The Credit Services Association (CSA) is the sole national trade association in the UK representing organisations active in the debt collection and debt purchase industry. The CSA, which has a history dating back to 1906, has over 250 member companies which employ more than 11,000 people. Our diverse membership serves a wide array of clients including major financial institutions (such as banks and building societies), utility companies and government departments, and it includes specialist entities such as tracing agencies and law firms.
Does your business have unpaid invoices and would like to enquire about the services of a CSA member? Use our Member Directory to search for CSA members by services offered and location.
We have over 250 member companies based in the UK and internationally. Our members are active in the debt collection and debt purchase industry and companies range from large multinationals to small local businesses.
CSA membership is a cost-effective way to enhance your business’ credibility. The CSA has extensive knowledge of the industry and offers members guidance, staff training and events throughout the year.
One main reason why companies are members of our Association is the accreditation that comes with it - through membership you are recognised as an organisation that upholds a high standard of quality in our industry.
Through various reports and research papers, the Credit Services Association aims to engage policy-makers, support best practice and promote standards and the specialist skills our sector can bring to recoveries and the credit cycle.
Here you can find out about both upcoming CSA and third-party events. Some events may allow for online registration and the purchase of tickets.
As the voice of the collections industry, our vision is to build confidence in debt collection by making the process clear, easy-to-understand and less stressful for all those involved. The following pages cover a range of resources and information designed to help individuals better understand their situation, access support, and explore the options available to them when dealing with debt.
If you are a consumer and wish to contact us regarding one of our members or for any other information about the work of the CSA, please contact us via the listed methods.
This project explored how language affects engagement in the debt landscape, with a particular focus on how it influences a firm’s ability to signpost customers to free debt advice, and a consumer’s ability to access that support. We also examined the resources available to firms, with a view to developing best practice guidance for our members.
This report sets out the insights gained through our work, informed by engagement with debt advice charities, language support organisations, and Credit Services Association (CSA) members.
Credit Services Association research finds that language barriers are a recurring operational issue across debt advice organisations, but support capabilities can vary.
More than one million people in England and Wales have reported being unable to speak English either well or at all.
Institute of Money Advisers research also found that as of 2021, 50% of UK debt advisers were working with non-English speaking clients.
In practice, what matters is that firms - whether creditor, collector, or adviser - have a clear structure for identifying needs, recording them, and providing access to suitable support or referral routes.