Can I cancel a consumer credit?
Yes, within 14 days. After signing a consumer credit (personal loan, linked credit for a purchase, revolving credit), you have a 14-calendar-day withdrawal period to change your mind without justification. Just send back the withdrawal form attached to the offer. If the credit financed a specific purchase (linked credit) and you withdraw, the sale is also cancelled. Note: don't confuse this with the mortgage, which has a 10-day reflection period (you can't accept the offer before it), a different mechanism.
📋 The rules
- Consumer credit: 14 days to withdraw
- No reason, via the form attached to the offer
- Linked credit: withdrawal also cancels the sale
- Mortgage: 10-day reflection period (distinct mechanism)
- Period counted in calendar days
🔓 Exceptions
- If funds are already released, you repay the capital received (with accrued interest)
- Overdraft and some short credits: specific rules
- Mortgage: no withdrawal but a prior reflection period
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The lender must attach a withdrawal form and clearly inform the borrower: failing that, the contract can be sanctioned (loss of interest, DGCCRF oversight). For the borrower, exercising withdrawal within the period is a right; if funds were already released, you must repay the capital received, plus interest accrued until repayment. After 14 days, the credit applies normally.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Withdrawing from a consumer credit →
- economie.gouv.fr · Consumer credit →
- Légifrance · Consumer Code (credit withdrawal, art. L312-19) →
❓ Frequently asked
How long to cancel a consumer credit?
14 calendar days from signing the offer, without justification. You send back the withdrawal form attached to the contract. It's a right protecting the borrower against a too-quick decision.
Does withdrawal cancel the financed purchase?
Yes, for a linked credit (tied to a specific purchase). If you withdraw from the credit, the financed sale is also cancelled, and vice versa. The two contracts are legally linked.
And for a mortgage?
A mortgage isn't withdrawn the same way: you have a 10-day reflection period during which you can't accept the offer. Only after this period can you sign it.
What if funds are already released?
You can still withdraw within 14 days, but you must repay the capital received plus interest accrued until repayment. The lender can't claim other fees.
Must the lender provide a form?
Yes. The credit offer must include a detachable withdrawal form and clear information about this right. Failing that, the lender faces sanctions, such as forfeiting the right to interest.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “cancel consumer credit 14 days”
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- “mortgage reflection period 10 days”
- “personal loan withdrawal”
- “revolving credit withdrawal”