Bad Credit Loans Guide
loans that are available to those with a poor credit score or no credit history are called Bad Credit Loans. They’re available to those who don’t qualify for typical loans, but usually at the cost of higher interest rates.
Bad Credit Loans Guide
Bad Credit Loans Guide may also come with other restrictions, such as a maximum loan term or a borrowing limit. These are all used by lenders to minimise the risk associated with lending money to someone with bad credit.
However, if someone with poor credit successfully pays off a bad credit loan with no issues, they’re more likely to be accepted in future and improve their credit score.
What are Bad Credit Loans?
Bad credit loans are a type of financial product designed for individuals with a poor credit history. Traditional lenders, such as banks or credit unions, typically hesitate to provide funding to those with bad credit due to the perceived risk involved. Bad credit loans, however, offer an alternative solution for borrowers who face difficulty qualifying for standard loan options.
These loans are specifically structured to assist individuals in rebuilding their credit score or meeting immediate financial needs. While bad credit loans come with higher interest rates and fees compared to traditional loans, they can be invaluable for individuals seeking financial stability. It is important, however, that borrowers thoroughly research and compare different lenders before committing to any loan agreement in order to ensure they find the most suitable terms and conditions available for their circumstances.
Why can’t I get approved for a loan?
If you’ve been rejected for a loan, it could be that your credit score isn’t high enough. This is something lenders check when you apply for a loan or credit, as it helps them decide whether you’re a suitable and reliable borrower.
Many lenders now have automated systems that score your application and credit history. If you fall below a set figure that they feel comfortable with to make a loan, they’ll automatically reject your application.
Loans for bad credit are designed for people who’ve struggled to get a loan previously or who haven’t yet built up a credit score. Borrowing a small amount and making your repayments on time could be a good way to improve your credit score and get better borrowing terms in future.
What types of loans can I get with bad credit?
While your options may be reduced, there are several types of bad credit loans available:
- Personal loan
If you don’t have any assets – like a house, for example – to use as security, then one option is an unsecured personal loan. This allows you to borrow money at a fixed interest rate and pay it back over an agreed length of time in instalments. If you have a bad credit score, expect to pay higher interest rates compared to those with a good credit score. - Secured loan
If you’ve been refused an unsecured personal loan in the past, you might be more successful applying for a secured loan. Secured loans are guaranteed against one of your valuable assets, which acts as your collateral. The asset may depend on the amount you’re borrowing, but common examples include your home or car. If you can’t meet your repayments, you risk having that asset repossessed. - Guarantor loan
A guarantor loan is when a friend or relative promises to pay back the loan if you can’t. While this could give you access to a bigger amount, there’s a risk you could end up shifting your debt onto someone close to you if you can’t meet your repayments.
How to get accepted for a loan with bad credit
If you’re going to apply for a loan with bad credit, here are some t
Things to think about:
- Check your credit score and credit report — knowing your credit score could help you understand how lenders will look at you. Addressing any errors on your credit report may also improve your score. Find out more about free credit checks.
- Only borrow what you really need — try to keep the amount you’re borrowing as small as possible. Lenders will be reluctant to loan large sums to those they view as a risk.
- Consider the type of loan you’re applying for — if you’re hoping to borrow a large amount, you’re more likely to be accepted for a secured loan, rather than a personal loan. This is because you’re securing the loan against a valuable asset, which will ease concerns that lenders may have about you.
- Use a loans eligibility checker — Compare the Market’s eligibility checker can help you find loans that you’re likely to be accepted for.
What’s the easiest loan to get with bad credit?
That depends on your situation. For example, if you have no credit history, a guarantor loan could help you get a loan more easily. If your guarantor has a good credit history, it could be easier for you to be approved by lenders. It’s very important that you and your guarantor are both aware of the financial responsibility you have to each other. A guarantor will be responsible for paying the loan, if you’re unable to do so.
If you’re a homeowner, a secured loan could be easier to be approved for, especially if you’re hoping to borrow a larger amount. This is because you could secure the loan against your home to reduce the risk to lenders. Just beware that you risk having your home repossessed if you can’t keep up with your repayments.
Why do I have a bad credit score?
Your credit score will be affected if you’ve:
- Failed to stick to a credit agreement
- Made late repayments or missed repayments
- Been declared bankrupt
- Have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you
- Entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
- Never borrowed money before.
Each of the three main UK credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – have a different score for what they consider bad credit:
- Experian: 720 or below (out of 999)[2]
- Equifax: 438 or below (out of 1,000)[2]
- TransUnion: 565 or below (out of 710)[2]
A poor credit score doesn’t mean you can’t get a loan – it just means you’ll probably have fewer lenders to choose from and you’ll have to pay a high interest rate. If you’re hoping to get a loan with bad credit, you may still be eligible for some poor credit loans.
Accurate as of March 2023.
How can I improve my credit score?
There are steps you can take to increase the likelihood of being approved for a loan, most of which will also help you boost your credit score.
- Check your credit report – make sure all the information held on you by credit reference agencies is correct. Ask them to amend anything that’s wrong.
- Get on the electoral register – loan providers use this to confirm your identity and address, so registering to vote can help your application.
- Use our eligibility calculator – find out which loans you might be eligible for without any impact on your credit score.
- Try to stay 25% below your credit limit – constantly spending at the limit of your credit card or overdraft can hurt your credit score.
- Repay on time – make sure you consistently meet any monthly repayments. Set up direct debits so you don’t miss any payments.
Important Factors to Consider when applying for Bad Credit Loans?
What should I consider before I apply for bad credit loans?
Applying for a loan is a big decision and not one you should take lightly, especially if you already have other debts. But if you do decide it’s right for you, here are the most important factors to consider to help you find the best loan for you:
- The amount you’re borrowing – it’s unlikely you’ll be allowed to borrow a large amount with a low credit score, but you still need to be confident you’ll be able to meet your repayments. The more you borrow, the more you’ll need to pay back… with interest.
- The period you’re borrowing over – this is known as the term. Borrowing over a longer period will normally lower your monthly repayments. But don’t just go for the maximum term length, as you’ll end up paying more overall with the interest added.
- The interest rate – lower interest rates are often reserved for longer terms or higher borrowing amounts, but it’s good to compare rates from different providers. Our comparison service allows you to compare loan rates quickly and easily.
- Your monthly repayment amount – how much you can afford will be unique to your own financial situation, so it’s important to find the best loan for you. The last thing you want is to miss or make a late repayment, and potentially damage your credit score further.
Use a loan calculator to get a better idea of the cost of borrowing and what you can afford, before submitting your loan application.
Am I eligible for bad credit loans?
To be eligible for a bad credit loan, you must:
- Be a UK resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a current bank account.
The lender will also run a hard credit check to look at your credit history. They’ll want to check you’re able to repay the loan, before lending to you.
Other eligibility criteria could include providing proof of income, employment status, as well as meeting any credit score requirements.
To find out how likely you are to qualify for bad credit loans, use our loan eligibility checker without impacting your credit score.
Best Bad Credit Loans
What borrowing limits and interest rates do loans for bad credit offer?
Interest rates for poor credit loans tend to be higher than average rates for other loans. This is because you’re considered to be a higher risk. To get an idea of the loan rates to expect, here’s a representative example:
- Loan amount: £2,000
- Representative APR (annual percentage rate): 59.9%
- Loan term: three years (36 months)
- Monthly repayment amount: £120.74
- Total amount repaid: £4,346.62
- Credit available subject to status
This is just a representative example. To find a loan that’s right for you, start by comparing bad credit loans with us.
The amount you can borrow with a bad credit loan will vary among lenders and the risk you present. Some lenders may have rules about how much they’re willing to lend over particular time periods too. For example, you might be able to borrow £2,000 over one or three years, but not over 10 years.
What are the alternatives to taking out bad credit loans?
Before applying for loans for bad credit, you might want to consider these options too to see if they’re more suitable for your needs.
- Credit-building credit cards allow you to build up your credit history by borrowing a small amount of money, between £100 and £1,000.
- An arranged overdraft could be helpful during a short-term cash crisis. Just be aware that interest rates can be as much as 40%.
- Borrowing from family or friends could help you out of a financial hole and you’ll probably get better terms. But make sure you draw up a loan agreement that everyone is happy with to avoid fallouts further down the line.
What do I need to apply for bad credit loans?
Use our eligibility checker to see which bad credit loans you could get. Once you’ve decided to apply for a loan, you’ll need to provide:
- All the addresses you’ve lived at for the past three years
- Your email address
- Your employer’s details, including their address and phone number
- Details of your monthly income and outgoings
- Your bank or building society account details
- Information about any CCJs or bankruptcy.
Your potential lender will then run a hard credit check on you. This will be marked on your credit report. Once they’ve carried out their credit check, they’ll either approve or reject your loan application.
Depending on the type of loan you’re applying for, there may be further requirements. For example, a secured loan may require further information against the property you’re using as collateral. A guarantor loan will require the lender to verify certain details about your chosen guarantor. They’ll also need to meet eligibility criteria and sign a contract.
How to manage your loan repayments
Missed or late payments can harm your credit score and you could face late payment charges. To avoid this, set up automatic payments from your bank account. Your loan repayments could be set up as a:
- Direct Debit – your lender takes money from your account each month on an agreed date.
- Standing order – you pay a fixed amount from your bank account each month, which you can change or cancel at any time.
- Continuous payment authority (CPA) – you give the lender permission to choose when and how much money to take from your account each month.
If you miss a loan repayment, you’ll likely be charged a fee. It could also damage your credit score. Ideally, you should contact your lender as soon as possible to discuss your options – for example, a manageable repayment plan.
If you’re worried about debt, MoneyHelper has information on where to get free debt advice.
Compare bad credit loans
If you need to find loans for bad credit, but have a less than glowing credit report, we can help. If you compare bad credit loans with us, we’ll only show you those that you’re likely to be accepted for – without affecting your credit score.
- Tell us how much you want to borrow and for how long.
- We’ll show you a list of options to choose from.
- You can adjust the loan amount or the length of the loan to see how this will affect monthly payments and overall costs.
- You can sort your results by chance of approval if you apply (eligibility) and the interest rate (APR), so you can see which have the lowest rates.
- Check out the details of the loan – for example, if you can pay it off early or make overpayments.
Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bad Credit Loans
Below we have listed popular questions about Bad Credit Loans
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Can I get approved for a Loan with bad credit?
It’s very easy to check your eligibility for loans online, and it’s just as easy to apply for a loan. Certain providers might approve you quickly, though most people with poor credit will be subject to more thorough credit checks – which can often take 24 hours or more. You’ll be notified on whether you are successful either by phone or email.
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Why have I been rejected for a loan in the past?
There are several reasons why you may have been rejected for a loan: You have too many current loans, maxed-out credit cards and other debts. You have a bad credit rating because of missed payments or other debts. You have no credit history because you’ve never borrowed money before. You don’t have a steady job with a regular income. You don’t earn enough to comfortably pay back the loan. You don’t own a house or a car to put up as security against a secured loan. There are mistakes and inconsistencies on your application form. If you have a history of being rejected for loans, you should think about finding loans for bad credit scores.
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What happens if I get refused a bad credit loan?
Having a bad credit loan refused doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be rejected if you make another application. Before you apply again, though, it’s a good idea to find out which loans for bad credit you’re likely to be eligible for. You should also make sure your credit score is in the best shape possible.
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Can I apply for a loan without affecting my credit score?
Applying for a loan will – in most cases – leave a hard search on your credit file, which could have a negative impact on your credit score. But it’s very easy to see which loans you could be eligible for without affecting your score. Doing this can help you see what amounts and rates of interest you could get for loans you’re likely to be accepted for, based on your credit history. See what bad credit loans you might be eligible for now
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What is a soft search?
A soft search is a way of looking for loans or credit cards without affecting your credit score. Traditional credit checks (or hard credit checks) will leave a mark on your credit file, which potential lenders can see when you apply for a loan. If you’ve applied for credit many times, other lenders can see this and may be put off lending to you. Soft searches will still appear on your credit file but lenders won’t be able to see them, so it won’t impact their decision to approve or reject any applications you make.
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What happens if I get refused a bad credit loan?
Having a bad credit loan refused doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be rejected if you make another application. Before you apply again, though, it’s a good idea to find out which loans for bad credit you’re likely to be eligible for. You should also make sure your credit score is in the best shape possible.
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Can I apply for a loan without affecting my credit score?
Applying for a loan will – in most cases – leave a hard search on your credit file, which could have a negative impact on your credit score. But it’s very easy to see which loans you could be eligible for without affecting your score. Doing this can help you see what amounts and rates of interest you could get for loans you’re likely to be accepted for, based on your credit history.
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What is the easiest loan to get approved for?
That depends on your own specific circumstances. In some cases, if you own your home, you might find it easier to apply for a secured loan. If you have poor credit and are struggling to find personal loans, guarantor loans might be easier – but they depend on having a friend or family member to vouch for you.
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How long will it take to get my money?
With some lenders, you can get your money on the same day as your application if you already hold an account with them. But you can normally expect to get your money within a week. The quote will be valid for 30 days, so it gives you time to look for your dream car if you haven't already found it. Once you have decided, you'll need to provide the details of the car and of your approved dealer. The money will be transferred to the dealer and you'll receive the deeds to the car when you collect it.
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What happens if I can’t repay my loan?
If you’re struggling to repay your loan, contact your lender as soon as possible. They may be able to support you with managing your repayments. Alternatively, contact a debt advice service. They’ll be able to help you organise a debt repayment plan with your lender. If you can’t reach a compromise with your lender, you’ll probably be charged penalty fees for partial, late or missed repayments.
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Can I repay my loan early?
You can pay off your personal loan early, but you might have to pay an early repayment charge (ERC). Early repayment charges vary, but you can usually expect to pay the equivalent of one to two months’ interest.
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What do I need to consider when taking out a loan with bad credit?
If you have bad credit and you want to take out a loan, it’s important to think about if you’ll be able to pay off the loan. If you don’t keep up with the loan repayments, your bad credit score can get even worse.
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What is considered a poor credit score?
What is considered a poor credit score will depend on the credit reference agency you use. There are three main credit reference agencies – TransUnion, Experian and Equifax – and they all use different scoring systems. But generally speaking, any score at the lower end of CRA’s spectrum will be a bad credit score. Here at MoneySuperMarket, our Credit Monitor service uses the TransUnion scoring system. TransUnion classes ‘very poor’ credit scores in the range of 300 – 600, and ratings of 601 – 660 are considered ‘poor’.
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