Home › Guides › How much debt do you need?

How much debt do you need for a Trust Deed?

To enter a Protected Trust Deed in Scotland you generally need at least £5,000 of unsecured debt. But the amount you owe is only part of the picture — affordability and your wider circumstances matter just as much.

Last reviewed: 31 July 2026

Key takeaways

You generally need at least £5,000 of unsecured debt to qualify
There’s no upper limit — Trust Deeds cover large debts too
You also need two or more creditors and to afford a monthly contribution
Only unsecured debts count — cards, loans, overdrafts, not your mortgage
With less than £5,000, a DAS or other route may suit you better

The usual minimum: around £5,000

Most trustees require you to have at least £5,000 of unsecured debt to enter a Protected Trust Deed. Below that level, the cost and formality of a Trust Deed usually aren’t justified, and another solution will serve you better.

This £5,000 figure isn’t an absolute threshold fixed in law, but it’s the widely used industry minimum, and it’s the point at which a Trust Deed starts to make practical sense.

It’s not only about how much you owe

Meeting the debt level is necessary but not sufficient. To be suitable for a Trust Deed you also generally need to live in Scotland, owe money to two or more creditors, and be able to afford a regular monthly contribution from your surplus income after essential living costs.

A trustee looks at your whole situation — income, outgoings, assets and any equity in your home — to decide whether a Trust Deed is appropriate, or whether another route fits better.

What counts as unsecured debt?

Only unsecured debts count towards the threshold and can be included. These are debts not tied to an asset: credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, catalogue and store card balances, payday loans and most council tax or utility arrears.

Secured debts — most obviously your mortgage — can’t be included and don’t count towards the £5,000, because they’re tied to your home. You’d continue to pay those separately.

Is there a maximum amount of debt?

No. There’s no upper limit on the debt a Trust Deed can cover, and they’re regularly used for debts well into five and six figures. At the higher end, the question is simply whether a Trust Deed remains the most appropriate solution for your circumstances.

What if you owe less than £5,000?

If your unsecured debt is under about £5,000, a Trust Deed usually isn’t the right tool. A Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) can help you repay in full with interest frozen, an informal debt management plan may suit, or free, impartial advice might resolve things without any formal solution at all. We’ll always tell you honestly if that’s the case.

See if a Trust Deed could work for you

Free, confidential advice with no obligation. Find out in minutes what your options are.

See if you qualify →

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum debt for a Trust Deed in Scotland?

You generally need at least £5,000 of unsecured debt. This is a widely used industry minimum rather than a fixed legal figure, and it’s the point at which a Trust Deed usually becomes worthwhile.

Is there a maximum debt limit for a Trust Deed?

No. There’s no upper limit — Trust Deeds are commonly used for large debts. At higher levels the question is whether it remains the most suitable option for you.

Do all my debts count towards the £5,000?

Only unsecured debts count — credit cards, loans, overdrafts, catalogues and similar. Secured debts such as your mortgage don’t count and can’t be included.

What if I have less than £5,000 of debt?

A Trust Deed probably isn’t right. A DAS, a debt management plan or free impartial advice may suit you better, and we’ll point you in the right direction.