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

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 … Guarantor A person who agrees to repay a loan if the primary borrower fails to do so. Guarantor loan… Hard search (hard credit check) A full credit check that leaves a record on your credit file visible to other lenders. Mul… 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, with no referral fee and 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