Thinking about car finance, but worried your bad credit will hold you back? With carloans 365, you can get a decision in minutes through our specialist bad credit car finance service. Whether you've had CCJs, defaults, missed payments, or your credit score isn't where you'd like it to be, we'll help you explore finance options tailored to your circumstances.

Rather than relying on your credit score alone, we work with a panel of specialist UK lenders who consider the bigger picture, including your income, affordability and current financial situation. That means you may still have finance options available, even if you've been declined elsewhere.

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✔ Soft credit search ✔ No obligation quote ✔ FCA regulated ✔ UK lender panel ✔ Fixed monthly repayments

Can I Get Car Finance with Bad Credit?

Short answer: yes, it's possible, and more common than you'd think.

A low credit score, missed payments, defaults or even a CCJ doesn't automatically rule you out. We work with a panel of specialist lenders who look beyond your credit score and assess your current circumstances, including your income and affordability.

That said, we won't promise you'll be approved. No lender can honestly guarantee acceptance, and anyone who does isn't being straight with you. What we can promise is that we'll assess what's realistically available based on your circumstances, with no pressure and no obligation to proceed.

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How Bad Credit Car Finance Works

Getting started is simpler than most people expect.

1. Complete a quick online application

Apply in just a few minutes from your phone, tablet or computer.

2. We run a soft credit search

Where available, we'll check your eligibility using a soft credit search, allowing you to explore your options without affecting your credit score. A hard credit search is usually only carried out if you decide to proceed with a formal finance application.

3. Specialist lenders review affordability

Rather than focusing solely on your credit history, lenders also consider your income, employment and monthly financial commitments to determine what you can comfortably afford.

4. Receive your available finance options

If finance is available, we'll show you the options that best suit your circumstances, clearly explained and free from unnecessary jargon.

5. Choose your car and complete your agreement

Complete your paperwork online and get ready to collect your new vehicle.

We May Be Able to Help If You Have

• Poor Credit Score
• CCJs
• Defaults
• Missed Payments
• IVA
• Debt Management Plan
• Bankruptcy (where eligible)
• Little or No Credit History

Every application is assessed individually, so these circumstances don't automatically prevent you from getting car finance.

Bad Credit Doesn't Always Mean No Car Finance

Many people assume a low credit score means they can't get car finance. In reality, your credit history is only one part of the lender's decision.

Lenders also consider:

• Your income: Stable earnings can strengthen your application.
• Employment history: Consistent employment may improve your options.
• A deposit: Even a small deposit can increase the finance options available.
• Your existing financial commitments: Lenders assess what you already pay each month.
• Affordability: Responsible lenders must ensure repayments are manageable based on your circumstances.

Previous credit issues may remain on your credit file for several years, but many specialist lenders focus just as much on your current financial position and whether repayments are affordable today.

We'll always be honest with you. Approval is never guaranteed, and any finance offered is subject to status and affordability.

Finance Options Available

Hire Purchase (HP)

Hire Purchase is one of the most popular options for customers with bad credit. You'll usually pay a deposit (where required), followed by fixed monthly repayments. Once you've made your final payment, the vehicle is yours.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

PCP often offers lower monthly repayments than HP because part of the vehicle's value is deferred until the end of the agreement. You can then choose to make the final payment, return the car or use any equity towards another vehicle.

No Deposit Car Finance

Depending on your circumstances, some lenders may offer no deposit car finance. Availability varies, so it's always worth checking your eligibility.

Can I Get Car Finance If I...

Have a CCJ?

Often, yes. Many specialist lenders will consider applications from customers with CCJs, particularly if they were registered some time ago or have since been satisfied.

Have an IVA?

Possibly. Some lenders consider applications from customers currently in an IVA, depending on individual circumstances.

Am Self-Employed?

Yes. You'll usually need to provide evidence of income, such as recent accounts or tax returns.

Receive Benefits?

Benefits may be considered as part of your overall income. Affordability will always be assessed before any finance is offered.

Am Unemployed?

Finance is generally more difficult without a regular income, but every application is considered individually.

Have Been Declined Before?

A previous decline doesn't necessarily mean another lender will reach the same decision. Different lenders use different criteria.

Have No Credit History?

No credit history isn't the same as bad credit. Some lenders specialise in helping customers who are new to credit.

Improve Your Chances of Approval

A few simple steps may improve your chances of securing car finance:

• Check your eligibility using a soft credit search where available before making multiple applications.
• Choose a vehicle that comfortably fits your budget.
• Put down a deposit if you're able to.
• Keep existing credit commitments up to date.
• Avoid making several finance applications over a short period.
• Make sure all the information on your application is accurate and up to date.

Why Choose carloans 365?

At carloans 365, we specialise in helping drivers with bad credit find car finance that actually works for their circumstances. As FCA regulated specialists with access to a panel of trusted UK lenders, we're able to tailor finance options to your individual situation rather than offering a one-size-fits-all deal.

Our fast online application makes getting started simple, and wherever possible we use a soft credit search so checking your options won't affect your credit score. Every quote comes with no obligation, so you're free to explore what's available before deciding what's right for you. And with friendly, UK-based support on hand throughout, you're never left to navigate the process alone.

Ready to see what you could be approved for? Apply online in minutes and get your no-obligation quote today.

Find Out if You're Eligible Today

Complete our quick online application to check your eligibility using a soft credit search where available. It only takes a few minutes to see what car finance options may be available based on your circumstances, with no obligation to proceed.

Check Your Eligibility | Apply Now

More Guides

• The Complete Guide to Getting Car Finance with Bad Credit
• Car Finance for Bad Credit: What Are Your Options?
• 5 Myths About Car Finance with Bad Credit – Busted
• Top Tips for Getting Approved for Car Finance with Bad Credit
• The Pros and Cons of PCP vs HP for Bad Credit Borrowers
• How to Get Pre-Approved for Car Finance with Poor Credit