How can I use my Right of Credit Refusal?

Taking on credit commitments is often not everyone’s cup of tea, but sometimes, the purpose of the credit is more critical than our wishes. However, if you are in a hurry or realize that a purchase can wait, you have the right to refuse credit.

At first, this seems like a simple clause in a consumer credit agreement, but this option can save many people from possible debts in the future. If you think this option is right for you, read this article. It details the right of withdrawal and how to use it step by step with any lender for a loan amount of around €1000.

Grounds for canceling a consumer loan

When you apply for a loan, it is advisable to read the whole contract when you sign it. It is often written on a few pages and is nowadays more often in electronic format than on paper. This means that even fewer people read all the information before signing it. However, the contract does mention this 14-day cancellation option. 

Under the Consumer Protection Act, the customer can withdraw from the contract within two weeks without giving reasons. The main thing is to do it in writing and in good time and to remember all the charges for using the credit during these days, which must be repaid within a month. Let’s look at examples of how creditors can exercise this right.

Vivus fast solutions 

Vivus offers loans up to €10 000 for up to 5 years. Depending on the specifics of the loan, interest rates are adjusted up to 52%. The application process is quick, and funds can be obtained within minutes for a set fee. 

Vivus says on its website that the borrower can withdraw from the contract within 14 days of signing or receiving the contract terms. The application for withdrawal must contain your name, surname, personal identification number, and contract number. It can be signed electronically and sent by e-mail.

Avafin’s explicit cancellation policy

Avafin also offers loans of up to €10,000 for up to 7 years at an annual interest rate of 7.99%. The application process is online, which guarantees a fast transfer of funds. No collateral is required, making this lender a flexible option for those seeking a personal loan.

However, if you realize that a loan from Avafin is suddenly not right for you, this lender also reminds you of your right to withdraw. You can indeed send a cancellation notice by registered mail, arrange it by phone, or arrange it electronically. They also state that the borrower bears all costs related to the loan.

Borrower support from Creditea

Creditea’s approach to customers with its flexible credit line is quite transparent. With amounts ranging from €100 to €7,000 and annual interest rates from 9.52% to 52.26%, its offer is attractive to customers.  Although it is a credit line, not a personal loan, the same rights apply, and the cancellation process is simple.

The creditor, Creditea, also informs the customer that the credit line contract can be canceled within 14 days of receipt of the agreement, even if it is by e-mail. They accept cancellation requests in their email and require repayment of the credit used, accrued interest, and outstanding stamp duties within 30 days.

Remember before exercising your right of cancellation

Based on the same Consumer Protection Act, Article 12.1(8) describes the situations in which consumers cannot exercise this right. There are few, but it is still worth familiarising yourself with them to avoid unpleasant situations.

When you do not have the right to withdraw from a loan:

• the amount of the loan does not exceed €140
• overdraft loans – most often with credit cards, repayable within 3 months.
• Gradual repayment agreement
• pawnbroking, loans for work, and between individuals
• operating leasing and mortgage credit

Remember that the creditor is not entitled to claim compensation from you for moral damages or penalties for breach of contract, only the cost of any non-refundable stamp duty. Before withdrawing from a personal loan, consider whether the cost of using the credit for 2 weeks will justify the amount of money you would have paid back for the entire term.

Step by step on how to waive a loan 

We will give you an illustrative example to help you understand whether and how to exercise your withdrawal right. Thanks to this example, you can easily exercise this right if 2 weeks have not yet passed since you received the loan. Take the example of Anna, who took out a small personal loan of €1000 with a term of 6 months but realized that it was not suitable for her for personal reasons.

To exercise her right of withdrawal on the 10th day after the decision, Anna would do the following:

1. She will read her loan agreement to understand what she will have to pay and what to do in case of cancellation;
2. Calculate the total cost: if Anna has taken a loan of €1000 from Vivus for 6 months at an annual interest rate of 50.7%, which includes all fees, she will have to repay €1014 on day 10 (additional costs for stamp duty may apply);
3. She will write an application for a waiver, giving her details, sign it electronically, and send it to the creditor’s e-mail address;
4. Waiting for the creditor’s reply, check the costs, and start repaying the loan within 30 days.

Comparing the possibility of repaying the loan on time or exercising the right of withdrawal, Anna would usually pay €1250 for her €1000 loan over 6 months. However, after realizing in the first 2 weeks that she does not need the loan, she will repay only €1015, saving €235 and not exposing herself to major financial problems. Anna’s credit history will be preserved, and she will not fall into debt if she cannot repay the €1,000 loan within six months. 

An intelligent approach to lending

Knowing how to use your right of withdrawal will enable you to make informed financial decisions. Whether you choose Vivus, Avafin, or Creditea, understanding and exercising these rights can give you security. They allow you to step back if circumstances change or you reconsider your credit needs. 

Importantly, this right ensures that consumers can renegotiate their financial commitments without being penalized, except for some of the creditor’s irrecoverable costs. We would never advise you to speculate on the right to cancel loans, as taking out a large loan may be too much of a burden to repay within a month.