---
title: "Debt Collection Regulation in the USA (2026)"
canonical: https://debtcollectionagencies.org/regulation/usa/
dateModified: 2026-09-11
---

# Debt Collection Regulation in the USA

Debt collection in the USA is governed federally by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), enforced by the CFPB and FTC, with CFPB Regulation F setting contact-frequency and disclosure rules. Licensing is set at state level: many states require a collection agency license or surety bond, while some have no licensing regime.