Can I Get a Loan with Bad Credit?

Getting a loan with a poor credit score isn’t always simple. However, you can still get a loan for a variety of purposes, from everyday expenses to unexpected bills. Choosing the right lender and repaying your loan on time can not only help you access the funds you need but may also improve your credit score over time.

There are no hard credit checks until you apply, no hidden fees, and complete transparency every step of the way. A bad credit loan is designed for people who’ve had bumps in their credit journey. Maybe your credit score is low, or your history is short - either way, some lenders may still consider you.

What Is a Bad Credit Loan?

Bad credit loans in the UK are designed for people with a low credit score, previous missed payments, defaults or CCJs. While approval isn’t guaranteed, many lenders consider applications based on your current financial circumstances, not just your past credit history.

Loans for bad credit in the UK work the same as any other, but lenders may offer tighter limits or higher interest rates. You can explore loans for bad credit, no-guarantor loans, poor credit loans, and bad credit car loan options if you’re in the market for a motor.

How to Get a Loan with Bad Credit

Even with a low credit score, you may still be able to find a loan that's right for you:
  • Check your credit score: You can do so for free with CreditKnowledge.
  • Compare FCA-regulated lenders: See loans tailored for bad credit.
  • Borrow responsibly: Only take what you can afford to repay.
  • Apply online safely: Complete your application quickly and securely.
  • Smaller Loan: Going for a smaller amount can sometimes increase your chances of acceptance, and it keeps repayments more manageable.
Finding the right loan doesn’t have to be complicated. With our eligibility checker, you can quickly see which lenders are most likely to consider your application, understand the rates and repayment terms, and make an informed decision.

What is Classed as a Bad Credit Score?

Here’s how the main UK credit reference agencies break down their scoring ranges (as of February 2026):
Agency Bad / Poor Credit Fair / Moderate Good Excellent
Equifax 0–420 421–470 471–550 551–700
Experian 0–560 561–720 721–880 881–1250
TransUnion 0–550 551–624 625–699 700+
Lower scores may result in smaller loan amounts or higher rates.

Different agencies have different scoring ranges, so don’t worry if your number isn’t the same across them all.

What Can You Use a Bad Credit Loan For?

A bad credit loan can be used for most legal purposes. Common reasons people apply include covering urgent expenses, repairing essential items, consolidating debts, or spreading the cost of larger purchases into fixed monthly repayments. Before applying, review your budget carefully.
When comparing bad credit lenders in the UK, check the representative APR, total repayable amount and repayment term to understand the full cost of borrowing. Missing payments may negatively impact your credit file and make future borrowing more difficult. All loans are subject to status and affordability checks.

Pros and Cons of Bad Credit Loans

If you’re considering applying for a bad credit loan, it’s important to understand both the potential benefits and the risks before making a decision. While these loans can provide access to funds for people with a low credit score, they may also come with higher interest rates and stricter terms compared to standard personal loans. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages can help you decide whether this type of borrowing is suitable for your situation.
Advantages Disadvantages
Access funds when traditional lenders decline Higher interest rates
Can cover urgent expenses Smaller loan amounts
Timely repayments may help improve your credit score Risk of a debt cycle if repayments are missed


Important Information


  • All loans are subject to status and affordability checks
  • Rates vary depending on individual circumstances
  • Not all applicants will receive the representative APR
  • Late repayments can cause serious money problems.
  • Consider seeking independent financial advice if unsure about borrowing

Borrowing should only be considered if repayments are affordable and sustainable.
Please note that not all applicants will qualify for a loan. We provide a free loan comparison service and act as a credit broker, not a lender. We may receive commission or other fees from lenders if you take out a product through our service. Some lenders will only consider applicants who are UK homeowners, and not all lenders offer the full range of loan amounts or terms shown. If you consolidate your existing borrowing, you may be extending the term and increasing the total amount you repay.
You can check your eligibility with no impact on your score. Only once you decide to proceed with a specific finance option will a hard credit check be conducted, which may affect your credit score.

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

Stay Safe from Financial Scams

Some scammers use well-known brands to trick people into giving money or personal financial information, often by offering fake loans with attractive interest rates. The most effective way to protect yourself is to report these scams.
  • If you suspect a fraudster has contacted you, stop all communication immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
  • If someone is pretending to be CreditKnowledge, get in touch with our customer services team.
  • Be cautious if you are asked to pay an upfront fee for a loan — this is almost always a scam.

For advice, you can also call Action Fraud on 0300 123 20240.