Short term loans with bad credit

If you’re looking for a bad credit short-term loan, Growing Power could help you search.

What is a short-term loan?

A short-term loan is a type of borrowing, and typically works a little like this:

1. You apply to borrow a set amount of money from a lender.
2. If your application is approved, the lender will send the funds to your bank account.
3. You can use the money to fund an emergency expense, such as a broken boiler or urgent car repairs.
4. You’ll repay the money, plus interest, in monthly instalments until your repayment term comes to an end.

What’s a bad credit short-term loan?

If you have bad credit, you might worry that your application for a loan will automatically be turned down, but this isn’t necessarily the case. There are a number of UK-based lenders, including several on the Growing Power panel, who specialise in short-term loans for people with bad credit.

As the name suggests, a bad credit short-term loan is a type of loan designed for people with a history of poor credit who might otherwise struggle to get approved.

Can I apply for a bad credit short-term loan?

It could be possible for you to get a bad credit short-term loan, although you should think very carefully before you decide whether to apply.
A bad credit loan could come with a higher rate of interest, and this will increase the overall cost of borrowing.

Sometimes, having bad credit could also prevent you from being approved to borrow the amount of money that you need, and you might have to settle for a lower sum.

Could I get a bad credit short-term loan without a credit check?

When you apply for a loan with a responsible lender, they will carry out a creditworthiness assessment. These checks fall in line with regulations set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are in place to protect you and ensure that you’re able to afford the money you’re applying to borrow.

A creditworthiness assessment will include a hard search or Open Banking. Please be aware that a hard search will remain on your credit file for up to 12 months.

You cannot avoid a creditworthiness assessment.

What is Open Banking, and is it safe?

Open Banking is a safe and secure procedure that allows an authorised third party, such as a lender, to access your online bank account and view your recent financial activity. This may help to provide a more current overview of your financial situation, rather than relying on your credit score alone.
Your chosen third party cannot access your account without your consent, and this can be withdrawn at any point.

How could Growing Power help me look for a bad credit short-term loan?

Growing Power is a credit broker, and we work with a large panel of lenders, all of whom are authorised and regulated by the FCA.
Using a credit broker, like Growing Power, could save you time. Rather than you guessing which lender could be suitable for you, Growing Power can scan a panel of multiple lenders at the same time, without harming your credit score.*

Here’s how it works:

1. Fill out our online form and provide us with some key information, including your employment status, income, how much money you need, and how long you’d like to borrow it for.


2. We’ll run a soft search with no impact to your credit score and scan our panel of lenders.


3. If you’re matched with a loan, you can decide whether you’d like to make a full application directly with the lender. Please note that being matched with a lender doesn’t guarantee acceptance.


4. Should you wish to go ahead with the loan, the lender will carry out a creditworthiness assessment, which will include a hard search or Open Banking.


5. If you pass the creditworthiness assessment, the lender will officially offer you the loan and let you know when your money could be sent.

Good to know: you’ll be sent a credit agreement, which will include the terms and conditions of the loan, as well as your repayment schedule. You should make sure that you’re happy with everything before choosing whether to sign and return.

Who can search for a bad credit short-term loan with Growing Power?

You can use Growing Power to help you search for a bad credit short-term loan if you:

• Are over the age of 18;
• Are a UK resident;
• Have a UK bank account and valid debit card; and
• Have a regular source of income paid into your bank account.

Short-term bad credit loans: how much money could I borrow?

With Growing Power, you can search for a short-term bad credit loan between £100 and £10,000. The lenders on our panel make it possible to repay your loan across a term of 3 to 60 months, depending on the amount of money you apply to borrow.

Could I get a bad credit short-term loan today?

Some of the lenders on the Growing Power panel could send your funds on the same day as your application is approved, although please bear in mind that the time it takes for the money to appear in your account will depend on your bank’s policies and procedures.

I can’t afford my short-term loan repayments; what can I do?

Your financial situation could change during the course of your repayment term, and this may be for reasons completely out of your control. This situation can feel really scary, but reaching out and asking for help is an important first step.
If you’re struggling to repay your loan, you should contact your lender as soon as you can. They will listen to your situation with empathy and work with you to put a plan in place moving forwards.

I’m worried about money; is there anyone who can help me?

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your finances, please know that you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are many charities and organisations who can offer you advice and support on a range of financial topics, including the cost-of-living and debt management. These organisations include: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.

*If our soft search reveals that you’ve been matched with a loan and you choose to make a full application, the lender will carry out a creditworthiness assessment. As discussed, this could include a hard search. Please be mindful that a hard search will be visible on your credit file for up to 12 months, and undergoing multiple hard searches within a short period of time will have a negative impact on your credit score.