Moneylenders such as bank and insurance companies are regulated by the FSA, who make sure they are sound and trustworthy. Other companies (such as loan companies) have to be licensed by the Office of Fair Trading. The Consumer Credit Act of 1974 ensures you have access to certain information. Loans from banks and building societies are covered by the voluntary banking code, which includes procedures for making a complaint.
There are other lenders who may not be covered by any regulation. If you have a complaint against one of these companies, you can contact your local Trading Standards Office, but your rights are much reduced.
If you buy goods or services worth more than £100 using your credit card, the credit card company is jointly liable, along with the supplier, if the goods turn out to be faulty. They have a joint responsibility to put matters right.
