StepChange Debt Charity Reviews 2,361

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 571 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness, understanding, and non-judgmental approach, making difficult situations much easier to navigate. Many people highlight the excellent service received, noting that the company provides clear guidance and effective solutions, helping them regain control of their finances and become debt-free. However, some customers reported issues with the payment and contact processes, experiencing frustration with delays in setting up plans or receiving generic responses despite providing necessary information. A few other people also felt that the company was unable to help them, particularly those who are self-employed, or that they received dismissive advice regarding their eligibility for certain debt solutions.

What people talk about most

Customer service

Users describe positive interactions with customer service. Many customers found the team patient, helpful,... See more

Staff

Customers consistently note positive experiences with staff. Many reviewers praise the team for being... See more

Service

Reviewers mention positive feedback about service. Many customers express satisfaction, highlighting the... See more

Payment

Customers had ambiguous experiences with payment. Many reviewers expressed relief and satisfaction with the... See more

Customer communications

Clients share ambiguous opinions on contact. Many reviewers praise the ease of getting in touch, highlighting... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolute life savers!! I was in a fairly sizeable hole with no way out and angry letters turning up 2/3 times a week. Stepchange were absolutely amazing - even when I missed a payment they talked... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I contacted Stepchange during a very difficult period where I had the perfect storm of bills, debt, illness and family issues. It took me 6 years to pay off the debt and I am now debt free! Without... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Heading aimlessly in life, burdened and worried about what appeared to be insurmountable debt, I was recommended to contact StepChange to show me the path to follow. They were patient, helpful and lif... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Stepchange were fantastic in supporting me to finally pay my debts. I was drowning in missed payments but felt I could breath again once my plan was set up. My plan was reviewed yearly and helped to i... See more


Company details

  1. Credit Counseling Service
  2. Charity
  3. Debt Relief Service
  4. Insolvency Service
  5. Mediation Service
  6. Non-Bank Financial Service

Written by the company

With over 30 years of experience, we have helped millions of people deal with their debts and take control of their finances. Take a look at some of our reviews to see what our clients think of us.

Why Choose StepChange?

Written by the company

Free debt advice
You don’t pay anything for our help. We look at your personal situation and recommend the best solutions for free.
Putting people first
We always come from a place of compassion and base our advice on your personal situation.
Instant online help
You can use our online tools anytime, so you can get help at your own pace.
Expert advisors
If you would rather speak to someone, our team of friendly advisors can help you take control of your debts.
UK's largest debt charity
We help hundreds of thousands of people every year and have been for over 30 years.
Trustworthy advice
We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) so you can be sure the advice you are getting is right for you.

Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

2K reviews

5-star
4-star
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1-star

Replied to 78% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

How this company uses Trustpilot

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

It really pains me to write this review…

It really pains me to write this review because I know that they are a charitiy that help a lot of people. However my experience with them has been really poor.

I registered and did all my budget and decided on a token payment plan. All good so far. But setting the plan up has been a nightmare.
I provided the evidence they asked for and was asked to provide the same information over and over again. I explained the other income I had put down, sent screen shots and evidence but after several days they would ask for it again. This happened so many times it just kept stalling the TPP set up. Meanwhile my creditors were harrassing me and court proceedings were started.

The final straw came when they decided I was self employed - I am NOT. I have residual income but the advisor had no clue how to deal with this and just closed my case. They are now ignoring me despite me putting in a complaint.

Whether this is one rogue advisor or the organisation as a whole, I don't know, but the whole experience has been so stressful. I am being badgered by creditors who refuse to believe I am dealing with Stepchange and this has been going on weeks.

There seems to be no formal procedure for when things go wrong.

February 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor selection process - I tried to get some debt advice and was rejected with no reason given!

I tried to get some debt advice and after answering the first few questions, I got the message, that they cannot help me. I guess, that is because I am self employed, I have no idea. It would be very helpful to say that online that they cannot help people who are self employed, I wasted my time twice, although it is not nice to not be given a reason, the situation is already very stressful and that 'rejection with no reason given' makes it just worse.

February 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolute life savers

Absolute life savers
Staff extremely understanding
Dont judge you
Thanks for your help, keep up the good work

February 26, 2026
Unprompted review
StepChange Debt Charity logo

Reply from StepChange Debt Charity

Hi there,

Thank you for your kind review. We’re so glad to hear you’re pleased with the service you received 😊

Best wishes,
Kate from StepChange

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Having felt overwhelmed and stressed…

Having felt overwhelmed and stressed for a long while I finally bit the bullet and applied for help with StepChange. My case wasnt that straight forward, however, I received exceptional help from a man on the phone, I wish I could remember his name as he was brilliant and he made me feel so at ease and helped me with the overall process. I now have a DMP in place, the relief and worry about being in debt is no longer in the forefront of my mind everyday, and Im able to manage my finances and get myself back on track . Thank you all so very much, I dont know where I would be right now without your support and help. Im so verygrateful, Thank you

November 1, 2025
Unprompted review
StepChange Debt Charity logo

Reply from StepChange Debt Charity

Hi there,

Thank you for your kind review! We’re so pleased to hear you’re happy with the advice you received and that it has reduced your overall stress :)

Best wishes,
Kate from StepChange

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Life Changing Advice

I’m not exaggerating when I say that this Charity saved my life ,six years ago I was overwhelmed with anxiety and I couldn’t see the way forward .
But Step Change helped me to get my finances in line and after six years of hard work all been paid and I’m so grateful for it .
If you are struggling give them a call

February 21, 2026
Unprompted review
StepChange Debt Charity logo

Reply from StepChange Debt Charity

Hi there,

Thank you for your kind review. We’re so pleased to hear our service helped to relieve some of your stress, and we hope your situation continues to improve!

Best wishes,
Kate from StepChange

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Stepchange were great on hand with…

Stepchange were great on hand with advice and were non judgemental. The whole process was easy and accessing and using the account to keep on track of the creditors and the amounts owed was easy. They did everything for you in terms of contacting creditors and sending the offers to them. I was drowning with interest being added and Stepchange really helped get out of a bad cycle I am forever grateful.

February 20, 2026
Unprompted review
StepChange Debt Charity logo

Reply from StepChange Debt Charity

Hi there,

Thank you for your kind review. We’re so glad to hear you’re pleased with the service you received 😊

Best wishes,
Kate from StepChange

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Taken steps to become debt free

I had insight just before Covid hit knowing that I was a one parent family with two kids and my finances were spiralling out of control. I made a decision to sign up to Step Change and cut all my cards up.
Best decision I made and Step Change helped by putting in support and having all the interest freeze so that I could just pay back what I owed. It's taken 5 years but i am debt free . I still have a card for holidays and as an emergency but its manageable.

February 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am one payment from becoming debt…

I am one payment from becoming debt free thanks to step change. It has been a long journey, but I have finally got there.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Step Change to anyone struggling with debt, they made the process so easy and affordable for me.
Thank you Step Change.

February 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

So supportive and helpful

Second time I’ve used StepChange for a Debt Management Plan. They are so supportive and patient, and understanding of people’s different situations. I would highly recommend them to anyone struggling to get a grip of their financial situation.

December 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My Step Change experience was Golden.

My debts have been managed by Step change For more than five years. They guided me into paying my debts slowly and affordably. In all these years i did not default and continued paying till the very last payment.
I want to say a big thank you to Step change for their guidance, advice and help through the period.

February 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I didn’t know where to turn to help me…

I didn’t know where to turn to help me pay back the debts I owed because the interest I was accruing was so high. Step change helped me to consolidate my debts and 3 years later I’m debt free. The staff are so helpful and non judgmental. Thank you so much.

February 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Extremely helpful and supportive

Extremely helpful and supportive. Offer you several ways to beat the debt and the decision is yours, but you are fully supported throughout. Getting through on the phone can be difficult, but I appreciate that it’s just a charity. Have really helped me through my own difficulties and are completely non judgmental. Would highly recommend.

February 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Couldn’t have done it without stepchange

What a fantastic charity step-change are. I’ve gone from being overwhelmed by debt and unmanageable pay back amounts, and now I’m actually debt free.
It’s been very helpful to be able to update my debt management plan over the years to suit my current budget and I felt I could be truly honest about my expenditure .
The support line is busy but fantastic, as well as having an online account.
Thank you stepchange

February 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

StepChange has given me my life back

StepChange has given me my life back, 4 years ago i was so worried about paying my debts, right from the first call i have nothing but understanding and kindness, i felt stupid for getting myself in the situation i was in, i was reassured all the way this was not the case, i am about to make my final payment and have learnt so much along the way, thankyou StepChange, i would recommend to anyone struggling with debt.

February 19, 2026
Unprompted review

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