Small loans country by country

Consumer credit rules are national. Who licenses lenders, which credit bureau records your history, whether interest is capped and how complaints are handled all depend on where you live. This section gathers our country guides and explains how to check a lender wherever you are.

The golden rule is simple: borrow only from a lender authorised in your country of residence. A lender operating from abroad without a local licence leaves you with little protection if something goes wrong.

United Kingdom and Ireland

In the UK, consumer lenders must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and appear on its public register; unresolved complaints can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service. In Ireland, the Central Bank of Ireland authorises lenders and runs the Central Credit Register. See our UK small loan guide.

North America

In the United States, rules on small-dollar lending are set largely state by state, alongside federal oversight by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In Canada, provinces license many lenders and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada oversees federally regulated banks. Our US small loan guide explains why your state matters.

Europe

EU countries apply the Consumer Credit Directive, which requires clear pre-contract information, an APR and a withdrawal period, but each country adds its own rules, rate caps and credit registers. Start with our pages on small loans in Germany or Switzerland, which sits outside the EU with its own consumer credit act.

Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa

In Australia, lenders need a credit licence from ASIC; in New Zealand, lenders must be registered and are overseen by the Commerce Commission; in South Africa, credit providers register with the National Credit Regulator; in India, lending is overseen by the Reserve Bank of India. Our Australian guide is a good example of local checks.

How to check a lender

• Search the regulator's official register yourself, not via a link the lender sends.
• Match the company name, registration number and website exactly.
• Read the APR, fees and total cost before signing.
• Be wary of lenders contacting you on social media or messaging apps.
• Never pay an upfront "insurance" or "processing" fee to receive a loan.