Fees & Charges
Transparent, upfront pricing. No hidden fees. Free alternatives always explained first.
⚠️ Before using any paid service, free debt advice is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice.
How our fees work
All fees are explained clearly and agreed in writing before any paid work begins. You will never be charged for work you have not agreed to.
Our approach:
- Free initial consultation — no charge, no obligation
- Free alternatives always explained first
- All fees set out in a written fee agreement before work begins
- Fees may be subject to VAT where applicable
- No fees charged that have not been agreed in advance
Negotiation fees, by debt balance
Where we negotiate directly with your creditors to agree a repayment plan or settlement, our fee for each debt is based on the outstanding balance of that debt:
| Outstanding balance (per debt) | Fee |
|---|---|
| £500 – £1,500 | £200 + VAT |
| £1,501 – £9,999 | £300 + VAT |
| £10,000 – £25,000 | £500 + VAT |
| £25,000 and above | £1,000 + VAT |
Fees are charged per debt, plus VAT where applicable, and confirmed in your written fee agreement before any work begins.
Free reviews & restructuring
- We offer a free first bi-annual and annual review of your arrangements with all your creditors.
- If your payment plan needs to be rescheduled or restructured within the first year, we will not charge you for this.
- After your first free annual review, rescheduling or restructuring a payment plan is charged at a flat £100 + VAT per debt.
Other case fees
| Case type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Default notice dispute — credit file review, dispute preparation, escalation to the Financial Ombudsman if needed | From £300 + VAT per case |
| CCJ (County Court Judgment) support — response, negotiation, set-aside or satisfaction applications | From £500 + VAT per case |
Specialist services
CIFAS marker disputes, mortgage arrears/shortfall negotiation, HMRC Time to Pay, business debt/Bounce Back Loan restructuring, and bailiff/enforcement action are quoted individually — typically following the same balance-based approach as above where creditor negotiation is involved. Your exact fee is always confirmed in writing before any work begins. Formal insolvency solutions (DMP, IVA, DRO, bankruptcy) are usually arranged via a free provider such as StepChange, National Debtline, or a licensed insolvency practitioner; where we assist with a formal solution, the fee is likewise confirmed in writing first.
What's included
Your fee agreement will confirm what is included. Generally, our services include:
- Initial assessment and advice
- Written documentation and correspondence
- Ongoing progress updates
- Creditor correspondence on your behalf
- Telephone and email support during normal working hours
When fees are payable
Fees are payable as set out in your written fee agreement. This may be:
- A monthly fee deducted from your DMP payment
- A one-off fixed fee paid upfront or in instalments
- A success fee payable on completion of an IVA or other solution
Cancellation rights
If you arranged our services online, by phone, or by mail order, you have the right to cancel within 14 calendar days of signing any agreement, by writing to us. If no substantial work has been carried out, you'll receive a full refund of any fees paid. If substantial work has already been carried out at your request, we will deduct a reasonable charge for that work, immediately stop working on your matter, and refund the balance.
If you visited our office in person to arrange the service, this 14-day cooling-off period does not apply.
Common questions
Are there any upfront fees?
This depends on the service. Some services may require an upfront payment or deposit. Your fee agreement will confirm this before any work begins.
Do you charge for the first consultation?
No. The initial consultation is always free and carries no obligation to proceed.
What if I can't afford the fees?
Free alternatives are always explained first. StepChange, National Debtline, MoneyHelper, and Citizens Advice offer free debt advice and free debt management plans. We will never pressure you into a paid service.
Can I get a refund?
If you arranged our services online, by phone, or by mail order and cancel within 14 days, you'll get a full refund (less a reasonable charge if substantial work has already started at your request). This cooling-off period does not apply if you visited our office in person to arrange the service.
Get a personalised quote
The best way to understand the cost for your situation is to have a free, no-obligation chat with one of our advisors. Call us on +44 203 918 1986 or request a callback online.
Last reviewed: by First Credit Advice Limited