Loans for bad credit

Need a loan but worried bad credit might hold you back?

If you have a poor or bad credit history and are experiencing a financial emergency, you may think that bad credit loans are not available. The good news, however, is that there are loan solutions that may be suitable for you.

Find a loan to suit you

Apply Now

It won't affect your credit score^‡

Representative 669.35% APR (variable)
View example

FCA: 742221

ICO: Z3495700

256-bit SSL

Bad credit loans

There may be times when you need cash, and fast, due to a financial emergency through no fault of your own. Even with the most careful of budgeting, sometimes the unexpected happens. For example, you have a new baby and piles of washing to do, but your washing machine has broken down. Or, some tiles have come off your roof, and you need to replace them as soon as possible to avoid any damage to your home.

But are you are worried you'll be declined a loan as you have poor credit? Then you may want to consider bad credit loans.

Are bad credit online loans really available?

Yes, they are! If you need a quick loan, but your credit history is less than perfect, there are bad credit loans online that may be appropriate for you.

Bad credit loans are similar to other types of short-term lending, in that if your loan for bad credit is approved, you’ll have access to cash — and fast. In some cases, you can even get the money within just 15 minutes of being approved.^†

To see how Instant Lolly can help you get a fast loan, check here.

Types of loans for bad credit

No guarantor loans

To understand what no guarantor loans are, you need to understand the role of a guarantor. In some cases, such as if you require a poor credit loan, then a lender may request that a family member or friend guarantees to honour the debt if you default on your repayments. Not all bad credit loans will require you to have a guarantor — hence the term no guarantor loans.

Guarantor loans

If you require a bad credit loan, some lenders may only accept your application if you have a guarantor (someone who will guarantee to repay the money if you fail to keep up with your repayments). These loans are known as guarantor loans, and a guarantor can be a family member or friend. A lender may ask that they are a homeowner, but if they are not, it may not be a problem.

No credit check loans

You may have heard of no credit check loans and think this is a solution for you because a prospective lender won't see that you have a poor credit history. You should note that these loans do not exist, and any lender who says they offer no credit check loans should be avoided. This is because all responsible lenders agree to adhere to strict lending regulations laid out by the regulatory body, which is designed to protect consumers.

Guaranteed loans

No loan is guaranteed, despite some advertisements saying otherwise. This is because with all types of lending, whether a short-term payday loan or a larger personal loan, it is required that the proper affordability and credit checks are carried out. This applies for every loan, no matter whether you have an excellent credit history or a poor one. Only once a lender or credit broker has carried out these checks can they then approve or decline your loan.

Emergency loans

There may be times when a financial emergency strikes and payday is still several days or weeks away. Perhaps your car has broken down and you need it to get to work? Or, you have a vets’ bill that needs paying while you wait for your pet insurance to pay out? Or, perhaps you need a short-term loan for another reason? Whatever the reason, an emergency loan may be a solution.

Personal loans for bad credit

A personal loan is generally for a fixed amount of money repaid over a fixed amount of time. There are many types of unsecured personal loans, including personal loans for bad credit. Small personal loans for bad credit, such as payday loans and short-term loans, are available to help people who don’t have access to mainstream credit, and are designed to provide emergency cash (typically for amounts up to £3000) over short periods.

Unsecured loans for bad credit

If you have a less than perfect credit history, you may struggle to get approved for a loan without providing a guarantor or some kind of security. There is a solution, however — bad credit unsecured loans. These are similar to other short-term and payday loans in that they are designed for people who have a financial emergency and need to borrow money quickly – except that they are aimed at those who have poor credit and require an unsecured loan.

Bad credit loans in the UK

If you’re looking to borrow money, but have concerns that a poor credit rating might stop you from getting accepted, we’d love to help!

There are bad credit loan lenders who understand that just because you have experienced financial difficulties in the past, it shouldn't stop you accessing short-term loans if you need emergency cash. We work with these specialist lenders of bad credit loans in the UK, to match your own unique financial circumstances and requirements to a suitable lender.

Apply online today

If you want a bad credit loan, complete our short online form (providing the information required including how much you want to borrow and over what length of time), and we'll do a quick check to see if we can help. (This credit check will not show up on your credit file).^‡

We aim to give you an almost instant loan decision, and if your bad credit loan is approved, the money could be in your bank account within 15 minutes!^†

Apply Now

It won't affect your credit score^‡

Representative 669.35% APR (variable)
View example

Bad credit loan FAQs

What is the difference between bad credit and poor credit?

Generally, anyone that has a below-average credit score has so for one of two reasons. They may have gotten into financial trouble in the past and have bad credit due to negative history on their credit file, or they may simply have not accrued enough credit history — so they have a poor credit score (also known as limited or thin credit). Although the terms ‘poor credit’ and ‘bad credit’ often get used interchangeably, lenders will undoubtedly look at them differently when it comes to loan approval.

Do all direct lenders offer bad credit loans?

No, not all lenders provide loans for bad credit or very bad credit. Each lender has their own unique approval criteria, so while direct lenders are generally categorised as bad credit loans direct lenders, the degree of bad credit accepted varies by lender. Some lenders will only accept people with limited credit history, and many won’t accept people with very bad credit history, such as CCJs.

Can I apply for a bad credit loan if I'm not in regular employment?

Yes, there are bad credit lenders in the UK who will consider your loan application even you if you are not in regular employment. The most important thing is proving your ability to repay the loan.

On benefits: Bad credit loans for people on benefits are available. Specialist lenders may take some aspects of your benefit income into account when deciding whether you can afford to meet the repayments.
Unemployed: If you are not employed but receive some form of regular income, such as a pension, you may still be eligible for a loan. That is why bad credit loans for unemployed people exist. Of course, you will need to show that you can comfortably afford the loan repayments on top of existing commitments.
Self-employed: When you are self-employed, it is sometimes difficult to prove you have a regular income. The good news is that bad credit loans for self-employed people do exist — and we can help you access them.

How fast can I get a bad credit loan?

If you are looking for fast bad credit loans, then our service can help. We have relationships with many specialist providers of these types of short-term loans. Once your online loan application is approved, we aim to have the money with you within just 15 minutes^† — now that is very fast!

What are the advantages of using a broker over bad credit loan lenders?

Bad credit brokers are typically knowledgeable and experienced, meaning they can identify the most suitable bad credit lender for your own unique needs — saving you time and money. Using a bad credit loan broker also means you have access to multiple bad credit loan lenders in one place with just a single application to fill out.

Bad credit loans from Instant Lolly

Are you looking for online loans that you can apply for with bad credit or limited credit history? Then we think you’ll love Instant Lolly.

Flexible borrowing

Choose the most suitable loan amount and term for your needs. We provide loans from £100 to £3,000 over 1 to 24 months.^†

High acceptance

Fill out one short application form, and we will ensure your details reach all the right lenders for the best chance of approval.

Fast funding

Receive a decision in seconds and get money sent to your bank account as soon as 15 minutes after approval.^†

Online convenience

Apply online from the comfort of your sofa, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Oh, and it's FREE too!

Worried about bad credit? Check your eligibility without affecting your credit score^‡

Check Now

(It won't affect your credit score^‡)

Explore more options

£100 loans £200 loans bad credit payday loans cash loans fast payday loans guaranteed loans high acceptance payday loans instant loans quick loans same day loans short-term loans small loans