Consumer debt consists of personal debts for goods purchased for personal or household consumption—as opposed to debts incurred for the operation of a business. Common examples of consumer debt include (1) credit card debt; (2) student loans; (3) home mortgage loans; (4) car or auto loans; (5) payday loans; (6) medical debts; and (7) unpaid utility and telephone bills.

In Delaware, consumer debt is regulated by both state statutes and federal laws. Credit card debt, student loans, home mortgages, auto loans, payday loans, medical debts, and unpaid utility and telephone bills are all considered consumer debts when they are for personal or household use. The Delaware Code outlines specific regulations regarding the collection of debts, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which sets the legal framework for the practices debt collectors must follow. For example, it limits the times of day collectors can contact debtors and prohibits harassment. Delaware also has laws that govern the statute of limitations on debt, which is generally 3 years for open accounts like credit card debt, but can be longer for other types of debt. Additionally, federal laws such as the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provide protections related to the disclosure of credit terms and the accuracy of credit reporting, respectively. Consumers facing issues with debt in Delaware may seek the advice of an attorney to understand their rights and obligations under these laws.