Do I need to speak to a specialist for credit card debt advice?

Credit card debt advice from a reputable debt advisor will not be any different to the advice they’d give you about any other type of unsecured debt.

If you have a serious debt problem that requires a legal solution such as an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), Bankruptcy or Debt Relief Order, then obtaining further credit (including the use of credit cards) is generally prohibited (an exception might be made if you’re self-employed and require a credit card to continue trading).

However, not having access to further credit shouldn’t present you with any problems as any legal solution you agree to enter should provide for a comfortable existence for its duration. For those who want to continue having access to the functional benefits that a credit card offers, there is an alternative available called a pre-paid card. A pre-paid card works in the same way as a credit card, the main difference being that you can only ever spend what you put on to it.

Debt Advice Foundation is a registered UK charity offering free, confidential support and debt help. If you need to talk to someone about debt, please call the charity’s helpline on 0800 043 40 50 to speak to an adviser.