Bad Credit

Options for people with bad credit, how to understand your credit file, and realistic steps to improve your score over time.

⚠ Risk note

Bad credit products — including guarantor loans and high-rate loans — carry higher risk. Consider free debt help before applying if you are already struggling with repayments.

★ Start here

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Bad Credit Loans: A Plain-English Guide

A plain-English UK guide to borrowing options if you have a poor credit history. Covers what bad credit means, loan types, risks, and free help.

10 MIN →

Guides on this topic

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Bad Credit Loans: A Plain-English Guide

A plain-English UK guide to borrowing options if you have a poor credit history. Covers what bad credit means, loan types, risks, and free help.

10 MIN →

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Your Credit Report And Your Credit Score

A complete UK guide to your credit report and your credit score. Plain English, no affiliate links, no financial advice.

6 MIN →

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Guarantor Loans: What to Know Before You Apply

A plain-English UK guide to guarantor loans. Covers how they work, the risks for both borrower and guarantor, alternatives, and where to get free help.

7 MIN →

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Payday Loans: What You Need to Know

A plain-English guide to payday loans and high-cost short-term credit in the UK. Covers how they work, the risks, alternatives, and where to get free help.

7 MIN →

Related situations All situations →

I want to improve my credit score → I have bad credit → I've been refused credit →

Tools & calculators

Tool

Borrowing Affordability Checklist

A structured checklist to run through before applying for any loan — to make sure you have considered the risks.

Open →

Tool

Credit Score Improvement Plan

A personalised action plan to improve your UK credit score over 3–12 months.

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Key terms Full glossary →

CCJ (County Court Judgement) A court order issued in England and Wales when you fail to repay money you owe. A CCJ stay… Credit file (credit report) The record held by each credit reference agency of your borrowing and payment history. It … Credit score A number produced by a credit reference agency that summarises your credit history. Lender… Default A default is recorded when you fail to make repayments for a sustained period — typically … Hard search (hard credit check) A full credit check that leaves a record on your credit file visible to other lenders. Mul… Guarantor A person who agrees to repay a loan if the primary borrower fails to do so. Guarantor loan… Soft search (soft credit check) A credit check that doesn't leave a mark on your credit file visible to other lenders. Use…

Common questions

Can I get a loan with bad credit? +

Yes, but your options are more limited and rates will be higher. Guarantor loans, credit-builder products and credit unions are worth exploring before applying for high-rate loans.

Will applying for a loan make my credit score worse? +

A full credit application creates a hard search, which temporarily lowers your score. Use soft-search eligibility checkers before applying so you can see your chances without affecting your file.

How long does bad credit last? +

Most negative marks — including missed payments and defaults — stay on your credit file for six years. A CCJ also stays for six years. After that, your file is clean.

What is the difference between a soft search and a hard search? +

A soft search checks your credit file without leaving a mark visible to lenders. A hard search is recorded and lenders can see it. Always use soft-search tools first.

Struggling with debt? Free charities are ready to help.

These organisations offer free, confidential, impartial advice — no referral fee, no catch.

StepChange

Free debt advice charity

0800 138 1111

National Debtline

Free, independent debt advice

0808 808 4000

MoneyHelper

Free money guidance (govt-backed)

0800 011 3797