Once your application pack is ready, it's filed with the FCA through their online system, called Connect — we do this for you as standard, and this guide explains exactly what happens. It's reasonably straightforward if you've prepared properly — here's what the process looks like, step by step.
What is FCA Connect?
Connect is the FCA's secure online portal for authorisation applications and regulatory notifications. Everything — the application forms, your supporting documents, and the fee payment — goes through it. You'll need to create an account before you can start.
The steps
- Create a Connect account. Register on the FCA's Connect system with your email and set up your login.
- Start a new application. Choose the consumer credit authorisation application and the permission you need — for most secondary credit brokers that's limited permission rather than full.
- Complete the online forms. You'll answer questions about your firm, the regulated activities and permissions you're applying for, the individuals involved, and your finances.
- Upload your supporting documents. This is where your pack goes — your regulatory business plan, compliance policies and financial forecast.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the FCA's fee by credit or debit card. It's currently around £560 for limited permission, but check the FCA's current fees as categories change.
- Submit. Once submitted, the FCA assigns a case officer to assess your application.
- Respond to any questions. The case officer may come back with queries or requests for clarification — answering quickly and clearly keeps the timeline moving.
Tips for a smooth submission
- Have everything ready before you start — the online forms are much easier when your documents and figures are finalised.
- Keep it consistent — the answers in the forms should match your business plan and forecasts; inconsistencies are a common reason the FCA comes back with questions.
- Respond promptly — the clock effectively pauses while the FCA waits for you, so quick replies matter.
Where we fit in: we prepare the supporting documents — the part that takes the most work and judgement — and give you guidance for the Connect submission. We file through Connect on your behalf as standard — or, if you prefer to stay hands-on, this guide walks you through submitting via your own account, and you stay in control of your application.
For the full journey from start to authorised, see our step-by-step guide, and if you're weighing how to prepare the application, DIY vs using a service lays out the options.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I submit the application myself, or do you?
We do — once your pack is ready and the balance is paid, we file it through Connect on your behalf, and you review and sign the declarations. We prepare the supporting documents and give you guidance for the submission.
- Can I save my Connect application and come back to it?
Yes — Connect lets you work on an application over multiple sessions, which is why it helps to have all your documents and figures ready before you begin.
- What documents do I upload on Connect?
Typically your regulatory business plan, the compliance policies the FCA expects, and your financial forecast — exactly what's in the application pack we prepare for you.
- How do I pay the FCA application fee?
By credit or debit card within Connect when you submit. Where we act for you, we pay the fee to the FCA as your agent — collected with the final payment, passed on at cost and itemised on your invoice as a disbursement.
This article is general information to help you understand the process, and is not legal or regulatory advice. CreditLicence is a regulatory consultancy; it is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, nothing it provides is regulated advice, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the FCA. FCA rules can change; always check the FCA's website for the current position.