EXHIBIT 23(a)


                        [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP LETTERHEAD]



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                   -----------------------------------------



Household International, Inc.:

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the offering of
up to $495,500,000 of Debt Securities and Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities,
Preferred Stock (without par value), Common Stock ($1 par value), Stock Purchase
Contracts and Stock Purchase Units to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about May 9, 2001, of our report dated January 15, 2001,
included in Household International, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000, and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.


/S/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Chicago, Illinois
May 9, 2001