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 Idaho, 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. Idaho follows the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. The state also has its own laws that govern the statute of limitations for debt collection, which is typically 5 years for written contracts and 4 years for open accounts such as credit cards. For home mortgages, Idaho has a non-judicial foreclosure process, which means that lenders can foreclose on a property without going to court if the borrower defaults. Payday loans in Idaho are regulated by the Idaho Credit Code, and lenders must be licensed. The state imposes no limit on the interest rates that lenders can charge, but loans are limited to $1,000 or 25% of the borrower's gross monthly income. Car loans are secured debts, and if a borrower defaults, the lender may repossess the vehicle. Medical debts can be subject to collection, and like other consumer debts, collection agencies must adhere to the FDCPA. Unpaid utility and telephone bills can also lead to debt collection actions and potential service disconnection. It's important for consumers in Idaho to understand their rights and obligations regarding these types of debts and to seek guidance from an attorney if they face debt collection issues.