Advantis

Received a letter or call from Advantis Credit? This guide explains who they are, why they’re contacting you, your legal rights, and what to do next.

Who Are Advantis Credit?

Advantis Credit is a debt collection agency based in Stoke-on-Trent. They collect various types of debts on behalf of major utility companies, financial institutions, and other creditors.

Company Details:

• Company Number: 05223252
• Registered Address: Floor 9 Peninsular House, 30-36 Monument Street, London, EC3R 8LJ
• Operational Address: Minton Hollins Building, Shelton Old Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7RY
• FCA Status: Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
• Industry Membership: Credit Services Association (CSA)

Important: Advantis Credit are debt collectors, NOT bailiffs. They have no legal power to enter your property or take your goods.

They may be contacting you because:

• A company has sold your debt to them
• They’re collecting on behalf of the original creditor
• Your account has been assigned to them for recovery

Contact Details

Advantis Credit Ltd

Minton Hollins Building Shelton Old Road Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire ST4 7RY

Telephone: 01782 971 346 Alternative: 01782 401125 Email: admin@advantiscredit.co.uk Website: www.advantiscredit.co.uk

What Debts Do Advantis Credit Collect?

Advantis Credit typically collect:

• Credit card debts
• Personal loans and overdrafts
• Utility bills (gas, electric, water)
• Telecommunications arrears (mobile phones, broadband)
• Retail credit (store cards, catalogues)
• Payday loans and other consumer credit

Are Advantis Credit Legitimate?

Yes. Advantis Credit is a legitimate, FCA-regulated debt collection company:

• Company Number: 05223252 (check on Companies House)
• FCA Authorised: Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
• CSA Member: Member of the Credit Services Association

Always verify any debt collector before paying by checking the FCA register and Companies House.

Your Legal Rights

Advantis Credit MUST:

• Tell you who the original creditor is
• Provide proof of the debt if you request it in writing
• Treat you fairly under FCA regulations
• Accept reasonable payment offers
• Give you adequate time to seek debt advice
• Respect your communication preferences
• Handle your data according to GDPR

Advantis Credit CANNOT:

• Pretend to be bailiffs or enforcement agents
• Threaten legal action they don’t intend to take
• Harass you with excessive calls or letters
• Contact you at unreasonable times (before 8am or after 9pm)
• Discuss your debt with third parties
• Add unreasonable charges
• Enter your property - they are NOT bailiffs
• Seize your belongings - they have no such powers

How to Respond to Advantis Credit

Step 1: Don’t Panic

A letter from Advantis Credit is not a court summons. You have rights and options.

Step 2: Verify the Debt

Before paying anything:

• Request written proof - ask for the original credit agreement
• Check your records - do you recognise this debt?
• Verify the amount - ensure it’s correct with no improper charges
• Check who owns it - Advantis or the original creditor

Step 3: Check If It’s Statute-Barred

A debt may be legally unenforceable if:

• 6 years have passed since your last payment or acknowledgment (5 years in Scotland)
• No County Court Judgment exists for this debt
• You haven’t acknowledged owing it in writing during that period

If statute-barred, inform Advantis Credit in writing. They can still request payment but cannot take court action.

Step 4: Respond Based on Your Situation

If the debt is yours and you can pay:

• Negotiate a full and final settlement (they may accept less)
• Set up an affordable monthly payment plan
• Get any agreement confirmed in writing before paying

If you dispute the debt:

• Put your dispute in writing with reasons
• Request full documentation
• Don’t pay until satisfied the debt is valid
• Seek advice from a debt charity

If you can’t afford to pay:

• Don’t ignore them - this leads to escalation
• Seek free debt advice
• Consider formal debt solutions (see below)

Can Advantis Credit Send Bailiffs?

Not directly. Advantis Credit are debt collectors without enforcement powers. However:

1. If you ignore them, they could apply for a CCJ (County Court Judgment)
2. If you don’t pay the CCJ, they could apply for enforcement
3. Only then could bailiffs become involved

Acting early prevents escalation. Responding, even if you can’t pay immediately, keeps more options open.

How to Contact Advantis Credit

If you need to contact them directly:

• Phone: 01782 401100 (general enquiries)
• Phone: 01782 971 346 (debt enquiries)
• Email: admin@advantiscredit.co.uk
• Post: Advantis Credit Ltd, Minton Hollins Building, Shelton Old Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7RY

Always quote your reference number in all correspondence.

Making a Complaint About Advantis Credit

If Advantis Credit have treated you unfairly:

Step 1: Complain to Advantis Credit

• By Phone: 01782 401100
• By Email: admin@advantiscredit.co.uk
• By Post: Advantis Credit Ltd – Complaints Department, Minton Hollins Building, Shelton Old Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7RY

Keep a copy of your complaint and note the date.

Step 2: Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman

If not resolved to your satisfaction within 8 weeks:

Financial Ombudsman Service

• Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
• Phone: 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9123
• Post: Exchange Tower, London, E14 9SR
• Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Step 3: Credit Services Association

As CSA members, you can also complain to:

• Post: 2 Esh Plaza, Sir Bobby Robson Way, Great Park, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE13 9BA
• Phone: 0191 217 0775

What Bodies Regulate Advantis Credit?

Advantis Credit are regulated by:

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - main regulator for consumer credit
• Credit Services Association (CSA) - industry body with code of conduct
• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) - for data protection matters

Struggling With Multiple Debts?

If Advantis Credit are chasing you, you likely have other financial pressures too. Consider these formal solutions:

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Write off up to 70% of debt with one affordable monthly payment. Legal protection from all creditors including Advantis. Check if you qualify.

Debt Relief Order - Complete debt write-off for those with low income and few assets.

Debt Management Plan - Reduce monthly payments to affordable levels across all debts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Advantis Credit legitimate?

Yes. They’re a registered company (05223252), FCA authorised, and a member of the Credit Services Association. Always verify before paying.

Can Advantis Credit affect my credit score?

The original debt will already be on your credit file. How Advantis reports any arrangement depends on the terms - a settlement or payment plan may help improve your score over time.

Should I pay Advantis Credit or the original creditor?

Check your correspondence. If the debt has been sold to Advantis, they are now the owner. If they’re collecting on behalf of another company, clarify who should receive payment.

What if I don’t recognise this debt?

Request proof in writing. You need:

• The original credit agreement
• Statement of account showing how the debt arose
• Evidence of how Advantis acquired the debt

Don’t pay until you’ve verified the debt is genuine and correct.

Will Advantis Credit give up if I ignore them?

No. Ignoring usually leads to escalation - possibly court action. Better to communicate, even if you can’t pay right away.

Can Advantis call me at work?

They should not discuss your debt with colleagues or leave messages that reveal why they’re calling. They may call your workplace to reach you, but should not disclose debt details.

What if I can’t afford to pay anything?

Seek free debt advice from organisations like StepChange or Citizens Advice. If your circumstances are genuinely difficult, formal solutions like a DRO may write off the debt entirely.

Take control of your debt. Use our free IVA calculator to explore your options today.