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 Kansas, 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 Kansas Uniform Consumer Credit Code (KUCCC) provides guidelines for consumer credit transactions and protections against unfair lending practices. For instance, payday loans, which are short-term, high-interest loans, are subject to specific regulations under Kansas law, including caps on interest rates and limitations on the number of loans one can take out. Debt collection in Kansas is governed by the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits deceptive and unconscionable debt collection practices. Additionally, federal laws such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provide further protections against abusive debt collection practices. Home mortgages are also regulated by federal laws like the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), ensuring borrowers are well-informed about the terms of their loans. It's important for consumers in Kansas to be aware of their rights and obligations under these laws when dealing with consumer debt.