Bad Credit Loans – UK Loans for poor credit (2024)

What are bad credit loans?

Loans for people with bad credit are designed to ensure a poor credit history doesn’t stop you getting access to the finance you need. You may also see them advertised as adverse credit loans or poor credit loans. Not all UK lenders accept people with poor credit histories, so you may have fewer options to choose from – but that doesn’t mean you can’t borrow. Loans for people with bad or no credit history are typically unsecured, so pose less risk to your home or car - although adverse credit secured loans are also available.

With a bad credit personal loan, you can access the credit you need and improve your credit score in the long run, if you make your regular repayments on time.

If you apply for a loan with bad credit, it may mean the interest you pay is higher than with other types of personal loan, which should be taken into account when calculating your ability to meet the repayments.

Tips to improve your credit score

Your credit score will change over time, depending on your finances. If you have a poor credit rating, there are a few crucial ways to help you improve it over time:

• Enrol on the electoral register.
• Keep active credit and debit card details up to date.
• Prioritise and consolidate any existing loan repayments.
• Use a credit card for small, regular purchases which you can repay more easily.
• Don’t always borrow to the monthly spending limit with credit cards.

These are just some of the ways to help get your credit score back on track. Depending on your financial situation, you may see positive change within a few months or a few years.

Find out more about how to improve your credit score.

What to know before you apply

Income and outgoings

Lenders will ask about your income and expenses, as well as any debts you may have. This is so they can determine whether you can afford the monthly repayments on a low credit score loan, so it’s worth ensuring you have a full picture of your finances before you start.

Loan security

If you’re applying for a secured loan for bad credit, a lender will need to know about your property. This can include your house, or your cars. The more equity you hold, the less risky the proposition to lenders, which could mean lower rates on your repayments.

Credit history

Lenders will usually want to see your credit report to get an idea of your current situation. It doesn’t mean you’ll need a perfect credit history for approval at the rate you want, but knowing what is on your credit report ensures you are prepared for the application.

Purpose of your loan

You should be able to provide a clear reason for your application. Some lenders may be specific on purposes you can and can’t borrow the money for, so it helps to have your answer set out before you apply.

Your eligibility

We always do our best to search for a loan that works for you, even if you don’t have a perfect credit history. But your unique financial situation can tell lenders whether or not you are eligible. Lenders will assess your credit history and your repayment history before deciding whether to approve your loan application.

Take a look at our article on loan eligibility for further advice on applying for your loan.

Representative example

HOMEOWNER UNSECURED LOANS - Rates from 7.3% APR.

If you borrow £12,000 over four years at a Representative APR of 15.4% APR (fixed), you would pay £330.33 per month. The maximum APR is 99.1%.

Frequently asked questions

We’ve already covered the basics of personal loans with a bad credit rating and how they work, but there are other details to be aware of before sending your application.

Can I have a loan with a CCJ (County Court Judgement)?

Yes, it’s possible to apply for a loan with a CCJ. You may be issued with these court orders if you haven’t kept up with repayments on a previous loan. Some lenders will work with you on a repayment package that covers the debt, plus the amount you want to borrow.

Find out what a CCJ is.

How much can I borrow?

With a secured bad credit loan, you can borrow from £3,000 up to £500,000. An unsecured bad credit personal loan will allow you to borrow between £3,000 up to £25,000.

How long are the repayment terms?

Repayments on an unsecured loan can be spread over a period of between one and seven years, to ensure you can comfortably meet them. A secured loan can be repaid over terms ranging from 3 to 30 years.

What are the interest rates?

The interest rate will vary as your current circ*mstances and financial history are taken into consideration.

How long will it take?

You will receive an instant decision from us, and an unsecured poor credit loan could be in your bank account within 1-2 days. However, for secured adverse credit loans we recommend you give one to two weeks to allow your application to be processed.

Do I need a guarantor?

No, you will not need a guarantor. Our bad credit loans criteria is based on the loan applicant’s details only, so you can apply independently without asking a friend or family member for help.

Pros and cons of a bad credit loan

It’s important to consider all the pros and cons before taking out a loan for bad credit.

Pros

• It can be used to improve your credit score, provided you keep up with repayments.
• If you’re using it to consolidate debt, it’s easier and more affordable to pay back at a single rate (though the total amount payable is likely to be higher).
• Being accepted can be a great help to your finances if other lenders have previously declined your application.

Cons

• An unsecured loan for poor credit will likely have a higher rate of interest. This can mean repayments are higher than other loan products over time.
• Missing a payment on any loan could cause your credit score to reduce.
• Falling behind on repayments on a secured bad credit loan may put your property at risk or cause your credit score to fall further.

Applying for a personal loan with adverse credit

No matter your reasons for needing a bad credit loan, Norton Finance will work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. If you’re on benefits, have a CCJ or are searching for a joint application, we can help.

Simply fill in an application online, and our team will get to work searching our wide network of lenders and plans to provide you with a range of flexible options.

If you want to get an early idea of a repayment schedule, use our loan calculator to adjust your desired loan amount and terms.

What do I need to apply?

When you’re ready to start your online application with us, you should have the information below to hand:

• Personal financial details
• Employment status
• Details of your income