A comprehensive, supportive platform designed to help UK individuals manage debt, calculate surplus income, and navigate the bankruptcy process with ease and clarity. Feeling overwhelmed by debt? Debtrupt gives you a clear plan, the right tools, and the confidence to take back control — step by step.

Is bankruptcy the right choice for me?

Bankruptcy suits people with significant unsecured debt they cannot realistically repay in a reasonable time. Use the Options comparison to weigh it against IVA / DRO / DMP. If your debts are under £30,000, your assets are minimal and you have little disposable income, a DRO may also be appropriate.

How much does bankruptcy cost?

The official fee to apply for bankruptcy in England & Wales is £680. You can pay in instalments before submitting. Some people on low income or benefits may get help with the fee — check gov.uk for current criteria.

Will I lose everything?

No. Everyday household goods, reasonable clothing and bedding, tools of trade, and a modest car (usually under £4,000) are normally treated as exempt. A car over that value, savings, investments and luxury items can be sold by the Official Receiver.

Will bankruptcy affect my job?

For most jobs, no. Some professions (financial services, legal roles, licensed trades, company directorships) have restrictions — check your contract and the gov.uk bankruptcy restrictions. You cannot act as a company director during the bankruptcy period.

Can I keep my bank account?

Usually a basic bank account is needed. If your existing account is with a creditor you owe money to, the bank may freeze it. Open a basic account with a bank you do not owe before you file.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit file?

Bankruptcy appears on your credit file for 6 years from the date it is registered, regardless of when you are discharged. The marker should drop off automatically after that time.

What is the difference between bankruptcy and an IVA?

Bankruptcy is a court-based process that wipes most debts within 12 months (with possible IPA payments for up to 3 years). An IVA is a private arrangement with creditors (usually 5 years) where you pay an agreed monthly amount and the rest is written off. IVAs cost more in fees but avoid the formal bankruptcy restrictions.

Is my partner affected?

Your bankruptcy does not legally make your partner liable for your debts. If you jointly own assets or accounts, those will be addressed. Your partner's credit file is separate unless you have joint borrowing.

Will my job income be affected during bankruptcy?

You can work and earn. If your surplus income is over a threshold you may have an Income Payments Agreement (IPA) requiring monthly payments for up to 3 years. You must report income changes to the Official Receiver.

You’re not alone.

Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7). StepChange: 0800 138 1111. National Debtline: 0800 808 4000.

UK only — England & Wales jurisdiction

Facing your debts is the hardest step. We make the rest organised.

A calm, private place to organise what you owe, see your real options, and take the next step — no judgement, free to start.

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UK Only Free to Start No Judgement

A person finding relief through debt support

£680

Court fee

12 months

Discharge

3 years

IPA period

6 years

On credit file

Your 3-step journey

A guided path from confusion to clarity, designed around how the UK bankruptcy process actually works.

Get organised

Add your debts, income and essentials once — we keep it all in one calm, private place.

You will leave with a clear picture of what you owe.

Start — it’s free

See your options

We compare bankruptcy, IVA, DRO and DMP against your own numbers and explain each in plain English.

You will leave with a personalised recommendation.

Explore options

Take action

Use the filing checklist and creditor letters to move forward, step by step, at your pace.

You will leave with a clear next step.

See the journey

See your surplus income in 60 seconds

Before you commit to anything, get a clear picture of your monthly surplus — and how it affects your options. Free, no signup needed.

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Why Debtrupt, not just a charity?

Free debt charities give brilliant advice. Debtrupt adds the organised, neutral self-serve layer on top — the paperwork, planning and tracking they don't provide.

Neutral, not sales-led

Commercial IVA firms push one solution. We show bankruptcy, IVA, DRO and DMP equally — and link you to free charities for regulated advice.

Filing prep that gets done

Document checklists, pre-filing actions, creditor letters and statement of affairs — built so you finish, not just read about it.

Track to discharge

From OR interview to IPA payments to discharge, see what happens next and log each step so nothing slips.

We are not FCA-authorised and don't give regulated debt advice — we give you the tools and point you to the charities who do.

Free to start, Pro when you’re ready

Most of Debtrupt is free, forever. Pro adds the heavier filing tools — now live.

Free

£0

For getting organised and understanding your options.

Surplus income calculator
Full knowledge base
One creditor letter

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Pro

£4.99/month

For building and tracking your full bankruptcy filing.

Full payment schedule
Filing tracker
Unlimited creditor letters
Document upload
Priority support

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Frequently asked questions

Breathe again.

Your assessment takes 5 minutes. Free to start, no judgement, UK only.

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