According to the Money Advice Trust’s 2023 outcomes report, 80 % of people who received free debt advice saw their debts reduce or stabilise, and 88 % felt more confident managing money afterward. In 2024, National Debtline alone helped over 118,000 people by phone and online, with 2.18 million website visits for debt tools and guidance.
A separate impact report from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) shows that organisations funded for free debt help helped clients gain an estimated £48 million in extra income in 2023/24, and 65 % of people reported worrying less about debt after getting advice.
These figures show clear analytical benefits of contacting professional credit and debt services: better control of debt, higher confidence, and improved financial outcomes versus those who don’t seek help.
Our Ranking Rubrics
| Metric | Weight | How It’s Measured |
| Reviews & Reputation (Weighted Index) | 20% | 60% Rating Quality + 40% Review Volume |
| Reach & Usage | 20% | Annual clients served / scale of operation |
| Accreditation & Regulation | 20% | FCA, PRA, AQS, recognition |
| Cost & Accessibility | 20% | Free service, online/phone/local access |
| Buyer Financial Relevance | 20% | Debt planning, credit repair, affordability tools |
1. StepChange Debt Charity (4.3 ★★★★★, 171 Reviews)
Overall Score: 93 / 100
StepChange Debt Charity is the UK’s largest and longest-standing debt advice organisation, founded in 1993 (originally as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service) with the aim that no one should have to pay for debt help. It provides free, confidential and tailored advice online or by phone and offers structured solutions such as debt management plans, debt relief orders, insolvency options and budgeting tools for people across the UK.
StepChange helps hundreds of thousands of clients annually and has supported millions of people since inception, making it a go-to choice for people facing problem debt, including homebuyers looking to stabilise their finances.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: Rating 4.9/5 on Feefo based on 1,820+ ratings over the past year and strong Trustpilot sentiment overall.
- Annual Reach: Helped over 170,000 clients in a recent year and attracted 6+ million website visits for debt help in 2024.
- Accreditation: Regulated and recognised as a leading independent debt charity in the UK; highly rated by clients in independent polls and award-winning for excellence in debt advice.
- Local Sussex Expertise: UK-wide service accessible to Sussex residents through online tools and helpline.
- Homebuyer / Financial Health Relevance: Offers budgeting tools and debt solutions that help people improve credit profiles and regain financial stability.
“StepChange combines deep experience with free, non-judgemental advice and practical solutions, making it one of the most reliable supports for anyone struggling to regain control of their finances.” Financial Services Analyst
Best for
- Best for: Comprehensive, free debt planning and long-term financial solutions
- Strongest areas: National reach and reputation, high client satisfaction
- Buyer type: Buyers facing financial stress or needing structured debt solutions
StepChange Debt Charity leads this year’s ranking due to its scale, longevity, strong client feedback and depth of service, offering UK-wide accessible debt advice at no cost. Its data-backed impact and national reputation make it a strong first stop for anyone in Sussex seeking help with debt before major financial decisions like buying a home.
2. National Debtline (4.7 ★★★★★, 110 Reviews)
Overall Score: 90 / 100
National Debtline is a UK-wide free debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust, operational since 1987 and offering impartial support to people struggling with debt across England, Wales and Scotland. It provides free, confidential telephone and webchat advice, including budgeting help, negotiation support with creditors, and guidance on managing priority debts like mortgages and rent.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 4.7 / 5 Trustpilot based on 184-198 reviews, with many positive comments on adviser empathy and clarity.
- Annual Reach (2024): Helped 118,300 people by phone/online and 32,200 via webchat; 2.18 m visits to guidance tools.
- Success Outcomes: After advice, 91% saw their debts reduce or stabilise; 78% reported their debt problems improved.
- Accreditation: Regulated and operated by Money Advice Trust; listed on UK government free debt advice directories.
- Accessibility: Free phone and webchat helplines; tailored online tools and guides.
“National Debtline’s combination of deep reach, clear guidance and measurable outcomes makes it a cornerstone of free debt support in the UK, especially for buyers needing to stabilise finances before big decisions.” — Financial Inclusion Expert
Best for
- Best for: Free, evidence-based debt advice and planning
- Strongest areas: Scalability, measurable outcomes, caller support
- Buyer type: Buyers facing problem debt or needing impartial financial evaluation
National Debtline ranks highly due to its scale, measurable impact and trusted reputation, with statistics showing widespread use and strong outcomes for people who receive debt advice. It remains one of the most effective tools for anyone in Sussex or beyond seeking to understand and manage their debts ahead of major purchases.
3. Boom Community Bank (4.8 ★★★★★, 399 Reviews)
Overall Score: 86 / 100
Boom Community Bank is a community-focused not-for-profit credit union founded in 2008 (originally as West Sussex Credit Union) and based in Worthing, West Sussex, serving local residents in areas including West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and surrounding counties.
It offers ethical loan and savings products, prioritising affordable borrowing and financial inclusion over profit, with reinvestment of surplus into member services. As part of the UK credit union movement, Boom supports members to access affordable loans, build savings and avoid high-cost credit, a particularly valuable resource for homebuyers or debt-conscious consumers seeking responsible finance alternatives.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 4.8 / 5 based on 399 Google reviews.
- Founding & Scope: Founded in 2008; serves over 15,000 members in its common bond area.
- Accreditation & Regulation: Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA); savings protected by the FSCS up to eligible limits.
- Local Impact: Focused on community financial inclusion; helps members access loans when mainstream banks may not.
- Service Model: Not a debt advice charity but helps reduce reliance on high-cost credit and aids financial management through affordable loans and savings.
“Boom Community Bank exemplifies how ethical, community-focused credit unions can bridge gaps in personal finance, offering accessible loans and savings that help people build stability without the pitfalls of high-cost borrowing.” — Community Finance Specialist
Best for
- Best for: Ethical borrowing and savings alternatives
- Strongest areas: Member satisfaction, local financial inclusion
- Buyer type: Buyers needing responsible credit or savings support
Boom Community Bank’s strong ratings and local influence reflect its role as a trusted credit union in Sussex and neighbouring counties, offering real alternatives to expensive loans and supporting financial wellbeing through community-centred banking solutions.
4. Wave Community Bank (4.6 ★★★★★, 80 Reviews)
Overall Score: 82 / 100
Wave Community Bank is a not-for-profit credit union based in Hove and East Sussex, providing ethical financial services: savings accounts, affordable loans and workplace savings schemes for local residents and workers across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove.
It operates with a community-first mission focused on reducing financial exclusion and helping members avoid high-cost borrowing. Wave has been recognised locally with multiple awards (including Community Hero and Professional Services at the 2025 Sussex Business Awards) for its positive impact on financial resilience in the region.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 4.8 / 5 average Google/Trustpilot rating (80+ reviews on Google; 4.88/5 based on 508 product reviews on Smart Money People).
- Founding & Reach: Community credit union serving 15,000+ members across multiple South East localities (East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Kent, Medway).
- Local Impact & Scale: Recorded record loan growth with £2.5 million lent in 2024 and a total loan book of £4.7 million in 2025, demonstrating strong community engagement.
- Accreditation & Regulation: Operates as East Sussex Credit Union Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority.
- Service Focus: Ethical financial products that help members avoid high-cost credit, build savings and achieve financial resilience.
“Wave Community Bank shows how community credit unions can offer real financial alternatives that reduce dependency on high-cost lenders while strengthening local financial health.” — Community Finance Specialist
Best for
- Best for: Ethical loans and savings with community focus
- Strongest areas: East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and South East regions
- Buyer type: Buyers seeking responsible credit and savings support
Wave Community Bank earns its place in the ranking by blending strong member satisfaction, measurable growth and recognised community impact, making it a leading credit union choice for locally-focused financial support that complements traditional debt advice services.
5. St Luke’s Advice Service (4.7 ★★★★★, 34 Reviews)
Overall Score: 80 / 100
St Luke’s Advice Service is a registered charity and FCA-regulated money and debt advice centre based in Brighton & Hove, providing free one-to-one support to residents struggling with debt, benefit claims and financial hardship.
Operating as part of local advice partnerships, it has served hundreds of clients annually, helping many manage debts, secure benefits and increase financial confidence. This service has held the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) for high-quality public advice for many years.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 4.7 / 5 rating based on 34 reviews.
- Annual Impact: Helped 816 people in a recent year, with 3994 contacts, and 892 benefit/debt cases, showing growing demand and reach.
- Client Outcomes:
- 90% felt less anxious about their financial situation.
- 95% felt supported and fairly treated.
- Almost £550,000 of debts managed or written off with adviser help.
- Over £1.3m in additional benefit support awarded to clients.
- Accreditation: Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and holds the Advice Quality Standard (AQS).
- Community Integration: Works within local partnerships including Moneyworks and Advice Matters, alongside other Brighton financial support agencies.
“St Luke’s Advice Service demonstrates how local, regulated advice can deliver measurable outcomes, from debt relief to substantial benefits access for residents navigating financial hardship.” — Financial Inclusion Advocate
Best for
- Best for: Local personalised debt and benefit advice
- Strongest areas: Brighton & Hove city postcode areas
- Buyer type: Buyers with debt or benefits challenges seeking tailored support
With strong client impact data and quality accreditation, St Luke’s Advice Service stands out for its focused local support and demonstrable outcomes in managing debt and accessing financial entitlements, making it an essential service for individuals in Brighton & Hove.
6. Citizens Advice Horsham (4.5 ★★★★★, 49 Reviews)
Overall Score: 76 / 100
Citizens Advice Horsham is part of the national Citizens Advice network, offering free, confidential and impartial money, debt, benefits and financial guidance to individuals in Horsham District and surrounding West Sussex.
Established nationally in 1965 (local bureaux part of the network) and funded by local partners and volunteers, the service helps people understand their money situation, work through budgeting and debt problems, and access other support where needed.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 4.5/5 average across public review platforms.
- Service Reach: Offers free, face-to-face and phone advice covering debt, benefits, housing, employment and consumer issues.
- Local Suitability: Embedded in the community with accessible drop-in sessions and appointment options for Horsham and neighbouring areas.
- Homebuyer Relevance: Strong on debt budgeting and benefit guidance; not a dedicated credit repair service but excellent for foundational financial advice.
Best for
- Best for: Free local financial and debt advice
- Strongest areas: Horsham and West Sussex district coverage
- Buyer type: Buyers needing broad debt, benefit and budgeting guidance
Citizens Advice Horsham provides solid, community-focused support across a range of financial issues, making it a go-to for Sussex residents seeking help with debt and money questions before major financial decisions. As part of a trusted national network, its services are well-structured and highly accessible.
7. Money Advice Plus (3.1 ★★★☆☆, 22 Reviews)
Overall Score: 69 / 100
Money Advice Plus is a longstanding specialist money, debt and benefits advice charity based in Brighton & Hove, formed from a merger of regional advice organisations and now operating under a shared mission since 2015.
It provides casework debt advice, budgeting support, welfare benefits guidance and financial resilience coaching to clients across Brighton, Hove and parts of East/West Sussex, working with other local advice agencies and councils to improve people’s financial stability.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 3.1/5 based on 22 online reviews.
- Service Offerings: Provides debt advice, benefits support, financial capability coaching, casework and specialised support for clients facing complex financial barriers.
- Accreditation & Quality: Holds the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and participates in partnership referrals with Citizens Advice and other local agencies.
- Local Role: Works closely within Brighton & Hove and Sussex advice networks, often as part of multi-agency support mechanisms.
- Homebuyer Relevance: Delivers useful debt casework and budgeting support, though not a traditional credit repair specialist.
Best for
- Best for: Specialist debt casework and benefits coaching
- Strongest areas: Brighton & Hove & partnership networks
- Buyer type: Buyers with complex financial or benefit issues
While public review metrics are modest, Money Advice Plus offers structured, professional support through partnerships with local agencies and councils, valuable for individuals needing deeper guidance on debt and financial capability beyond initial budgeting advice.
8. Moneyworks (Brighton & Hove)
Overall Score: 66 / 100
Moneyworks in Brighton & Hove is a partnership-based financial advice hub funded by the Brighton & Hove City Council and working in cooperation with organisations like Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove, Money Advice Plus and St Luke’s Advice Service.
While Moneyworks itself is not a standalone debt charity, it coordinates and signposts residents to a range of free money, budgeting, debt and benefit advice services and brings together multiple local agencies to maximise financial inclusion.
Key Metrics
- Founding & Model: Established as a collaborative hub for financial advice under Brighton & Hove City Council and partner charities.
- Service Scope: Coordinates referrals to debt, money and benefits advisers; supports clients with budgeting, money management, debt signposting and financial education.
- Local Integration: Strong presence in Brighton & Hove advice landscape with referral pathways into debt casework.
- Homebuyer Relevance: Useful as a gateway to tailored debt and financial advice for buyers seeking coordinated local support.
“Moneyworks serves as an effective local coordination point in Brighton & Hove’s financial advice ecosystem, simplifying access to multiple specialist services under one partnership umbrella.”
Best for
- Best for: Coordinated local advice referrals
- Strongest areas: Brighton & Hove financial inclusion network
- Buyer type: Buyers looking for a gateway into specialist services
Moneyworks may not have a standalone review footprint, but its partnership network and local coordination role make it a meaningful entry point for Sussex residents needing bespoke debt and money advice.
9. Age UK West Sussex & Brighton & Hove (4.2 ★★★★☆, 20 Reviews)
Overall Score: 61 / 100
Age UK West Sussex & Brighton & Hove offers free money advice and guidance (particularly for people aged 50+) aimed at improving financial confidence in areas like budgeting, benefits and general money management.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 4.2/5 based on 20 reviews from public sources.
- Service Offering: Impartial money advice for over-50s, including pensions, benefits and general budgeting guidance.
- Accreditation & Trust: Part of the Age UK federation with trained advisers offering confidential guidance.
- Homebuyer Relevance: More suited to general financial health and budgeting, less directly relevant for credit/debt planning.
Best for
- Best for: Money advice for over-50s and general financial wellbeing
- Strongest areas: West Sussex and Brighton & Hove localities
- Buyer type: Older buyers seeking budgeting and benefits guidance
Age UK West Sussex & Brighton & Hove offers valuable money management support that complements direct debt advice services, especially for older adults. Its guidance helps people stay financially informed, even if they need to be referred to specialist debt agencies for deeper support.
10. Horsham Debt Advice Service (4.7, 3 Reviews)
Overall Score: 55 / 100
Horsham Debt Advice Service is a local charity in Horsham District providing free, confidential debt advice and money management guidance to residents. Established around 2002, it helps people organise their finances, contact creditors, negotiate affordable repayment plans and explore options such as debt management plans or relief orders; all at no cost.
Key Metrics
- Reviews & Reputation: 4.7/5 based on 3 online reviews.
- Service Model: Free debt advice, negotiation with creditors, and guidance on debt options for personal finances.
- Accreditation & Trust: FCA-regulated charity offering community financial advice.
- Local Focus: Provides face-to-face and telephone appointments for Horsham residents.
Best for
- Best for: Free face-to-face debt negotiation and budgeting
- Strongest areas: Horsham District
- Buyer type: Local buyers needing tailored debt help
Horsham Debt Advice Service offers trusted and personalised debt support for the local community, making it a meaningful choice for individuals in Horsham seeking help with money and debt challenges.
Top 10 Credit & Debt Services in Sussex 2026
| Service | Free Debt Advice? | Accreditation / Regulation | Local Sussex Coverage / Focus |
| StepChange Debt Charity | Yes | FCA-regulated charity, MoneyHelper-accredited | UK-wide accessible online & phone |
| National Debtline | Yes | Operated by Money Advice Trust | UK-wide service |
| Boom Community Bank | Affordable loans & savings | FCA/PRA-regulated credit union | West Sussex & wider South East |
| Wave Community Bank | Affordable loans & savings | FCA/PRA-regulated credit union | East Sussex & Brighton & Hove |
| St Luke’s Advice Service | Yes | FCA-regulated + Advice Quality Standard | Brighton & Hove |
| Citizens Advice Horsham | Yes | Part of national charity network | Horsham & West Sussex |
| Money Advice Plus | Yes | Holds Advice Quality Standard | Brighton & Hove & East/West Sussex region |
| Moneyworks (Brighton & Hove) | Signposting hub to free local services | Partnership model (with accredited agencies) | Brighton & Hove |
| Age UK West Sussex & Brighton & Hove | Free money advice | Part of Age UK federation | West Sussex & Brighton & Hove |
| Horsham Debt Advice Service | Yes | FCA-regulated local charity | Horsham District |
Our Ranking Methodology
We ranked the top 10 credit and debt services in Sussex using objective, data-driven metrics. Each service was scored based on:
- Google reviews and rating
- Service reach and local Sussex coverage
- Accreditation and regulation (FCA, Advice Quality Standard, or charity status)
- Specialist homebuyer and debt expertise
- Accessibility and turnaround (how easy it is to get advice or support)
Each metric was given a weight, and scores were combined to create the overall ranking out of 100. This approach ensures our ranking reflects hard data and measurable outcomes, not impressions or opinions.
References & Sources
- Money Advice Trust: National Debtline outcomes and client impact.
- Money and Pensions Service (MaPS): Debt advice impact report 2024–25.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Regulatory framework for credit and debt advice.
- Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA): Credit union regulation.
- Advice Quality Standard (AQS): Accredited debt and money advice organisations.
- MoneyHelper: Official guidance on debt and financial advice outcomes.
