Struggling With RBS Debts? Pause Pressure, Then Plan Properly

If you bank with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and are falling behind on a credit card, overdraft or loan, two tracks help fast: (1) contact RBS’s financial difficulty team for short-term relief; (2) use Breathing Space so interest, charges and most enforcement are paused while we set up a plan across all debts — often a DMP, IVA or DRO.

Quick Access

What Help Can RBS Offer If You’re Struggling?

RBS has financial difficulty support channels for customers whose income has changed or costs have surged. Explain your situation and ask about temporary help (reduced payments, interest/fee relief where appropriate) while your longer-term plan is arranged. We’ll help you present a defendable budget so requests are more likely to be accepted.

Keep everything in writing where possible and keep copies. If you receive a “Letter of Claim” about court action, respond within the deadline and speak to us the same day.

Breathing Space — Pause Interest, Charges & Most Enforcement

Why we use it first

• Stops most enforcement and pauses interest/fees on qualifying debts so you can choose calmly
• Gives up to 60 days (standard route) while we set up a sustainable plan
• Mental Health Crisis route lasts the treatment period plus 30 days

Breathing Space isn’t a payment holiday — you should still make affordable payments where possible. It’s legal protection while your plan is put in place.

Debt Affordability Calculator (Includes RBS Debts)

Enter your total unsecured debt (RBS + others) for a guided overview. We’ll refine it with documents so creditors accept the budget.

Next: consider Breathing Space to pause interest and most enforcement while we build your plan.

IVA Write-Off Estimator — Paying £70/Month

If you qualify for an IVA, you make one affordable payment for a fixed term (usually 5–6 years). Estimate how much unsecured debt could be written off if you paid £70/month.

RBS Overdraft Help — Limit Reviews & Fair Payments

What to ask for

Explain your essential costs and ask RBS to review fees/interest and your overdraft limit while your plan is being set up. We’ll help you evidence income and priority bills so your reduced payment looks fair and consistent across all creditors.

Short-term vs long-term

Short-term relief helps now; long-term sustainability comes from a verified plan (DMP/IVA/DRO). We aim to reduce reliance on overdrafts entirely as your budget stabilises.

RBS Credit Card Arrears — Arrangement vs DMP

Direct arrangement

RBS may set a short-term arrangement if your budget supports it. This only covers that one card.

Why many pick a DMP

A DMP rolls card, overdraft and loan debts (including non-RBS) into one affordable payment. Many lenders freeze or reduce interest when your budget is realistic and verified (not guaranteed, but common practice).

RBS Loan Repayment Options — Keep It Affordable

If you’ve had a change in circumstances

Ask about a temporary payment plan based on what you can safely afford. We’ll help you set a budget that protects rent/mortgage, council tax and utilities first, then shares a fair payment across creditors.

When an IVA/DRO is better

If total unsecured debt is high or income is limited, a formal solution may be safer. In an approved IVA, interest/charges are frozen and remaining qualifying unsecured debt can be written off at completion. If you meet strict criteria, a DRO can write off qualifying debts after 12 months, with the application fee now removed.

RBS Letters & Debt Collectors — What to Do

Don’t ignore letters

Open everything, keep copies, and respond within deadlines. If you receive a “Letter of Claim”, act immediately — we’ll help you reply with a defendable budget and move into a protected route.

Fast de-escalation steps

1. Document your income and essential bills to set a safe payment
2. Ask about Breathing Space to pause most enforcement
3. Choose DMP/IVA/DRO based on eligibility and stability

RBS Debt Help — FAQs

Will contacting RBS hurt my credit file?

Talking to RBS doesn’t itself hurt your score. Missed payments, defaults and arrangements may show. A fair, verified plan usually beats letting arrears build.

Is interest guaranteed to freeze in a DMP?

No; it’s at creditors’ discretion. Many freeze or reduce interest/charges when payments are realistic and consistently made under a verified budget.

How fast can pressure ease?

When protections apply (Breathing Space or a formal solution), most new enforcement is paused. We also notify creditors in writing and agree clear next steps.

Has the £90 DRO fee been scrapped?

Yes — removed in April 2024, making DROs more accessible if you meet the strict criteria.

I’m in Scotland — are my options different?

Yes (e.g., moratorium, Trust Deeds, DAS). Tell us your postcode and we’ll signpost correctly.

RBS Customer? Get Protected & Move to a Manageable Plan

We’ll help you contact RBS the right way, access Breathing Space, and move into a plan that fits your life. Priority bills first, creditors in writing, and clear milestones to the finish line.