Consumer credit covers all loans granted to individuals for non-real estate projects, within a range of 200 to 75,000 euros. This legal framework, already strict in France, is undergoing a profound overhaul: the ordinance of September 3, 2025, which transposes the European directive 2023/2225, will come into effect on November 20, 2026.
It expands the scope of consumer credit to practices that have so far been little regulated, from split payments to mini-loans, and strengthens the transparency obligations imposed on lenders.
Split payments and mini-loans: the scope of consumer credit expands
The “3 or 4 times without fees” offered at checkout or online was long treated as a simple commercial convenience. That era is coming to an end. Starting November 20, 2026, BNPL (buy now, pay later) and short-term deferred payments will fall under the protective regime of consumer credit.
In practical terms, this means that split payment providers will have to comply with the same obligations as banks: standardized pre-contractual information, assessment of the borrower’s creditworthiness, mention of the APR. Free credits, mini-loans, and leasing also fall within this expanded scope.
The ceiling itself is evolving. Credits between 75,000 and 100,000 euros will now be covered by the protective rules of consumer credit, which was not the case before. For borrowers, this extension changes the game: more recourse, a guaranteed right of withdrawal, and a clearer understanding of actual costs.
You can learn more about Conso Crédit to compare different personal loan, auto loan, or home improvement loan options before committing.
Telemarketing and credit: what the law prohibits since August 2026
Unsolicited calls to offer consumer credit or debt consolidation have long been a major acquisition channel for some organizations. Since August 11, 2026, unsolicited telemarketing is prohibited without prior consent from the consumer.
This prohibition is not limited to credits: it covers all commercial telemarketing. The consequences for the credit sector are direct. Debt consolidation offers, often pushed by phone to struggling households, can no longer be proposed without the individual having explicitly agreed to be contacted.
For the borrower, this is an additional protection against impulsive subscriptions. Field reports vary on the actual effectiveness of the measure, with some players circumventing the rule through pre-checked consent forms online. Vigilance remains essential in the face of any unexpected solicitation.
Creditworthiness assessment and FICP: enhanced controls even for small amounts
One of the less visible aspects of the reform concerns creditworthiness analysis. Lenders will need to more rigorously document their assessment of the borrower’s repayment capacity, even for modest amounts.
The Fichier des incidents de remboursement des crédits aux particuliers (FICP), managed by the Banque de France, plays a more central role in this system. Its consultation becomes systematic for a broader range of credits. The stated goal is to prevent over-indebtedness from the first monthly payments, before the spiral begins.
This strengthening also affects revolving credits, often pointed out as a factor in over-indebtedness. The lender must now document why they believe the borrower can handle the repayment burden. In case of dispute, this traceability can be used before a judge.
Secured credit, personal loan, revolving credit: choose according to the project
Behind the generic term consumer credit, three main families of loans coexist, each with its own logic.
- Secured credit finances a specific purchase (car, renovation work, equipment). The credit contract is linked to the sales contract: if the sale is canceled, the credit is also canceled. This is the most protective option for a defined project.
- The personal loan is not tied to any purchase. The borrower uses the sum freely. The rate is generally fixed, with predictable monthly payments. This flexibility comes at a cost: the APR is often higher than that of a secured credit of equivalent amount and duration.
- Revolving credit provides a pool of money that is replenished as repayments are made. Convenient for occasional expenses, it has some of the highest rates on the market.
The choice depends on the project and visibility on the budget. A fixed-rate auto loan over a defined period is nothing like a revolving reserve used to smooth out month-end expenses. Comparing offers by looking at the APR, and not just the nominal rate, remains the most reliable reflex.
Right of withdrawal and early repayment: two levers to know
Every borrower has a 14 calendar day withdrawal period after signing the credit contract. This right can be exercised without justification and without penalty. It applies to all types of consumer credit, including those taken out online.
Early repayment is possible at any time. The lender may claim a fee, but this is capped by law.
These two mechanisms provide a real safety net. However, they require reading the contract before signing, not after. The mandatory pre-contractual information document details the APR, the total amount due, the duration, and the conditions for early repayment. It is the only document that allows for an objective comparison between two offers from different organizations.
