Can’t pay Very (The Very Group)? What you can do
Behind with Very (The Very Group), or about to be? Here is what Very (The Very Group) has to do when you are struggling, how to ask for help, and what happens if things go further.
Applies to: UK-wide
What to do now
- Contact Very (The Very Group) before a payment is missed.
- Ask for a lower payment and frozen interest, in writing.
- Get free advice if you have several debts.
About Very (The Very Group)
Very is an online retailer run by The Very Group, offering credit through a Very account.
Very (The Very Group) appears on the FCA register (firm reference number 312190).
If you cannot pay Very (The Very Group)
Stop ordering on the account while you clear it, and check any buy now pay later end dates: interest is often backdated if the balance is not paid by then. Ask for interest to be frozen and a lower payment.
Very (The Very Group)’s own help page for customers in financial difficulty: https://www.very.co.uk/ohs-i-am-having-financial-difficulties.page.
FCA rules require lenders to treat customers in financial difficulty with forbearance and due consideration. That can mean reducing or suspending interest and charges, accepting lower payments for a period, or giving you time to get advice. Lenders do not have to agree to every request, but they must consider it.
What to do
- Contact Very (The Very Group) before you miss a payment if you can.
- Work out what you can afford with the budget calculator.
- Put your offer in writing — the Letter Builder writes it for you.
- Ask for a 30-day hold while you get free advice if you need it.
- Keep a note of every call in the contact log.
If it goes further
If arrears build up, expect a notice of sums in arrears, then a default notice giving at least 14 days to put things right. After a default the account may be passed or sold to a debt collector. See the full timeline or find the collector in the debt collectors A–Z.
Complaining to Very (The Very Group)
Complain to Very (The Very Group) first. If you are not happy with its final response, or it has not replied within eight weeks, you can take the complaint to the free Financial Ombudsman Service — for example if the lender did not check you could afford the credit, or has not treated you fairly while you were struggling.
My Debt Cleared is not connected with Very (The Very Group). We are an independent information site and cannot see or change your account.
Sources for this page
- www.very.co.uk/
- www.very.co.uk/ohs-i-am-having-financial-difficulties.page
- www.fca.org.uk/publication/fca/foi11214-annex-a.csv
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
What happens if I can't pay Very (The Very Group)?
Missed payments will be reported to the credit reference agencies and charges may be added. If arrears continue, Very (The Very Group) will usually send a default notice and may pass the debt to a collector or take court action. Contacting it early usually leads to better options.
Will Very (The Very Group) freeze interest?
It may. Lenders must consider freezing or reducing interest and charges for customers in financial difficulty, but they do not have to agree. Ask in writing and include your budget.
How do I complain to Very (The Very Group)?
Complain to Very (The Very Group) first. If you are not happy with its final response, or it has not replied within eight weeks, you can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free.