Today we revealed the winners of our Consumer credit awards 2023 in a digital announcement on our LinkedIn and X, formally known as Twitter, channels.

Debt charity StepChange was awarded both ‘Company of the year’ and ‘Customer service champion’ in the awards as the result of UK consumers leaving a review for the company on Smart Money People. It received an average overall satisfaction of 4.984 and a Net Promoter Score of +98.91.

Car finance provider, First Response Finance, won the ‘Best car finance provider’ for a third consecutive year down to the ratings from customer reviews left on Smart Money People, with an average overall satisfaction rating of 4.902 received during the award period.

PayPal also won 'Best retail finance provider' for a second consecutive year.

Commenting on the results, CEO of Smart Money People Jacqueline Dewey said: “The cost of living crisis means that financial service companies are playing an increasingly important role, supporting their customers during such a difficult time and providing vital services. They’re also facing additional pressures of their own, not to mention the regulatory changes and recent introduction of Consumer Duty requirements. So it’s great to recognise those going above and beyond during the past year.

“The Consumer credit awards are 100% down to the voice of the customer and the reviews we receive on Smart Money People. There’s no judging panel, making the achievement all the more special. Both the finalists and the winners of the awards this year should be extremely proud of their achievements.”

Consumer credit awards 2023 - Winners and highly commended:

Headline awards

Company of the year – StepChange

Customer service champion – StepChange

Treating customers fairly champion – PayPlan

Credit-specific awards

Best car finance provider - First Response Finance

Best consumer credit broker - Aro

Best credit building product provider – Aqua, provided by NewDay

Best credit union (North) - Sheffield Credit Union (Highly commended – Notts and Lincs Credit Union)

Best credit union (South) - Planesaver Credit Union

Best retail finance provider - PayPal

Best financial support provider - PayPlan

Best loan provider - Vanquis

Best credit union loan provider - Central Liverpool Credit Union

Partner awards

Technology partner of the year - LendingMetrics (Highly commended – NestEgg)

Credit information partner of the year - TransUnion

Open banking partner of the year - Planky

About the Consumer credit awards

Now in their eighth year, the awards are determined by asking customers to vote for their favourite product provider by leaving them a rating out of five and then a review on the Smart Money People website. Smart Money People also asks the customer to give a rating for customer service, NPS, value for money and whether they felt fairly treated.