement? #
A settlement may be considered, but the creditor or legal owner decides and there is no reliable standard percentage. The outcome can depend on ownership of the account, its legal status, affordability evidence and the lump sum available.
Before paying, get written confirmation that the agreed amount is accepted as full and final settlement, that no remaining balance will be pursued or sold, and how the account will be reported to credit reference agencies. Do not use money needed for priority bills.
How to stop Credit Solutions with an IVA #
An approved IVA can bind creditors for debts included in the arrangement, so direct collection by this firm should normally stop for an included qualifying debt. The approved terms, debt type and timing control the result; an IVA does not cover every debt or automatically undo every court or enforcement step.
There is no single statutory debt balance or monthly-payment figure that makes an IVA suitable. A licensed Insolvency Practitioner should compare sustainable income, essential spending, assets, creditor returns and alternatives such as a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order or bankruptcy.
Do not ignore an existing Letter of Claim, court form or enforcement deadline while an IVA is only being considered. If several debts are unaffordable, use the IVA suitability check as a first step and get advice on the live deadline.
How to deal with Credit Solutions calls and visits #
You have rights:
Ask for a reasonable communication channel. Request post or email and explain any vulnerability or accessibility need. The firm must have regard to a reasonable request, but necessary and proportionate contact may continue. Keep a written record.
Don’t admit the debt until you’ve verified it. If you don’t recognise the debt, say: “I need to see proof of this debt in writing before I can discuss it.”
Check the legal position before making a token payment. A qualifying payment or written acknowledgement before time expires can restart limitation for some England-and-Wales debts. Once a claim is already barred, section 29(7) prevents a later acknowledgement or payment from reviving it; Scottish prescription differs. Get advice first.
Tell field agents to leave. If a Credit Solutions field agent visits and you don’t want to engage, say: “Please leave my property. I’ll contact you in writing.” They must leave.
If you’re vulnerable, tell them. If you have mental health problems, serious illness, disability, or are in crisis, declare this. Credit Solutions must follow FCA “Consumer Duty” rules and adjust their approach.
How to complain about Credit Solutions #
1. Complain to Credit Solutions directly
Write to:
Credit Solutions Ltd
Capella Court
Brighton Road
Purley
Surrey
CR8 2PGInclude your reference number, dates of the issue, what happened, and what you want.
Credit Solutions has 8 weeks to respond.
2. Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
If Credit Solutions doesn’t respond or you’re not satisfied:
- Website: https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
3. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
If Credit Solutions has breached FCA rules:
- Website: www.fca.org.uk/contact
- Phone: 0800 111 6768
Credit Solutions contact details #
Registered office: Credit Solutions Ltd Capella Court Brighton Road Purley Surrey CR8 2PG
Company number: 03232898 FCA reference: 681086
Regulatory status:
- FCA Authorised since 1 April 2014
- CSA (Credit Services Association) Member
- ICO Registered
If you’re struggling with debt and want to find out what options are available, use our debt-options calculator for an initial comparison; it cannot confirm eligibility, approval or a write-off amount.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Can Credit Solutions send bailiffs to my home? #
No. Credit Solutions are debt collectors, not bailiffs. Their field agents can visit your home and knock on your door, but they have no legal power to enter your property, take your belongings, or clamp your vehicle.
Is Credit Solutions legitimate? #
Yes. Credit Solutions Ltd (Company 03232898) is fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference 681086) and has operated since 1996. They’re based in Purley, Surrey.
Why is Credit Solutions visiting my home? #
Credit Solutions operates a field service as part of their collection model. Field agents visit homes when phone calls and letters have failed. But they have no legal enforcement powers—you don’t have to let them in.
Will Credit Solutions take me to court? #
The legal owner may instruct solicitors to issue a claim if the debt is enforceable and the required process is followed. If a valid claim is not answered in time, the claimant may request default judgment. Respond regardless of the balance or whether full payment is affordable.
Can I stop Credit Solutions with an IVA? #
An approved IVA can stop direct collection for debts included in the arrangement. The approved terms, debt type and timing matter, so get urgent advice if court or enforcement action is already under way.
Will Credit Solutions accept a settlement? #
Use the settlement checks earlier in this guide: there is no standard discount, and any agreement should be confirmed in writing before payment.
If Credit Solutions is one of several unaffordable debts, compare an IVA with the other debt options before choosing. Use the IVA suitability check for a first-pass assessment.