National Debtline: what it offers and who it helps
An independent guide to National Debtline: what it does, what it costs, where it helps and who it suits best.
Applies to: England, Wales and Scotland
At a glance
| What it is | Debt charity |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free — 'every call, webchat, and online tool is free to use' |
| Where it helps | England, Wales and Scotland |
| Charity number | 1099506 (Money Advice Trust, England and Wales) |
| Company number | 04741583 (Money Advice Trust, active) |
| Website | www.nationaldebtline.org |
What National Debtline does
National Debtline is a free, independent debt advice service run by the Money Advice Trust, a registered charity. It has offered debt advice since 1987 and helps people with personal debts in England, Wales and Scotland.
What it can help with
- Free phone advice from expert debt advisers
- Webchat with debt advisers
- My Money Steps — tailored online debt advice, available around the clock
- Debt information guides and sample letters to creditors
- Separate advice for England and Wales and for Scotland
- Help for people worried about someone else's debts
Who it suits
Individuals who want free, independent advice and prefer to work through their options themselves with expert support by phone, webchat or online.
Regulation
National Debtline says on its website that it is FCA-authorised (firm reference number 618928). You can check any firm on the FCA register.
How to get help
Go to the National Debtline website for current opening hours and ways to get in touch. Have a list of your debts, your income and your regular bills to hand — it makes the first conversation much quicker. Our budget calculator and debt finder can help you get these together.
Independent page. My Debt Cleared is not connected with National Debtline and does not speak for it. Details were checked against its own website and official registers on 21 October 2026; services change, so check its site for the latest.
Other free help
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.
Common questions
Is National Debtline free?
Yes. 'every call, webchat, and online tool is free to use'
Who is National Debtline for?
Individuals who want free, independent advice and prefer to work through their options themselves with expert support by phone, webchat or online.
Where does National Debtline help?
England, Wales and Scotland