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Loans guides

We have scrutinized loans to explain how to reclaim PPI charges, the difference between secured and unsecured loans, business loans and essential top tips you must read before you borrow.

What is a credit record?

It is a record of your financial history, including details of when you have borrowed money and the repayments you have made. Here is what else it shows.

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The fastest way to get a loan

We look at your options for getting cash fast if you have an unexpected emergency that requires money you don’t have.

Taking on £50,000 in student debt might seem daunting, but the headline figure has nothing to do with what you’ll eventually repay. Here we explain why student loans are usually the cheapest way to fund university or college

What different types of loans can you get

We look at your options when you need to get a loan to help you get the best and cheapest one for you.

How to consolidate debts with a loan

If you’re paying off multiple debts, you could move them all into one loan to simplify your payments and potentially save money. We look at how it works.

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How to pay off a loan

Before applying for a loan, it’s important to ensure you can afford to repay the amount you want to borrow. Find out more in our guide.

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How much do student loans cost?

Student loans are the best way to pay for further education for almost everyone – but how much will they cost you? Here we explain what you’ll have to repay.

Do you homework with our guide to all the different types of student loans, grants and bursaries.

All the different types of student loans, grants and bursaries explained

From tuition fees to maintenance payments, we explain all the different types of student finance on offer and who can access them.

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How big a loan can you get

Find out how much money you can borrow and what determines the size of your loan offer.

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What is the easiest personal loan to get approved for

If you’re looking for a personal loan but are concerned about whether you’ll be accepted, our guide can help you learn what lenders are looking for and how to find the easiest to be approved for.

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What’s the maximum you can borrow with a student loan?

Student loans are the most cost-effective way to pay for university for almost everyone, but how much can you borrow? Here we explain everything you need to know.

What to do next if you are refused a loan

Finding out you have been rejected for a loan can be hard to take, especially if you are in financial difficulty. This guide will explain what you can do next.

Can you get a loan if you are unemployed?

If you are not in regular employment, you will struggle to get a standard loan from a high street lender. A specialist lender may be able to help you, but borrowing may come with higher costs.

Loans for Peer to peer lending August 2022

Peer to peer lending is also known as P2P or crowdfunding. It matches savers wanting a high return with borrowers needing a low interest rate. Peer to peer is closer to investing than it is to saving.

Can you still get a loan if you're retiring?

Yes, you can still apply for a loan when you retire, but there are several factors you should consider before you do.

Can you borrow money for someone else?

While it's possible to take out a loan on someone else's behalf, it carries a lot of risk. Make sure the person you are borrowing for can afford to repay you, or you could be saddled with an unwanted debt.

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Should you consolidate your debts?

If you are struggling to keep up with your loan payments, consolidating your debts could help you take back control. Here is how it works and when you should do it.

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How to apply for a loan

You can apply for a loan online, by phone, by post or in branch, depending on the lender. Here's how the loan application process works and what you need to do.

What type of loan is right for you?

Picking the right type of loan could make your borrowing cheaper, easier to manage and lower risk. Here is how to choose the right type of loan for your needs.

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How to borrow money with bad credit

You can get a personal loan with bad credit, but the rates will likely be high. It can be harder to get a loan with bad credit, and it may be worth trying to improve your score before you apply for a loan.

What loans can you apply for when you're self employed?

Getting a loan when you're self-employed can be tricky. But there are still plenty of options. Here's what you need to know to get a loan when you're self-employed.

What is a bridging loan?

A bridging loan could help you buy a property while you wait for the sale of your existing home.

How to get a business loan

If you want to take your business to the next level but don’t have the funds to do so, you could consider getting a business loan.

Find out how to get a business loan

Why you should avoid payday loans

Payday loans are a way to get cash fast, but they can be financially dangerous. Here are some alternatives to pay day loans, and what to do if you're struggling to repay a payday loan.

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What happens if you are unable to pay back your loan?

When you miss a payment on your loan, you'll be charged a fee. You may be issued with a County Court Judgement or have to declare yourself bankrupt if you continue to miss payments.

What to expect if you can't payback your loan

How your credit record affects the loan you get

Your credit record has a big impact on the type of loan you can get and how much it will cost. Here is how your credit history affects your loan application and what you can do about it.

Find out more about loans and your credit record

How to get a guarantor loan

Asking a friend or family member to be a guarantor could help you get the loan you need. Here is how guarantor loans work and everything you need to know about them.

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How to manage your loan

Keeping a check on your landline tariff can help you save money and quickly resolve problems with your phone company. Here is how to manage your landline service.

A beginner's guide to loans

Exactly what is a loan? What can you use it for and how do you get one? Find answers to all your questions about loans here.

What you need to know about loans

Should you be a guarantor for a loan?

A guarantor helps someone get a loan by agreeing to pay it back if they can’t. Here are the risks you need to consider when deciding whether to become one.

4 ways to borrow a small amount of money

Sometimes borrowing a small amount can be trickier or more expensive than taking out a larger loan. Here are some of the cheapest ways to borrow if you only need a small sum.

How borrowing could boost your business

With the right type of borrowing you could pursue business opportunities that would otherwise pass you by, here's how.

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What are secured and unsecured loans?

Finding the best loan is not just about getting the cheapest rate, you need to pick between a secured and unsecured loan too. Here is how they work and how to choose the right one.

How do business loans work?

If you need funds to help your business grow or expand, a business loan could offer the solution you need. Here is how they work and how to get the right loan for your business.

9 Top tips for the best deal on a personal loan

Yes, you can still apply for a loan when you retire, but there are several factors you should consider before you do.

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6 easy ways to get finance for your business

If you want your business to grow and reach new heights you may need to borrow money. Here is a closer look at your different business finance options.

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What is a homeowner loan?

You could use your property to help you borrow money with a homeowner loan. Here is how they work and what you need to consider before getting one.

What is interest?

Borrowing costs money. A lender will usually charge a borrower a percentage of the money lent, rather than a flat fee. This is called interest. This guide covers the basics of how interest works, what it is and what it means for your finances.

Should you borrow against your home?

Should you borrow against your house? Find out if taking out a secured loan against your home is sensible or something to avoid.