For golf clubs offering membership fee instalments, understanding FCA authorisation is essential. If your club allows members to pay in staged payments rather than a lump sum or introduces members to third parties for finance, you may need to be regulated under consumer credit laws. This guide breaks down when FCA authorisation is required and how to apply.
Does Your Golf Club Need FCA Authorisation?
When FCA Authorisation Is NOT Required
Your golf club does not need FCA authorisation if:
- Membership fees can be paid annually, quarterly, or monthly, but the total cost remains the same;
- No interest or fees are charged on the instalment plan; and
- The direct debit scheme runs for 12 months or less with no additional charges.
If your club meets these criteria, you are not considered to be offering consumer credit, and FCA authorisation is not required.
When FCA Authorisation IS Required
Your golf club must apply for FCA authorisation if:
- You act as a credit broker, introducing members to external finance providers that result in regulated credit agreements.
- You charge administration or service fees on instalment payments.
- Members can defer payments beyond 12 months.
- Instalment plans include interest or additional costs.
💡 Key Insight: Even a small admin fee can classify the payment plan as credit, triggering FCA regulation.
Limited vs. Full FCA Permission for Golf Clubs
Golf clubs requiring FCA authorisation must apply for either Limited or Full Permission, depending on their activities:
Limited Permission
- If the club offers interest-free instalments directly for fees or services.
- If the instalment period exceeds 12 months, but no interest or fees are charged.
- If the club leases or rents equipment to members for longer than three months.
- If you introduce your members to third party finance providers for regulated loans i.e. not BNPL loans, which are currently unregulated.
- If the club acts as a credit broker, introducing members to third-party lenders.
💰 Application Fee: £540, depending on revenue.
Full Permission
- If the club charges interest or fees on credit agreements.
- If the club provides finance directly with added costs.
💰 Application Fee: £1090 to £10,880 in FCA application fees, depending on complexity.
🚨 Applying for the wrong permission can lead to delays and additional costs.
Apply for your FCA Authorisation with Path to Compliance
If your golf club needs FCA authorisation, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Determine Your Permission Type: We’ll help you decide if you need Limited or Full Permission.
2️⃣ Prepare Your Documents: The FCA requires:
- Regulatory Business Plan (RBP)
- Compliance policies
- Financial forecasts
- Information about Directors and Owners
Before we submit the application, you’ll need to ensure that you are ‘ready, willing and organised’ and meet the FCA threshold conditions.
3️⃣ Submit Your Application via FCA Connect – Once you create an account on the FCA portal, called ‘Connect’, we will upload all documents and complete the application form. Once the FCA application fee is paid and declarations checked and ticked, you can submit.
4️⃣ FCA Review & Decision: The FCA may request additional details before approval (typically within 4 to 6 months). We will be on hand to help with queries and questions from the FCA.
Get In Touch
Applying for FCA authorisation can be complex, and mistakes can be costly. We specialise in helping golf clubs navigate the FCA process, ensuring compliance while avoiding unnecessary delays.
📞 Contact us today or email [email protected] for expert guidance on securing the right FCA permission for your golf club.
Apply for Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisation – GOV.UK
