How does debt collection work at Lowell?

The debt collection process can vary depending on who you owe money to.

We understand this can be confusing, so we've created a helpful guide to explain how the Lowell debt collection process works, what you can expect at each stage, and how we’ll work with you to find a solution that feels right for you.

In this guide, we’ll be discussing the following:

• What is a debt collection agency?
• Is Lowell a debt collector?
• How does debt collection work at Lowell?
• Who does Lowell collect for?
• Does Lowell charge interest?

This content is intended to be an impartial guide regarding the debt collection process, specifically referring to how it works at Lowell. Lowell Financial Ltd does not offer financial, legal or debt advice. You can find out more about the organisations you can contact in our guide on debt help and support.

What is a debt collection agency?

In the UK, a debt collection agency (sometimes shortened to DCA) is a company that helps collect money that hasn’t yet been paid back.

A debt collection agency will either be working on behalf of a creditor (the company you owe money to) or on behalf of another company that has purchased the debt from the original creditor.

Is Lowell a debt collector?

Lowell is a group of companies that includes Lowell Portfolio I Ltd (LPI) and Lowell Financial Ltd (LFL).

Lowell Portfolio I Ltd (LPI) – Debt Purchaser

Lowell Portfolio I Ltd (LPI) buys debts from businesses in the UK - such as banks, lenders, energy companies, telecom providers, and retailers.
When LPI buys a debt, it becomes the new legal owner.

LPI then passes the account to another company within the group, Lowell Financial Ltd (LFL) which is a debt collector.

If you’d like to learn more about Lowell Portfolio I Ltd (LPI), and how debt purchasing works at Lowell, you can visit our support guide.

Lowell Financial Ltd (LFL) – Debt Collector

Lowell Financial Ltd (LFL) is a debt collector, and the part of Lowell that contacts customers and works with you to set up affordable repayment plans.

For simplicity, this guide focuses on Lowell Financial Ltd (LFL), referred to here as ‘Lowell’.

How does debt collection work at Lowell?

All debt collection agencies work slightly differently.

At Lowell, we believe in keeping the debt collection process simple.

Our aim is always to ensure your payments are affordable for you.

Here’s how it works:

• We’ll send you a Notice of Assignment letter to confirm that Lowell Portfolio I Ltd (LPI) now owns your debt.
• After this, we’ll try to contact you in different ways, such as by letter, phone, or email, to work with you to manage your account.
• When we speak to you over the phone, we’ll ask you to confirm your personal details before discussing your account. This is to make sure we’re speaking to the right person and keep your information safe. To find out more about what we’ll ask you over the phone please visit our guide on what to expect when we get in touch.
• We’ll explain your account and options in clear and simple terms, and before setting up a payment plan, we’ll look at what you can afford to pay using our Budget Calculator.
• However, if you’d prefer to assess your affordability privately and manage things online, you can register for a Lowell account.
• Your budget calculation, whether done by phone or online, will help you choose a payment plan that’s affordable and helps you clear your Lowell debt.
• However, if you don’t contact us or work with us to manage your Lowell debt, our solicitors may begin legal action. We’ll always explain any possible legal steps in the letters we send you. To learn more about legal action in the debt collection process, take a look at our guide on what happens if you ignore debt collectors.

If you’re struggling with your finances, you’re not alone - and there are always options available. You may find it helpful to talk through your situation with someone impartial, from a free and independent debt advice organisation, such as:

• MoneyHelper
• Money Wellness
• Citizens Advice

Who does Lowell collect for?

Lowell collects debts from a wide range of sectors, including:

• Banks and financial services (loans, overdrafts, credit cards)
• Utility providers (gas, electricity, water)
• Telecommunications (mobile phone, broadband, TV)
• Retail and mail order (catalogues or online stores)

Whatever the reason your debt ended up with Lowell, we’re here to work with you. Our focus is on helping you take control and move forward.

Does Lowell charge interest?

No. Once we’ve bought your debt, Lowell doesn’t add any extra interest or charges to your account. Every payment you make goes straight towards clearing your balance.

If we’ve made multiple attempts to contact you without success, or if we’ve reached you but no payments have been made towards your debt, your account may be passed to a solicitor to begin legal proceedings.  If this happens, extra fees and interest could be added by the court, but we’ll always do everything we can to avoid that. 

We try to make working with us to manage your Lowell debt as simple and easy as possible.

If you have any further questions about Lowell debt collection, then get in touch with us today to speak to our team and find out how we can help.

Or if you feel like you need a little extra support or advice, there are lots of organisations who can help you - please visit our Free Independent Debt Advice & Support hub for more information.

Content reviewed and updated: 5th March 2026