Bad Credit Loans: Get Approved Today

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Looking for loans for bad credit? You’re in the right place. Over 1,000,000 customers have successfully borrowed through Sunny. We specialise in bad credit loans UK, connecting you with FCA-regulated lenders who offer £100 to £2,500 with flexible repayment terms from 3 to 36 months. Let’s get you an instant decision today.

Can You Get a Loan with Bad Credit? Yes – Here’s How It Works

If you’re searching for loans for bad credit, you’re definitely not alone. Over 5.8 million people in the UK have poor credit scores, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the money you need when life throws you a curveball.

So What Exactly Are Bad Credit Loans?

Bad credit loans are designed specifically for people who’ve been turned down by high street banks because of their credit history. Unlike traditional personal loans that need excellent credit scores, these loans look at whether you can afford to pay back the money now, rather than dwelling on past money troubles.

Today’s bad credit loans in the UK are completely different from the old payday loans you might remember. Since the FCA stepped in with new rules in 2015, they’re much safer and fairer. Here’s how you’re protected:

  • Daily interest cap: Maximum 0.8% per day
  • Total cost cap: You’ll never pay back more than double what you borrow
  • Default fee limit: Maximum £15 total, even if you miss several payments
  • Proper affordability checks: Making sure you can actually manage the repayments

What does this mean in real terms? If you borrow £1,000, the absolute most you’ll ever pay back is £2,000 – even if things go completely wrong. That’s guaranteed by law. Want to know more about different types of loans available?

Who Can Get Loans for Bad Credit UK?

Our panel of lenders specialise in poor credit loans and will consider your application even if you have:

  • Credit scores from 300-650 (that’s very poor to fair)
  • CCJs, defaults, or missed payments on your record
  • Little or no credit history at all
  • Previous bankruptcy (as long as you’ve been discharged)
  • High credit card balances
  • Lots of recent credit searches

Even if you need loans for extremely bad credit or very bad credit loans, we’ll do our best to find you a suitable lender. After all, 67% of our successful customers had already been turned down somewhere else. Why not try our free eligibility checker? It won’t affect your credit score.

What Types of Bad Credit Loans Can You Get Through Sunny?

Small Loans for Bad Credit (£100-£500)

Sometimes you just need a small amount to tide you over. Our small loans bad credit options are perfect for those unexpected bills or urgent repairs. You can borrow exactly what you need and spread the cost over 3 to 6 months. Because you’re borrowing less, you’ll pay less interest overall – and successfully paying it back helps rebuild your credit too. Check out our small loans guide or specific amounts like £200 loans or £500 loans.

Personal Loans for Bad Credit (£500-£2,500)

Need a bit more? Personal loans for bad credit can help with bigger expenses like car repairs, home improvements, or getting several smaller debts under control. These unsecured loans for bad credit don’t need any collateral – your home and car are never at risk. You can choose to pay back over 6 to 36 months, whatever suits your budget. And unlike guarantor loans, you don’t need to rope anyone else in.

Fast Loans for Bad Credit (Same-Day Money)

When you urgently need a loan bad credit won’t get in your way. Our fast loans with bad credit can get money in your bank in as little as 15 minutes after approval. In fact, 83% of our customers get their cash within 15 minutes, and nearly everyone gets it the same working day – yes, even on weekends and bank holidays. Find out more about same-day loans and 24-hour loans.

Loans for Really Low Credit Scores

Got a credit score under 500? Our specialist lenders know that your credit score doesn’t tell the whole story. They’ll look at your current situation – your income, your outgoings, and whether you can realistically afford the repayments. Even with loans for real bad credit, you could still get approved. For urgent situations, have a look at our emergency loans options.

What Will a Bad Credit Loan Actually Cost You?

We believe in being completely upfront about costs. Before you apply for a loan with bad credit, you’ll see exactly what you’ll pay back, down to the penny. No nasty surprises, no hidden charges. Try our loan calculator to work out your personal quote.

Amount Time Monthly Payment Interest Total to Pay Daily Cost
£200 3 months £80.00 £40.00 £240.00 44p
£300 3 months £120.00 £60.00 £360.00 67p
£500 6 months £104.17 £125.00 £625.00 69p
£1,000 12 months £95.83 £150.00 £1,150.00 41p
£2,000 18 months £144.44 £600.00 £2,600.00 £1.11
£2,500 24 months £135.42 £750.00 £3,250.00 £1.03



Why Does the APR Look So High?

APRs for poor credit loans can look scary (89%-1,721%), but remember – that’s what you’d pay if you borrowed for a whole year. For short-term borrowing, look at the actual pounds and pence instead. Borrow £1,000 for 6 months and you’ll pay around £150 in interest. That’s your real cost.

Looking for Cheaper Bad Credit Loans?

While truly low APR loans for bad credit are hard to find, you can keep costs down by:

  • Only borrowing what you actually need – see our loans by value guide
  • Choosing the shortest term you can afford
  • Paying off early (there’s never any penalty for this)
  • Never missing payments (to avoid extra fees)

And remember – thanks to FCA rules, even with cheap loans bad credit searches, you’ll never pay back more than double your original loan. Need money quickly? Check our quick loans guide.

How to Get a Bad Credit Loan: Your Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Have a Quick Look at Your Credit (But Don’t Stress About It)

Before you apply for a bad credit loan, it might help to know where you stand. You can check your credit report free at:

  • Experian (scores from 0-999)
  • Equifax (scores from 0-1000)
  • TransUnion (scores from 0-710)

Here’s something interesting – 1 in 4 credit reports have mistakes on them. Fixing these could instantly improve your chances with loans low credit applications. Read more in our credit report guide.

Step 2: Check If You’re Eligible (Without Hurting Your Score)

When you apply through Sunny, we start with a soft credit check. This brilliant little check:

  • Won’t affect your credit score one bit
  • Is completely invisible to other lenders
  • Shows your real chances of approval
  • Takes about 3 minutes

Step 3: Compare Your Options

Our clever technology matches you with lenders for bad credit who are most likely to say yes. You’ll see:

  • How likely you are to be approved
  • Your monthly payment amount
  • The total cost in pounds and pence
  • The APR (for comparison)
  • Any special features or benefits

Step 4: Get Your Money

Pick the offer that works for you and complete the lender’s final checks. Once you’re approved:

  • 83% of people get their money within 15 minutes
  • Nearly everyone gets same-day payment
  • The money goes straight into your bank
  • Your repayments start as agreed

Need it even faster? Look at our fast payday loans option.

Can You Get a Poor Credit Loan? Let’s Check

What You’ll Need

To qualify for loans with poor credit through our lenders, you’ll need

  • To be 18 or over
  • To live in the UK
  • Regular income of at least £500 a month (from work, self-employment, or benefits)
  • A UK bank account with a debit card
  • 3 years of address history
  • A working email and mobile number
  • Not to be bankrupt or in an IVA right now

Not sure if you qualify? Our free eligibility checker will tell you without affecting your credit score.

What Bad Credit Lenders Really Care About

Today’s bad credit loans lender decisions focus on what matters:

  • Can you afford it now? – Are the repayments realistic for your budget?
  • Is your income steady? – Regular money coming in each month?
  • Recent behaviour – The last 3-6 months matter most
  • Being realistic – Are you asking for a sensible amount?
  • Managing your money – Not constantly overdrawn?

Why You Might Be Turned Down (And How to Fix It)

Gambling transactions (31% of turn-downs) Wait 90 days after your last bet
Too many recent applications (23%) Wait 30 days between applications
Asking for too much (19%) Try a smaller, more affordable amount
Details don’t match up (15%) Double-check everything before applying
Too many existing loans (12%) Think about consolidating instead



Want to boost your chances? Read our money management tips.

Finding the Right Bad Credit Lender for You

Should You Use a Broker or Go Direct?

When looking for finance for bad credit, you’ve got two choices:

Going Direct to a Lender

  • One lender = one credit check
  • Only 23% get accepted on average
  • Multiple applications hurt your credit
  • Takes ages to apply everywhere
  • Might get a slightly better rate

Using Sunny (That’s Us!)

  • One application goes to 30+ lenders
  • 89% of people get accepted
  • Just one soft credit check
  • Get results in 3 minutes
  • Completely free to you

Want to know more about how Sunny works?

What Makes a Good Bad Credit Loans Company?

Any decent loans company for bad credit should have:

  • FCA authorisation – Check at register.fca.org.uk (we’re ref: 821471)
  • Clear costs upfront – No hidden surprises
  • Soft search first – Protecting your credit score
  • Quick decisions – Know in minutes, not days
  • Flexible terms – 3 to 36 month options
  • Proper support – Help if you’re struggling

If you ever have any problems, our complaints process is here to help.

What About Banks That Lend to People with Bad Credit?

Looking for banks who loan to bad credit? We’ll be honest – traditional bank loan bad credit options are pretty rare. Most high street banks want:

  • Credit scores over 650
  • Perfect payment history
  • You to already bank with them
  • Pretty high income levels

That’s exactly why specialist online lenders now help with bad credit personal loans UK – they’re more flexible and much quicker. If your credit’s improving, you might want to check our loans for fair credit options.

The Truth About ‘Guaranteed’ Bad Credit Loans

⚠️ Important: No legitimate lender can offer bad credit loans guaranteed approval or a 100% loan without checks. FCA rules say they must check you can afford it – it’s to protect you from getting into trouble. Learn why in our no credit check loans guide.

If you see adverts promising guaranteed loans for bad credit, be very careful. These could be:

  • Dodgy lenders (illegal and dangerous)
  • Scams asking for fees upfront
  • Just misleading marketing

What We Can Actually Offer

We can’t guarantee you’ll be approved, but with our 89% acceptance rate, most people looking for guaranteed loans for bad credit do get the money they need. We do this by:

  • Matching you with lenders who specialise in very bad credit loans
  • Looking at all types of income
  • Focusing on whether you can afford it now, not just your credit score
  • Working with lenders who understand loans for real bad credit

If your credit’s getting better, have a look at our credit builder loans to keep improving.

Before You Borrow: Other Options to Consider

Before taking out loans very poor credit, it’s worth checking if there’s another way:

Free Money You Don’t Pay Back

  • Council emergency payments – £200-500 for crises
  • Turn2us grants – Search over 3,000 charity funds
  • Household Support Fund – Government help with living costs
  • Employer hardship funds – Many workplaces offer grants

For more money-saving ideas, pop over to our Good Vibes blog for tips like 20 stress-free ways to save money.

Cheaper Ways to Borrow

  • Credit unions – Maximum 42.6% APR (much less than typical 89-1,250%)
  • Salary advance – Get next month’s pay early
  • 0% credit cards – If your score’s above 600
  • Overdrafts – Only for very short-term needs

Build Your Credit Without Borrowing

  • Get on the electoral roll – Quick credit boost
  • Credit builder cards – Start with just £200 limit
  • Report your rent – Adds to your credit file
  • Fix any mistakes – 25% of reports have errors

Find out if you’re a savvy saver with our quiz and learn some superhero money saving habits.

Struggling with Money? There’s Free Help Available

If you’re thinking about loans for bad credit to pay off other debts, please get some free advice first. These brilliant organisations can help:

StepChange Debt Charity

📞 0800 138 1111 | 🌐 stepchange.org

Free debt management plans that really work

Citizens Advice

📞 0800 144 8848 | 🌐 citizensadvice.org.uk

Help with benefits, bills, and everything else

National Debtline

📞 0808 808 4000 | 🌐 nationaldebtline.org

Great for self-employed people, with free guides

MoneyHelper

📞 0800 011 3797 | 🌐 moneyhelper.org.uk

Government-backed help for all money matters

Signs You Need Debt Help, Not Another Loan:

  • Using credit cards for food or bills
  • Only paying the minimum on everything
  • Borrowing to pay other debts
  • Feeling sick with worry about money
  • Not opening your post

Remember: There’s absolutely no shame in asking for help. Thousands of people have been where you are and got through it. You will too. Maybe debt consolidation could help?

Representative 89% APR

Representative Example: Representative example: Amount of credit: £1000 for 18 months at £102.42 per month. Total amount repayable of £1843.60 Interest: £843.60. Interest rate: 89% pa (fixed). Representative 89% APR. Rates between 9.3% APR and 1721% APR – your no-obligation quote and APR will be based on your personal circumstances. Individuals with a good credit score may have access to cheaper interest rates. Interest rates associated with short-term loans tend to be higher than those of traditional personal loans. Loan term lengths from 3 to 36 months. Subject to lender’s requirements and approval.

Sunny Loans is a registered trading name of Upward Finance Limited, who is an appointed representative of Flux Funding Limited, who is a credit broker, not a lender. Loan repayment terms are 3-36 month loans.

Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to www.moneyhelper.org.uk.

Poor credit loans information hub

Want to know more about this loan type? We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right decision. If you have other questions before you submit your application online, our customer support team are also on hand to help.

  • Yes, you absolutely can. We specialise in helping people with loans for extremely bad credit – in fact, 67% of our successful customers had already been turned down somewhere else. Even with scores as low as 300, CCJs, defaults, or missed payments, you could still get £100-£2,500. Why? Because our lenders care more about whether you can afford the repayments now than what happened in your past. Check out our very bad credit loans guide if you want to know more.

  • It’s easier than you might think! Getting loans with bad credit through Sunny takes just 3 simple steps: First, fill in our quick form (takes about 90 seconds). Then we’ll do a soft search (won’t hurt your credit score) and match you with lenders who are likely to say yes. Finally, pick the offer that works for you and get your money – 83% of people have it within 15 minutes! The clever bit? We send your application to 30+ specialist bad credit loans lenders all at once, which is why 89% of people get approved through us versus just 23% going direct. Ready? Start your application here.

  • Good question! A soft check (what we do first) is like having a sneaky peek at your credit file. Other lenders can’t see we’ve looked, and it doesn’t affect your score one bit – you could do a hundred and it wouldn’t matter. A hard check (only happens if you say yes to an offer) does show up on your file and might knock a few points off temporarily. That’s exactly why our eligibility checker is so brilliant – you can see your real chances without any risk.

  • We need to be honest here – guaranteed loans for bad credit and 100% loan approval promises are actually illegal. Since 2015, the FCA says all lenders must check you can afford to repay (it’s for your own protection). Anyone promising bad credit loans guaranteed approval is either trying to scam you or they’re a dodgy lender. But here’s the good news – with our 89% approval rate, most people looking for “guaranteed” loans do get the money they need. We just can’t promise everyone will.

  • Really, really quickly! Our fast loans with bad credit live up to their name: you’ll get a decision in 3 minutes, and if approved, 83% of customers have their cash within 15 minutes. We’re here 24/7, even weekends and bank holidays. The best bit? It doesn’t matter if you have excellent credit or very bad credit – the speed’s the same for everyone. Have a look at our same-day loans and instant loans guides for more.

  • Let’s talk real money, not confusing APRs. Our poor credit loans have APRs from 9.3% to 1,721% (representative 89% APR) – but that’s not what you actually pay. Here’s what you really pay: Borrow £500 for 6 months = £125 interest (so £625 total). Borrow £1,000 for 12 months = £150 interest (£1,150 total). And thanks to FCA rules, you’ll NEVER pay back more than double what you borrow – that’s the law. Looking for low apr loans for bad credit? Pick a shorter term to pay less interest overall. Try our calculator to see your exact costs.

  • Of course! Our small loans bad credit start from just £100 – perfect for those smaller emergencies. Popular amounts are £100 loans, £200 loans, and £500 loans. Even with these smaller amounts, you can spread the cost over 3 to 36 months. Borrowing less means you’ll pay less interest, plus successfully paying it back helps rebuild your credit score. Win-win!

  • Yes, definitely. Lots of our lenders are happy to accept benefits as income for loans with poor credit. As long as your total income (including Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, Child Benefit, or Tax Credits) adds up to £500 or more each month, you can apply. The lenders understand how benefits work and can match your repayment dates to when you get paid. Check out our loans on benefits guide for all the details.

  • Nope! All our loans for bad credit are unsecured with no guarantor needed. We look at whether you can afford to repay, not whether you can rope someone else in. Your home, your car, and your relationships all stay completely out of it. Want to know more? Have a look at our no guarantor loans guide.

  • For bad credit loans UK applications, you’ll need a few bits and pieces: some ID (passport or driving licence), bank statements (usually the last 3 months), proof of where you live (like a utility bill), and proof of income (payslips or benefit letters). The good news? Most lenders now use Open Banking, which means they can check everything instantly online. Just have your online banking login details handy and you’re sorted.

  • Technically yes, but here’s the thing – responsible lenders for bad credit will check what else you’re paying. If you’ve already got several loans on the go, it might be a sign you need help with debt rather than another loan. If that sounds like you, think about consolidating your debts or getting free advice from the lovely people at StepChange (0800 138 1111).

  • It really can! Successfully paying back personal loans for bad credit shows future lenders you can be trusted. Every payment you make on time gets reported to the credit agencies, and lots of our customers see their scores go up by 50-100 points over a year. Just make sure you never miss a payment – that would knock your score back down again.

  • The FCA stepped in back in 2015 and changed everything for the better. Now, all bad credit loans UK borrowers are protected by strict rules: interest is capped at 0.8% per day, default fees can’t be more than £15 total (even if you miss several payments), and you’ll never pay back more than double what you borrowed. Every single lender we work with is FCA authorised – you can check any lender yourself at register.fca.org.uk. Our reference number is 821471.

  • Well, here’s the thing about bank loan bad credit options – they barely exist. Most banks want credit scores over 650, which rules out a lot of people. But through Sunny? You get your application sent to 30+ specialist lenders with one form, an 89% approval rate (versus 23% going direct), a soft search that protects your credit score, results in just 3 minutes, and it doesn’t cost you a penny. We’re especially good at finding very bad credit loans when the banks have already said no.

  • First thing – don’t panic! Call your lender straight away. They have to help you by law and they’ve got options like payment holidays, reducing your payments, or giving you more time. The most they can charge for a missed payment is £15 total. You might also qualify for ‘Breathing Space‘ which gives you 60 days’ protection while you sort things out. Whatever you do, don’t just ignore it – that always makes things worse. If you’re struggling regularly, the brilliant people at National Debtline (0808 808 4000) can help for free.

  • Absolutely! There are never, ever any penalties for paying off early. Clear your low credit loans whenever you want and you’ll save money on interest – you only pay for the days you actually have the loan. Pay off a 12-month loan after 6 months and you’ll save about 40% on interest. Nice!

  • Completely safe, as long as you stick with FCA-regulated lenders (which all of ours are). Since the 2015 regulations, finance for bad credit is strictly controlled and much safer than it used to be. Your data’s protected with bank-level encryption and GDPR rules. You get a 14-day cooling-off period to change your mind, proper complaints procedures if something goes wrong, and access to the Financial Ombudsman if needed. Just steer clear of any lender that’s not on the FCA register and you’ll be fine.

  • No credit history often gets treated like bad credit, but don’t worry – we can still help. Our loans for low credit scores include people who are borrowing for the first time. Lenders will look more at things like your income, whether you’ve got a job, and how well you manage your bank account. Starting with one of our small loans bad credit amounts is a great way to begin building your credit profile.

  • Yes! Our unsecured loans for bad credit can be used for anything legal – emergencies, car repairs, bills, even a holiday if that’s what you need. Common reasons people borrow include car finance, home improvements, weddings, and consolidating other debts. You don’t have to tell us why you need it – it’s your money to use how you need.

More About Bad Credit Loans: When Banks Say No, We Say Yes

Life doesn’t wait for perfect credit scores. When your boiler packs up in January, your car fails its MOT, or the washing machine floods the kitchen, you need help now – not a lecture about your credit history. That’s exactly what bad credit loans are for. While banks might turn you away, our panel of specialist lenders understand that past financial troubles don’t define your ability to repay today.

Yes, the interest rates are higher than standard loans (89%-1,721% APR) – but here’s what really matters: borrow £500 for 6 months and you’ll pay about £125 in interest. That’s your actual cost. Plus, FCA rules mean you’ll never pay back more than double what you borrow, no matter what happens.

Here’s the brilliant bit – successfully repaying your loans for bad credit actually helps rebuild your credit score. Every on-time payment gets reported to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. We’ve seen customers improve their scores by 50-100 points over 12 months, opening doors to better rates in future.

These are short-term solutions for life’s emergencies, not for ongoing money troubles. If you’re borrowing to pay other debts or struggling to make ends meet, please get free advice from StepChange (0800 138 1111) first. They’re brilliant and won’t judge. Remember: only borrow what you need and can afford to repay.

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Eligibility for bad credit loans

To apply for a bad credit loan in the UK, you must meet a number of criteria. For example, you will need to be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the UK. You must also not be bankrupt, and be able to show you have a steady income and access to a bank account. Remember, you will also undergo a credit and affordability check as part of your application for a bad credit loan.

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How a Sunny loan can help

Here at Sunny, our aim is to help you tackle unexpected expenses quickly so that you can get back to the important things in life. That’s why we believe bad credit loans may be the best choice for those who need credit now, and have been turned away by their bank or other credit providers. When you apply through Sunny, you also enjoy the following benefits.

Get the quick loan you need, in minutes

Apply for a loan and receive an instant decision, even with bad credit. You could receive your cash today#.

We never charge fees

You don’t need to worry about those extra fees. There are absolutely no application fees and no admin fees.

Save on interest if you repay early

With most loan providers, you can pay early and save on interest. Plus, it’s easy to manage your account online to stay on top of your upcoming payments, and even pay a bit extra or early.

Got everything you need?

Feel like you have a good understanding of how bad credit can affect your loan application? If you feel confident you will be accepted, then hit the apply now button below and receive an instant decision. If a lender approves your loan, you could have the money in your account today#.

Apply today

Representative 89% APR