Fresh Start Debt Support
Get free, trusted guidance for Santander credit cards, overdrafts and loans: set up affordable offers, use Breathing Space (where suitable), and decide between DMP, IVA or DRO.
✅ Start Free Santander CheckQuick answer: You can set up a realistic repayment plan with Santander, or use Breathing Space via an approved adviser to pause most enforcement/interest while you sort a plan. Then choose the route that fits: DMP (informal), IVA (formal; protections once approved) or DRO (strict criteria, low income/assets).
Santander repayment plan Breathing Space Persistent debt letters Overdraft support
Match Me to the Right Route (Free)Protect rent/mortgage, council tax and energy so any offer you make is sustainable.
List income, essentials and a small buffer. You’ll send this with your offers so Santander can see payments are fair.
If pressure is high, an approved adviser can start Breathing Space (England & Wales) to pause most enforcement and interest for up to 60 days while you organise a plan.
Use clear letters/emails and keep copies. Written comms reduce stress and confusion.
Yes. Share a realistic budget and make written pro-rata offers. A free charity/provider can propose and manage this for you under a DMP, or you can self-manage using standard templates.
Get My Budget & Offers DraftedYes. An approved adviser can start Breathing Space which pauses most enforcement and contact for up to 60 days (longer under the mental-health route) while you set up a plan.
Ask If Breathing Space Fits MeThese letters are about long-running credit-card interest costs. Don’t ignore them: review your budget, increase payments if possible, or switch to a structured plan (DMP/IVA/DRO) so you’re not trapped by interest.
Review My Credit-Card OptionsIf you’ve had collection letters, reply in writing with your budget and offer. Keep priority bills safe and escalate to Breathing Space if pressure is acute.
I Need Help Replying to CollectionsIf overdraft charges have built up over a long period, get free advice. In some cases people pursue complaints or adjust banking to stabilise their budget.
Stabilise My OverdraftBusiness Debtline is a free specialist charity for traders/directors. They’ll help you balance HMRC/suppliers with Santander consumer debts.
Get Self-Employed HelpAnswer two quick questions for an initial indication. We’ll still check the details with you before any decision.
Estimate how long DIY repayments could take (ignoring interest) — then pressure-test with us to choose DMP/IVA/DRO.
Note: With IVAs, once approved, most enforcement/interest are typically frozen; remaining qualifying unsecured debt may be written off at successful completion (formal terms apply).
They’ll review written offers alongside your budget. Many people use a free provider to manage this under a DMP.
It’s not guaranteed. Clear evidence of affordability and a defendable budget improves acceptance rates. Breathing Space can pause most interest/fees on qualifying debts during the 60-day period.
Respond quickly. Consider raising payments if affordable or moving to DMP/IVA/DRO so interest doesn’t keep you stuck.
IVAs usually show for six years from the start date. DMPs can lead to reduced-payment markers/defaults which impact your file. Get free advice first.
Ask These Questions About My CaseWe give free, plain-English guidance and connect you to appropriately regulated providers for formal solutions. Budget-first, no pressure, and never unaffordable payments.
These sources support key facts (Breathing Space rules, persistent debt, contacting creditors and free help options).
Talk to Us — Free & Confidential