Essentials
Core information about loan applications, contracts, rights and financial management. Articles cover legal protections, interest calculations and dealing with debt problems.
Advice When Applying for a Loan
Get the key steps you need to take before applying for a personal loan and avoid costly mistakes.
Calculating Annual Percentage Rates
Understanding APR helps you compare loan costs, but watch out for hidden fees that can significantly increase what you actually pay.
Choosing Between a Credit Card or a Loan
Credit cards often come with higher interest rates than loans, so compare APR and your ability to pay off debt before choosing between them.
Credit Ratings and How They Can Affect Loans
Your credit rating directly impacts whether lenders will approve your loan application and what terms you'll get.
Debt Consolidation Do's and Don'ts
Debt consolidation can backfire—here's what to do and avoid to make it actually work for your money.
Financial Bodies That Can Help with Problems
Contact free financial dispute resolution agencies when your lender won't help fix loan problems or billing errors.
Finding Interest Free Loans
Interest free loans can save you money if you stick to payments, but missing one triggers high fees backdated to when you borrowed.
Five Ways to Reduce Your Borrowing Costs
Cut your borrowing costs by lowering interest rates, ditching expensive payment protection insurance, and using debt repayment techniques.
Loan Applications and Personal Information
Lenders need your personal details to verify your identity and assess credit risk, so understand what information they'll ask for before applying.
Loan Contracts and the Small Print
Missing the small print on loan contracts can cost you hundreds in hidden charges and surprise fees.
Loan Incentives You May Be Offered
Banks offer loan incentives like low rates and cash bonuses to win your business, but focus on the total cost before you decide.
Loan Offers to Look Out for
Comparing loan offers and understanding interest rates helps you avoid overpaying and find the deal that actually works for your situation.
Loans and Borrowing: Facts and Figures
Most Britons carry around £33,000 in debt, with key figures on credit cards, mortgages and personal borrowing habits.
Managing Your Loans
Set up direct debits and time your loan payments right after payday to avoid missed payments and spiraling charges.
Should You Ever Co-sign a Loan Agreement
Co-signing a loan puts you on the hook financially if the borrower stops paying, and it can hurt your own ability to borrow money.
Supermarkets: The Cheapest Loans on the Market?
Supermarket loans offer low rates, but they're not always the cheapest option available compared to traditional lenders.
Take Our Loans and Borrowing Questionnaire
Answer six quick questions about your borrowing habits to see if your debt levels are becoming a real problem.
The Consumer Credit Act and Your Rights
Know what the Consumer Credit Act 1974 protects you from when borrowing money and what to do if lender disputes arise.
The Pros and Cons of Using an Online Lender
Online lenders often charge lower rates due to reduced costs, but eligibility requirements and varying interest rates mean you should compare options carefully.