>
Loans>
Guides

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 Does Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) Mean?

The annual percentage rate of charge is a useful tool for comparing mortgage and loan products. Here’s how to use it effectively.

Paper houses, a magnifying glass and a calculator on a table looking down from above.

What Is A Homeowner Loan?

A homeowner loan lets you borrow money against the value of a house or flat you own. Find out if a homeowner loan is right for you with our quick guide.

How to Spot Loan Scams and Avoid Them

Discover what loan fraud is and how to protect yourself against loan scams.

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.

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.

hand writing notes and using a calculator

How to Apply for a Loan

Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to boost your chances of being approved for a loan.

How To Reduce Your Loan Repayments

Take control of your outstanding debts by reducing the monthly costs of unsecured loan repayments.

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

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

Getting a loan when you are self-employed can be harder, but it’s not impossible. Here's everything you need to know including which options are available and how to maximise your chances.

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.

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.

Two happy and smiling young woman florist working together in flower shop.

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.

Why the Bank of England keeps raising rates

We thought this might be the one, the first time since 2021, that the Bank of England didn’t raise interest rates. It wasn’t.

And when will it stop

A picture of two credit cards on top of a laptop keyboard

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.

Student sitting cross legged with her laptop.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The word loan is spelt over four wooden blocs, with two male figurines placed next to them.

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.

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