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Loans for bad credit

Looking for a personal loan? Our quick eligibility checker won't affect your credit score, and we assess every application individually - even if you think you have bad credit.

  1. Getting a quote won’t impact your credit score

  2. Link your bank account for a fuller financial picture

  3. Borrow £1,000 - £25,000

  4. Most customers get their loan in less than an hour

Assumed borrowing of £7,500 over 36 months at 32.5% APR representative. Monthly cost of £312.15. Total amount repayable of £11,237.40. Interest rate of 27.0% p.a. (fixed) and total fees of £440.00. From 8.1% to 49.9% APR. £1,000-25,000 over 1-5 years available.

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Illustration showing a credit score increasing with responsible measures being taken

What is a loan for bad credit?

So-called “bad credit loans” are just like regular unsecured personal loans, but they’re specifically marketed to borrowers with poor credit scores who may not have access to mainstream lenders and rates. 

At Zable, we believe every customer deserves individual consideration. We take a broad view of your financial situation, considering your income, spending patterns, and current circumstances - not just your credit history.

Whether you have excellent credit, a few missed payments, or are rebuilding after financial difficulties, we assess each application individually. This approach means we can offer competitive rates to a wider range of customers, with APRs from 8.1% to 49.9% depending on your personal circumstances.

Illustration showing the process of getting accepted for a loan with bad credit

How to get accepted for a loan with bad credit

Getting a loan, even if you think you have bad credit, can be straightforward with Zable.

  1. Use our online eligibility checker

    See if you're likely to be approved without affecting your credit score.

  2. Link your bank account

    We might ask you to link your main bank account in the Zable app to help with our checks.

  3. Customise your loan

    Select a loan amount and term that suits you.

  4. Tell us where to send the funds

    Most customers get their loans in less than an hour.

Apply online
Illustration showing the process of getting accepted for a loan with bad credit

What kind of loan are you looking for?

Personal Loans

Our unsecured loans range from £1,000 to £25,000 with repayment terms from 1 to 5 years. We offer competitive rates based on your individual circumstances, not just your credit history.

Short-Term Loans

If you're looking for short-term payday loans, Zable probably isn't for you. As a fair and responsible lender, our repayment terms start at 1 year with lower interest rates than short-term high-cost providers. 

Same Day Loans

For urgent expenses, our same day loans can provide funds in as little as hours after approval, directly to your bank account.

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Why choose Zable for your loan?

  1. Transparent

    What you see is what you pay

  2. Personalised interest rates

    Based on your circumstances

  3. Fast decisions

    Get a quote in minutes online with our simple form

  4. Same-day funds possible

    Most customers have their funds in less than an hour

Apply online
Illustration showing characters around a successful loan quote interface

What is considered a good credit score?

A strong credit score is essential for securing credit with favourable terms. To increase your chances of approval and to obtain better interest rates, it's important to maintain a good or excellent credit rating.

Different lenders may have varying thresholds for what they consider to be a good or excellent credit score, based on their scoring model. Simply put, having a high credit score means you demonstrate to the lender you are a low-risk borrower, whereas having a low credit score may make it more difficult to get approved for new credit.

Typically, credit scoring ranges are categorised as follows:

Customers in this range may find it difficult to get approved for new credit. You will likely need to take steps to improve your credit score to borrow money.

Individuals in this category may also find it tough to get credit as lenders can view them as 'high-risk'.

Customers with a Good credit score are often considered as 'low-risk borrowers' and should be able to obtain credit, though perhaps not on as favourable terms as those at higher levels.

Individuals with a credit score in this range can expect to be trusted by lenders.

This range is the most favourable to lenders and you should have an easier time securing credit on good terms than borrowers with lower scores.

How to improve a bad credit rating

If you are wondering how you can build your credit score, below are some of the simple steps you can follow to improve your credit rating:

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Check your credit score regularly

To ensure your details are up to date and to keep on top of any potential errors, make sure you check your credit report often. Even something as small as a mistake in your address can harm future applications for credit.

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Watch your credit usage

Using up a large amount of your available credit limit on your pre-existing credit cards can also result in a bad credit score.

To prove to lenders that you are a responsible borrower, try to avoid maxing out your credit limits and, where possible, pay off the balance in full as often as you can.

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Pay your bills on time

It may seem obvious but making sure you pay your bills on time is one of the simplest ways you can ensure your credit score isn't negatively affected.

Missing or making late payments can seriously impact your credit rating. To ensure this doesn't happen, set up direct debits so that you pay your monthly utility bills on time.

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Limit enquiries for new credit

Applying for multiple loans or other financial products in a short space of time can quickly hurt your credit score.

When you apply for credit, some lenders could perform a 'hard search', which appears on your credit report and in turn lowers your credit score. With Zable, you can check if you’ll be accepted without affecting your credit score. We won’t perform a hard search until you accept a quote.

How can I apply for a personal loan with Zable?

Applying for a personal loan with us couldn't be simpler with our app. Follow the steps below to apply for a loan in minutes:

  1. Check your eligibility in the Zable app or online

  2. Let us know how much you would like to borrow and for how long

  3. Add your personal information such as your income, address and employment details

  4. Get your personalised loan offer

Still got questions? Let's see if we can help...

Apply online to see if you’re eligible. We assess each application individually, considering your current financial situation alongside your credit history. Complete our simple online application form to see if you're eligible, without affecting your credit score.

We offer loans between £1,000 and £25,000 with repayment terms of one to five years, depending on your income, existing commitments, and personal circumstances. Our loan calculator can help you find an amount that's affordable for your situation.

Our initial eligibility check won't affect your score as we use a "soft search." Only when you proceed with a full application will a "hard search" be recorded on your credit file.

We consider applications from people with various credit histories, including those with CCJs. The loan amount and rate will depend on your overall financial picture and current circumstances.

Yes, as a responsible lender, we always conduct credit checks. However, we consider factors beyond just your credit score, such as your income and current financial situation.

If you have difficulties making repayments, contact us immediately. We can work with you to find solutions that help you manage your loan effectively.

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Customer story: Rebuilding credit with Zable

After becoming a victim of serious identity theft, one customer-to-be saw their perfect credit history vanish overnight. Despite never missing payments on mortgages or car finance, traditional banks suddenly viewed them as a risk.

When no one else would help, Zable stepped in. Their straightforward app and exceptional customer service provided the lifeline this customer desperately needed to rebuild their credit score.

"The financial system is broken," the customer explains. "As a victim of ID theft, you're treated as a threat by the very institutions that should help you recover." They even struggled to get utilities to allow them to pay monthly.

Thanks to Zable taking a chance, this customer is no longer forced to use expensive prepaid utilities. Their credit file is already showing improvement, allowing access to standard rates for essential services like gas and electricity.

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Ready to apply?

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