Have you had a letter from your credit card company telling you that you’re in persistent debt and must pay more than your usual minimum amount? You’re not alone — thousands of people are being pressured into overpaying due to new rules brought in by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

At Golden Shield, we help consumers understand what persistent debt really means — and how to respond if your lender is pushing you too far.

What Is Persistent Debt?

According to the FCA, you’re classed as being in persistent debt if over an 18-month period you’ve paid more in interest, fees and charges than you’ve paid off your actual credit card balance.

This usually happens when you only make minimum payments each month.

What Can Credit Card Companies Do?

After 18 months:

  • They must warn you that you are in persistent debt
  • They’ll ask you to increase your payments

After 36 months:

  • They must offer a way to repay the debt more quickly (e.g. payment plan)
  • If you refuse, they may suspend your card or cancel it entirely
  • ⚠️Important: This does not mean you are in arrears or have defaulted — only that the structure of your payments is costing you long-term.
  • Are Credit Card Companies Being Too Pushy?
  • We’ve seen cases where:
  • People are forced to pay double the minimum without agreeing
  • Cards are suspended even when customers are not in arrears
  • Lenders blame the FCA, even though they have discretion in how they act
  • You have rights — and you’re not legally required to agree to unaffordable changes.
  • How Golden Shield Can Help
  • If your credit card provider is:
  • Forcing you to make unaffordable payments
  • Threatening to cancel your card
  • Refusing to listen to your individual circumstances
  • …then we can help you draft a formal letter of complaint, challenge unfair practices, and guide you through the Financial Ombudsman process if needed.How Golden Shield Can Help
  • If your credit card provider is:
  • Forcing you to make unaffordable payments
  • Threatening to cancel your card
  • Refusing to listen to your individual circumstances
  • …then we can help you draft a formal letter of complaint, challenge unfair practices, and guide you through the Financial Ombudsman process if needed.
  • Get Help Today
  • If you’re worried about persistent debt or have received a letter from your lender, get in touch with us for a free case review. We’ll explain your rights clearly and help you respond.
  • 👉 Start Your Free Review
  • 📩 Or email us at: enquiries@goldenshieldservices.co.uk