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A Guide to Buying Your First Car on Finance

Man holding keys after buying first car on finance

Alongside graduating from school, college or university, starting work and moving out (bye-bye parents, hello freedom), buying a car is a pivotal moment for any young person. However, without the bank of mum and dad, many struggle to afford the lump sum payment, which is why car finance is an attractive and realistic option.

In this short guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about buying your first car on finance, from improving your credit score and setting budgets to securing the best possible deals. While we’ve tailored this guide mostly to young first-time buyers, the advice given applies to anyone searching for a more affordable way to get on the road.

What is car finance?

Car finance is an accessible means of owning the car of your dreams. Instead of covering the full cost upfront, you can spread payments over several months or years in reasonable, bite-sized chunks.

A personal contract purchase (PCP) is a popular way of financing a car. Agreements often last between three to five years, and at the end you can either make a final payment to keep the vehicle, return it or use the resale value towards buying something brand-new.

You can also opt for Hire Purchase (HP) if you prefer the idea of owning the car at the end of the agreement without needing to pay a final lump sum payment.

To secure a finance agreement, you’ll have to pass a credit check and lender criteria and it helps to make a small deposit upfront (usually 10% of the car’s total cost).

How to improve your credit score

Before lenders consider your application, they’ll undertake a thorough credit check to assess your potential risk. The overall score determines who qualifies for a loan, the amount you can borrow, interest rates and credit limits. 

To ensure you’re in the best position possible, you’ll need some active credit history to show you can manage money responsibly (this is especially important for students without full-time employment). Below are three simple ways you can improve your score and bolster your chances of securing finance.

Check you’re on the electoral roll

Lenders check whether you’re on the electoral roll to protect themselves against fraud. If you’re a student, you can register at your home address or student address.

Apply for a credit card and use it sensibly

Using a credit card is the easiest way to show lenders you can keep track of your outgoings. However, if you’re worried about debt or have a low credit rating, a prepaid card is an alternative option, working similarly to a pay-as-you-go mobile capping your spending. Students may also be eligible for a student credit card with a low credit limit. 

Mobile phone contract 

If you’ve never had credit, a mobile phone contract is a simple way of improving your score. They work much the same as repaying car finance, albeit on a much smaller scale, demonstrating your ability to meet monthly repayments.

Four things to do before buying your first car on finance

Set your budget and plan for additional costs

The most crucial part of buying any car is setting a budget and sticking to it, no matter how tempting a set of shiny new wheels might be. So, before entering a finance agreement, prepare to meet monthly repayments by choosing a realistic model. If possible, negotiate an arrangement that suits your income stream.

However, it’s not just the initial value of the car you must consider – plan for running and maintenance costs too. These include:

Car insurance (often more expensive for new and young drivers)
Fuel costs, especially if you plan to travel frequently
MOT tests, scheduled maintenance and repair costs
Road tax (there are a few exemptions)

If you’re not sure how much you can borrow, read this handy guide.

Decide whether you want a used or new car

When it comes to buying your first car, a key consideration is whether you should buy new or used. While the decision is ultimately personal, depending on your budget and immediate needs, consider the benefits of both routes before making a final decision.

The advantages of a used car include affordability (the initial price is often between 30-50% less, meaning lower monthly repayments), cheaper insurance (a massive incentive for new drivers who are already facing premiums) and discounted tax.

However, there’s more choice when buying a new car and improved safety features, such as automatic emergency brakes, adaptive cruise control and intelligent sensor systems that reduce collisions. Surprisingly, new models are also quite affordable thanks to the range of generous finance deals on offer.

Find a guarantor

If you’re a student, you’re still eligible to buy a new car on finance. Although, without a full-time income, lenders may need additional reassurance that you can meet monthly repayments. In these cases, a guarantor will help bolster your application.

A guarantor is usually a close friend or relative, with a good credit history, who agrees to continue repayments if you’re unable to make them. While they can’t take on the loan (it will always be in your name), they act as a safety net to mitigate risk.

Entering into a Guarantor Loan is a big responsibility for both parties. It is therefore important that you both understand your obligations, as well as the potential risks.

Double check the agreement before signing

You know how the saying goes – it’s better to be safe than sorry. With that in mind, double-check the terms and conditions of your finance agreement to avoid hidden charges and dubious stipulations.

Things to watch out for include:

Mileage caps which restrict the amount you can travel each year (exceeding the limit incurs charges anywhere between 3p to 70p per mile)
Late payment policies which penalise you for missing repayments
Damage charges and service requirements
“Free” insurance policies that sound too good to be true

Do you need help finding a finance agreement?

Buying your first car is nerve-wracking at the best of times without worrying about hefty upfront costs, which is why we aim to make the process as straightforward and affordable as possible with the best finance deals anywhere in the UK.

To learn more, call us on 01246 458 810 or drop us an email at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk – one of our friendly specialists will be in touch shortly. For additional information, you can also visit our website where we have hundreds of helpful blogs and articles to browse through.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

How to Get Car Finance for Students

young man and lady laughing while trying to find car finance for students

If you pass your driving test before or during university, you’ll be in the advantageous position of driving as a student. That means no more buses and trains to and from campus, home or your part-time job.

Whatever the case, having a trustworthy car is a huge benefit for students, but there's just one small hurdle to address – how do you pay for it? My Car Credit explores the ins and outs of securing car finance for students.

In reality, it’s difficult for most people to cover the costs of buying a car upfront, let alone for someone prioritising their studies. However, there’s no need to fret because your student status doesn’t exclude you from purchasing a car on finance. To qualify, you’re assessed the same way as everyone else – on credit history, income and risk.

1. Credit score

A credit score is a rating based on your financial history that helps lenders to determine who qualifies for a loan, the potential risk, interest rates and credit limits.

To ensure you’re in the best possible position to qualify for finance, you’ll need some active credit history to reassure companies you can manage your money responsibly. Below, we’ve listed three simple ways you can improve your standing with lenders.

Mobile phone contract

Most students already have mobile phones on contract but if you don’t, consider entering an agreement. They work much the same as repaying car finance, albeit on a much smaller level. Paying your monthly bills proves you’re able to budget your finances accordingly.

Student credit card

If you have a student bank account, you may be eligible for a student credit card with a low credit limit. If so, use this card to make small purchases, then settle the outstanding balance at the end of each month.

Electoral roll

Lenders check whether you’re on the electoral roll to protect themselves against fraud. If you’re a young student, your parents will probably have registered you at your home address. However, you can also re-register at your student address.

2. Income

To qualify for finance, you’ll have to prove you have some reliable means of income. To be clear, you cannot make repayments using your student loan. If you don’t have any income, you have to honestly assess if you can afford to buy a car in the first place.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a full-time or part-time job – what’s important is how much you earn. At My Car Credit, we consider applications from students who make around £1000 per month.

3. Guarantor or Joint Applicant

If you’re a parent, you might wonder if you can finance a car for your child. In a sense, you can – while your child will be responsible for making the agreed repayments, you can bolster their application by agreeing to be either a guarantor or by making a joint application.

A guarantor is usually a close relative, with a good credit history, who is prepared to back a loan by agreeing to continue payments if the recipient is unable to make them. They are not responsible for repaying the loan but act as a safety net to mitigate risk for lenders. However, the responsibility of being a guarantor should not be underestimated. Failure to make the monthly payments will mean that ultimately, both parties may find their credit profile affected.

A stronger option is via a joint application by both the student and a parent. This is a good solution where the student is on a good income but maybe has a weaker credit score. Again, there is a big responsibility that comes with this approach. It is therefore important to consider all options before entering into a car finance agreement.

How we can help

If you’re a student, you’re still eligible for car finance provided you have a credit history, some reliable income and, where necessary, a guarantor or joint applicant.

Our online application form doesn’t allow for adding in an additional person. Instead, to start your journey, speak to one of our team members by calling 01246 458 810 or emailing enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Car Finance: A Complete Guide

Will I Get Accepted for Car Finance?

Check for car finance without affecting your credit score

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

credit score guarantor joint application student car finance students

What is a Good Credit Score for Car Financing?

Finding your ideal set of wheels is only half the battle when it comes to securing car finance. In reality, the most crucial part of the process is getting a credit check so lenders can assess how likely you are to repay your loan.

The credit check will reveal your credit score – a rating based on financial history that helps lenders determine who qualifies for a loan, potential risk, interest rates and credit limits. So, what counts as a ‘good’ score?

What is a good credit score?

Having a good credit score increases the likelihood of securing a low-interest loan, meaning you pay less overall. In contrast, falling below the range makes it harder to find funding.

Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to provide a definitive answer or universal credit score as the key credit reference agencies (Call Credit, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) have independent scoring systems. Plus, most lenders adhere to internal guidelines.

However, a recent Experian report provides some clarity. According to their findings, in September 2019 the average credit score was 715 for a new car loan and 662 for a used car loan. Despite this, their website categorises someone as “good risk” if their score falls between 881-960. The contrast in figures suggests it’s relatively easy to obtain finance even if you fall below the desired limit.

The scores calculated by TransUnion and Equifax are more generous. TransUnion defines “good risk” as between 604-627 while Equifax goes even lower at 420-465.

Demystifying “credit history” and “credit report”

When you’re researching your credit score for car finance, some other terms you may come across are credit history and credit report. So, how do these relate to your credit score?

Firstly, your credit history is what credit reference agencies use to calculate your credit score. It includes credit utilisation, monthly repayments, bill payments and other financial factors.

This is compiled into a credit report, which includes your credit history alongside your debt to income ratio, address history and even whether you’re on the electoral roll.

Your credit report includes your credit score, which is generally what a finance company will use as eligibility criteria for a finance agreement.

Another term you might see is credit rating. This is simply another way of referring to your credit score.

How it affects your car finance application

Now onto the main point of interest – how do credit scores impact car finance deals? The answer is simply down to risk and reward.

Personal contract purchase, hire purchase and personal contract hire are all ways you can borrow money to finance a car. Credit scores from the main credit reference agencies are essentially a barometer of how reliable you are when you borrow money.

If you have a high credit score (good or excellent), it shows that you’re a reliable borrower that’s more likely to keep up with monthly payments. As a responsible borrower, you’re less of a risk for finance companies. This means you’ll likely meet the minimum credit score required to be approved for car finance. In many cases, it may also unlock the best car finance deals with lower interest rates.

On the flipside, a low credit score from a credit reference agency indicates bad credit history. This could impair your chances of being approved for car finance, but it’s not the only factor lenders take into consideration. While many lenders have a minimum credit score, different lenders will have their own criteria for drivers with a poor credit history.

You can increase your chances of success with a larger initial deposit, for example, or by finding the best deal for your circumstances with more favourable repayment terms. Smaller monthly instalments repaid over a longer term may be easier for you to keep up with, for example.

What does My Car Credit define as a “good” credit score?

If you use our free car finance calculator, you can select which credit profile best suits your circumstances. The information button defines each credit profile, with “good” described as:

You are on the electoral roll
You are a home owner or long standing tenant
You have a stable employment history
You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
You have no CCJs, which stands for county court judgement

Evolution Funding, the broker behind My Car Credit, uses a combination of Experian and Equifax scoring combined with their own clever algorithm to determine which car finance lender is best for your circumstances. Evolution Funding defines a good score as being an ‘Evo Score’ of 650 and above. However, they cater for customers with scores much lower than this so don’t feel disheartened if you have a less than perfect credit score. There is also lots of advice available in our Help & Advice section on how to improve your credit score.

How we can help

Whether you have a higher credit score or a poor credit rating, My Car Credit is dedicated to helping all drivers secure the right car finance in the UK. We’ll guide you through your car finance options, such as personal contract hire, personal contract purchase and hire purchase to find one that’s right for you and your credit score.

If you have a compromised credit history, you may still be eligible for finance. There’s just a little more work to be done before acquiring a loan. That’s where My Car Credit can help. Using your loan application details, our team works hard to find a suitable deal from our panel of lenders. Check our handy online calculator to see if you are eligible for car finance.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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5 Different Ways to Pay for a Car

How to Refinance a PCP Balloon Payment

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

credit reference agencies credit score equifax experian good credit score Jan24

What is a Car Finance Soft Search? – All Your FAQs Answered

Just like applying for a mortgage or increasing your bank borrowing limit, seeking approval for car finance often calls for a soft credit search. So, what is a soft search credit check? Carried out by the lender, a car finance soft search is designed to determine your eligibility for credit. This information is used to build a credit profile and establish if you’re a suitable applicant.

Ultimately, soft searches help to answer questions like how much to lend and at what interest rate, as well as whether you’re eligible for any special deals or rates. Want to know more about car finance soft searches? Read on as we answer all your burning questions, including what does a soft search show, where does the financial information come from and whether there are any benefits of soft search.

What is a soft search?

Also known as a soft credit check, soft searches reveal your personal financial history without leaving a footprint on your credit report. They allow lenders to follow up and confirm information you have offered which is used to generate a quote.

What does a soft credit search show?

One of the biggest questions asked by car finance applicants is what do lenders see on a soft search? The short answer is a snapshot of your personal credit profile. This includes information such as credit card limits, phone contracts, mortgages, personal loans and any other relevant material that helps determine whether you’re likely to pay back the loan. If you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) court order registered against you for failing to repay money this will also appear.

What does the ‘soft’ mean?

While car finance soft searches do reveal valuable information, they don’t leave a signature on your credit profile. Instead, soft searches remain invisible to third parties and lenders, and are only visible to the applicant.

What are the benefits of car finance soft search?

One of the major benefits of car finance soft searches is the invisible footprint. They offer lenders a snapshot of your credit history and score without leaving a permanent mark on your personal report.

While hard credit searches are not necessarily a burden, having too many appear on your report can spook prospective lenders and imply you’re in constant need of credit. Hard searches that don’t result in approval can be particularly dangerous as they suggest you’re credit hungry but haven’t managed to win over any lenders due to bad credit history.

On the other hand, soft searches are designed to give car finance lenders peace of mind while keeping your credit report clean. So, when applying for finance there’s no reason at all to hold back on a soft credit search.

Will a car finance soft search affect my credit report?

The answer to this question is a firm no. While a soft credit search car finance check will reveal information on your credit history, it won’t leave a footprint on your file and your rating will remain unaffected.

Where does car finance soft search information come from?

In the UK, lenders generally use three major credit reference agencies to determine your credit score – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.

Can soft credit search car finance help me?

While the concept of credit checks can be intimidating, if you’ve got nothing to hide, they can actually help you secure a better deal on your loan. At My Car Credit, our applicants fall into one of two categories – prime or subprime. Applicants with good credit status fall into the prime category and are offered a transparent actual annual percentage rate (APR) or ‘real rate’ upfront.

If you have a compromised credit history, you’re still eligible. There’s just a little more work to be done before securing a loan. Using your application details, our team work hard to find a suitable deal from our panel of more than 34 lenders.

Car finance soft searches also empower you with the freedom to shop around for a good deal before making your final decision on a lender. While hard searches could have a negative impact on your credit history, soft searches allow you to seek pre-approval for loans without leaving a mark on your credit history.

What’s the process?

Less formal than a hard credit check, soft searches are designed to be quick, easy and stress free. At My Car Credit, the process starts with our cost of car finance calculator, before completing a short online application form. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes and covers details such as your name, address, employment history and date of birth.

Once the form is completed, we’ll run a quick check and let you know the results online, as well as via text and email. Everything is transparent and we’ll never carry out any searches without your permission.

Do bear in mind that once you decide to proceed with your application, some lenders will perform a hard search.

Is there a fee?

At My Car Credit, we don’t believe in charging for the soft search application process. There are no extra charges associated with our soft credit search and typically the results will help you find the right deal for your circumstances.

The final verdict

Ultimately, a car finance soft search is a great way to reassure a lender and secure a loan without compromising your credit score. With no fee, no footprint and the potential to unlock excellent rates, there are virtually no downsides to carrying out a car finance soft search. A win-win for applicants and lenders.

Still have more questions on what a soft credit search is? Reach out to the team at My Car Credit to find out more about how a car finance soft search can help you secure the best possible loan.

Whether you have a glowing credit record or are struggling with black marks like debt or a CCJ, our team is on hand to help you secure finance and get behind the wheel of your own car as soon as possible. We’ve also built a huge library of help and advice articles covering everything from how to improve your credit score to what repayment terms are best for you.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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PCP: Is It Worth It?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car finance application credit profile credit score Jan24 soft search

Will I Get Accepted for Car Finance?

In the UK, there are multiple options when it comes to paying for your car. Given that a car is the second most expensive purchase you will probably ever make, after a house, it’s very important you get the right option for you.

You can purchase a car outright – which isn’t for everybody – or you can opt for car finance. Some car dealerships offer their own finance options, but this is problematic. How will you know if your application for finance will be accepted? And do you really want to visit a car dealer, choose a car and apply in-store – with the risk of being rejected in-person? There must be an easier way…

Read on as we answer all of your questions about car finance approval.

What actually is car finance?

Car finance is a credit agreement made between you and the lender, organised either directly with the lender, via your car dealer or using a car finance broker. Car finance involves paying for your car through an initial deposit payment, and then paying off the rest of the costs through monthly instalments. In the UK, it is common that car dealerships offer car finance options when consumers purchase a new car.

Can I get car finance?

There are several factors that can impact whether you can get car finance in the UK:

Age – To take out a car finance plan, you must be aged 18 to 75 years’ old.
Residency – You need to be a resident in the UK for at least three or more years. Most companies will not take on temporary residents.
Credit score – For most lenders, this is a big one. The better your credit score, the more likely you are to get approved, but some brokers – like My Car Credit – work with lenders who will take on applicants with poor or bad credit scores.
The car – The car needs to be less than 8 years old when you first take out the finance plan, and it must be less than 12 years old when the finance plan ends.
Employment – Being able to prove you are in stable employment will be favourable for most lenders. Normally, they ask for your previous three months’ bank statements and payslips to prove this.
Benefits – Most lenders will require at least half your benefits to be income based. Benefits that would count as a form of income are, Carers’ Allowance, Local Council Tax Support, Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefit (long term incapacity), Tax Credits, Pension Credit and State Retirement Pension. For any other disability benefits, lenders are more flexible due to the nature of the benefit and will often accept government-funded allowance.
Retirement – Despite being out of employment, retired applicants may be in a good financial position. They would still be required to have proof of their income, whether that be from a pension, investment or property rental income.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is an expression which represents the creditworthiness of an individual. It shows someone’s credit history and lets lenders know what kind of borrower they are and how likely it is that they will manage repayments.

When you apply for car finance, your credit score will be looked at by your lender. People with a higher credit score are more likely to be successful when applying for car finance, and sometimes they can even get better interest rates. This is because they are considered as a ‘lower risk’ when compared to others with a lower credit score.

Lenders will use your credit score to tailor a car finance plan to you. If you have a higher credit score, some lenders will approve your car finance quicker and can often offer you lower interest rates.

Can I still get car finance if I have a poor credit score?

A credit score can impact on your eligibility for car finance, but a poor or bad credit score doesn’t always rule you out. If you have a poor credit score, you will have to jump through hoops with some lenders. The worse the score, the more hoops you will have to jump through.

However, at My Car Credit, we aim to find a car finance option that works for people with a whole range of credit scores and personal circumstances. You can use our car finance calculator to work out if you will be accepted for car finance with your credit score – and to find the best car finance option for you from our large panel of lenders.

Would I get accepted for car finance?

You could go straight through your car dealer for your car finance option, but they often prefer to only offer car finance to good or excellent credit scores. At My Car Credit, we consider all individual circumstances, with the aim of making car finance as simple and accessible as possible.

We have the largest panel of car finance lenders meaning that we are more likely to get someone a car finance agreement. Our smart technology allows us to place you with the best lender for your circumstances in a matter of seconds. We also have a team of manual underwriters, who can assess your individual circumstances where we haven’t been able to find you a deal automatically.

Find out if you can get car finance

At My Car Credit, we aim to help you through every step of the car finance process to make the process as hassle-free as possible.

For an instant quote, and to see what car finance plan you are eligible for, please use our simple car finance calculator. We are open 7 days a week and our website has loads of helpful tips, guidelines and answers to any questions you have.

For more information, call us on 01246 458 810 or email us at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car finance criteria car finance eligibility credit score Jan24 poor credit

How to Get Car Finance with Poor Credit

Between July 2018 and June 2019, 9 out of every 10 cars sold in the UK were paid through some sort of car finance. With that in mind, it’s clear that finance has become the most popular way to buy a car. However, many people are still unsure about their eligibility. Can you get car finance with poor credit, for instance?

In this post, we’ll explore how car finance works and how to get car finance with a poor credit score.

What exactly is car finance?

The FLA defines car finance as a plan that spreads the cost of a new or used car. Instead of paying the full amount for the car upfront, consumers can pay monthly towards the overall cost of their purchased car.

In the UK, it is common for car dealerships to offer finance options to their customers. Alternatively, you can get finance through dedicated finance brokers, who will offer a wide range of financial deals to their customers via a panel of lenders. This allows them to find the best available deals to suit each individual customer.

What impacts whether I am eligible for car finance?

Many factors can impact your eligibility for car finance:

Age – To take out a car finance plan, you must be aged 18 to 75 years’ old.
Residency – You need to be a resident in the UK for at least three or more years. Most companies will not take on temporary residents.
Credit score – For most lenders, this is a big one. The better your credit score, the more likely you are to get approved.
The car you want to take a finance plan out on – The car needs to be less than 8 years old when you first take out the finance plan, and it must be less than 12 years old when the finance plan ends.
Employment – Being able to prove you are in stable employment will be favourable for most lenders. Normally, they ask for your previous three months’ bank statements and payslips to prove this.
Benefits – Most lenders will require at least half your benefits to be income based. Benefits that would count as a form of income are Carers’ Allowance, Local Council Tax Support, Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefit (long term incapacity), Tax Credits, Pension Credit, and State Retirement Pension. For any other disability benefits, lenders are more flexible due to the nature of the benefit and will often accept government-funded allowance.
Retirement – Despite being out of employment, many retired applicants will be in a good financial position. They would still be required to have proof of their income, whether that be from a pension, investment or property.

How credit affects car finance eligibility

A credit score is a numerical expression, which represents the creditworthiness of an individual. It represents someone’s credit history and tells lenders a lot about what kind of borrower they are and how likely it is that they will manage repayments.

When you apply for car finance, your credit score will be looked at by your lender. People with a higher credit score are more likely to be successful when applying for car finance, and sometimes they can even get better interest rates. This is because they are considered as ‘lower risk’ when compared to others with a higher credit score.

Lenders will use your credit score to tailor a car finance plan to you. If you have a higher credit score, lenders can often approve your car finance quicker and offer you lower interest rates.

Can I get car finance with poor credit?

Many dealerships prefer to only offer car finance plans to good or excellent credit scores, which is not good news if your credit score is not particularly great. The lower your credit score, the more hoops they will make you jump through.

While poor credit can make some finance applications tricky, it doesn’t mean you can’t get credit full stop. At My Car Credit, we are committed to finding a finance package that suits you, wherever possible. With the largest panel of lenders out of any other UK broker, we are better placed to get you approved for car finance with a poor credit score compared to other brokers.

Our clever technology allows us to use data-driven decisions to place you with the best lender. We also have a team of manual underwriters who can assess each customer’s individual circumstances to ensure we always give you the best deal on car finance available from our lenders.

Our simple-to-use car finance calculator allows you to see if you will be eligible for car finance with poor credit. Taking your credit score into account, you can get a clear idea of the finance on offer, changing the loan amount and repayment term to suit you.

Where can I go to get car finance with poor credit?

If you’re looking to get car finance with poor credit, My Car Credit can help. Simply enter your credit score, loan amount and repayment terms on our simple car finance calculator and let us do all the legwork.

We’re fully FCA compliant, meaning our customers know exactly what they are getting from us. If you want to find out more about the car finance we can offer you with poor credit, get in touch with our team today. You can call us on 01246 458 810 or email enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Why Was I Denied a Car Loan with Good Credit?

What is Hire Purchase? – Simple HP Explanation

What is a Conditional Sale for a Car?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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How to Get an Excellent Credit Score

An excellent credit score of 800 or over is exceptional. It means you’ll pretty much be accepted for any finance loan and you’ll get the best offers and interest rates. However, building this kind of excellent credit score takes time, effort and diligence. Here are some good ways to get started.

Credit score breakdown

Here’s a rough breakdown of how much each aspect of your financial history affects your credit score.

Payment History (35%) Never miss or be late on a payment
Amount of Credit (30%) How much credit and how many loans you’ve got
Credit History (15%) How long you’ve had credit
Multiple Credit Sources and Utilisation (10%) The types of credit you’ve got and how much you use them
New Lines of Credit (10%) Frequency of credit inquiries and openings

Never miss or be late on a payment

It’s simple: never, ever, ever miss or be late for a repayment. This is the fundamental rule of building a good credit score. If you can’t repay your credit loans in full and on time, a car finance lender will never be able to trust that you’ll stick to the terms of your car loan agreement.

How much credit and how many loans you’ve got

It’s important to have as many lines of credit open as you can manage to repay in full and on time. This proves to a lender that you are capable of managing your finances and spending sensibly. You can think of it as a track record of the way you look after your money: the more cases you have in your favour (i.e. the more lines of credit you have) the more reliable you appear.

How long you’ve had credit

Whilst opening new lines of credit is important, it’s also vital that you don’t close old ones. A large part of your credit score is determined by how long you’ve had your lines of credit open. So, even if you’ve paid off a line of credit (e.g. on a credit card) keep it open for a few years afterwards to strengthen your average credit length.

The types of credit you’ve got and how much you use them

It’s important to have multiple credit sources and optimise your utilisation on these sources. Utilisation is the measure of how much you use your cards, especially in reference to how close you are to ‘maxing out’ those cards. It is important to spread your costs over multiple cards as this proves to a lender that you are capable of managing your finances effectively.

Utilisation below 30%

Using multiple cards is important, however, it doesn’t mean anything if you’re using some too much and others not enough. It is vital that you keep your utilisation on each card at 30% or under, at all times. Consumers with FICO credit scores of 800 or more have an average utilisation of 11.5%.

You can calculate your utilisation rate on each card by taking the balance on the card and dividing it by the card’s spending limit.

For example:

Card	Balance	Spending Rate	Utilisation rate (%)
MasterCard	£1,000	£5,500	18%
Visa	£900	£3,000	30%

Frequency of credit inquiries and openings

Opening new lines of credit and inquiring into your credit options is important to building a strong credit score. When you first do this, your credit score will suffer. This is because somebody with more repayments to make presents more of a risk to a lender. However, your credit score will be stronger once you have made your first few repayments on time.

Building an exceptional credit score isn’t easy but it isn’t impossible. Follow these tips above and you’ll see your credit score improving in no time. If you’re worried about being accepted for car finance on your current credit score, don’t be. My Car Credit is open to discussing car finance options regardless of your credit score. Use our car finance calculator or contact us for more details.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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What Criteria Poor Credit Car Finance Lenders Look for in an Application

What Are the Different Credit Score Ranges?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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What Are the Different Credit Score Ranges?

Your credit score acts as a tool for lenders to know how risky it might be to lend money to you. To understand what your credit score means you need to know which credit score range it falls into.

What are the different credit score ranges?

All credit scores are split into a series of ranges which act as a rough indication of how well you are viewed by finance lenders. Essentially, the higher your credit score is, the more trustworthy you are in the eyes of the lender. This means that you’re likely to be accepted for loans and receive better interest rates. Credit scores run from 0 to 999 and are split into several ranges in between.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Experian credit score range and what it means:

Excellent (961-999) – Will be accepted for loans and receive the best interest rates.
Good (881-960) – Almost certain to be accepted for loans and receive good interest rates.
Fair (721-880) – More than likely to be accepted for loans and receive fair interest rates.
Poor (561-720) – Could be accepted for loans and receive higher interest rates.
Very Poor (0-560) – Less likely to be accepted for loans and likely to receive high interest rates.

What do these credit score ranges mean?

Understanding your credit score without knowing which range it falls into is like trying to understand a word without its context – the meaning of one relies on the other. What is also important is where your credit score sits in this range. For example, a credit score of 881 sits in the ‘good’ range on most credit score ratings. This would tend to indicate that you have a good chance of being accepted for loans and receiving competitive interest rates. However, 881 is on the cusp between the ‘good’ and ‘fair’ range. So, whilst you have a ‘good’ credit score, you’re not as financially secure enough to receive the rates that someone in the middle of that range would receive.

Here to help, whatever your credit score

At My Car Credit, we are happy to talk to you whatever your credit score. What’s more, we’ll try our best to get you the right car finance deal for your circumstances, including poor credit car loans.

For more information around improving your credit score, check out our blogs.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Car Finance with Fair Credit: What You Need to Know

Is Car Finance Good for my Credit Rating?

Why Was I Denied a Car Loan with Good Credit?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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How to Boost Your Credit Score in Your Late-Twenties

By your late twenties, you’ve probably got into the swing of managing your financial responsibilities and might be looking to take on a mortgage, apply for a credit card loan or perhaps exploring your car finance options. Here’s our advice on boosting your credit score and moving to the next financial stage of your life.

Stop making hard inquiries

Hard inquiries with financial lenders are bad for your credit score, especially if your application is rejected. It’s always best to opt for a soft search approach as this does not leave a mark on your credit history. Before you get to the point of applying, it’s also a good idea to look into your credit history and credit score so you know what to expect from a financial deal from a lender.

Consider multiple accounts

When it comes to your finances, it’s always best to have two or more accounts open. This proves to a lender that you are financially responsible. There are a number of ways to do this depending on your financial circumstances (e.g. you can pay one set of bills from one account and run any day-to-day expenses through the other). It’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean spending more money but spending more evenly across multiple accounts.

Managing your utilisation

It’s simple, spread your payments across your accounts. There are a few financial sites that will recommend a strict utilisation percentage (usually between 15 and 30%). However, a good rule of thumb is simply to use each account evenly. Spreading your payments and costs onto a number of cards proves to your lenders that you know how to manage your money.

Keep old accounts open

A good amount of your credit score is determined by your credit history. So, whilst it might be satisfying to close an account as soon as it’s paid off, it’s actually better to keep it open in many cases.

Punctuality is key

This is something that cannot be stressed enough, no matter how old you are. Punctuality is one of the main things that financial lenders look for because it proves your ability to make repayments. Our advice is to get everything on Direct Debit so you’re never late with a payment.

Your late twenties are a time to get yourself financially stable. It’s time to shake off the old bad habits from your early twenties and begin to manage your money properly. Take our advice on board and you’ll be off to a flying start!

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Car Finance with Fair Credit: What You Need to Know

Is Car Finance Good for my Credit Rating?

Why Was I Denied a Car Loan with Good Credit?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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How to Boost Your Credit Score in Your Mid-Twenties

When you reach your mid-twenties, your financial life really starts to go up a notch. This is usually the time when you receive your first considerable paycheck, apply for a credit card and begin to take full responsibility for your expenditure. An important part of this step is establishing and building your credit score. We take you through the ins and outs of how to boost your credit score.

What’s a credit score?

Your credit score is a three-digit number used by lenders to determine your eligibility for finance such as a car loan. It is made by taking into account your credit history, which is a record of how you’ve managed your lines of credit in the past – the most common for people in their twenties being an overdraft, credit card, mobile phone contract and/or utility bill.

Your credit score affects what type of finance products you can get, and what interest rate you end up paying. Those with a higher credit score, for example, are seen as being a lower risk to lenders and so are more likely to be accepted for finance on a lower interest rate.

What’s a good credit score in your twenties?

Credit scores range from 300 to 850 – the lower your number, the worse your credit rating is. There are different evaluations of what determines a good credit score. One of the main credit reference agencies, Experian, generally considers a score of 700 or above as good. Having a credit score that is this high in your twenties is very difficult to achieve, as often there have been fewer opportunities to prove your creditworthiness. At this time, the average credit score is usually hovering around the 630 mark, so anything higher than this is highly beneficial.

How to boost your credit score

When it comes to improving your credit score, there are three essential rules you have to follow: make all your payments on time, optimise the way you use your credit and don’t open too many lines of credit.

Making all your payments on time is the important part of building a good credit score and is the first thing lenders will look at when evaluating you for a car loan. If you have a bad history of paying your utility bills, paying your rent, or making contract repayments (e.g. paying excess charges on your phone contract), there’s no reason for a lender to trust that you will make your repayments on a car finance agreement.

Optimising the way that you use your credit essentially means being sensible with your money. It’s a vital part of improving your score as it proves that you are financially responsible. You may well make all your payments on time, but if you’re maxing out your card every month or stretching your overdraft to the absolute limits, this is a warning sign for lenders. They could argue that the additional money to pay back on a car finance agreement, would be one step too far.

Opening many lines of credit (especially over a short period of time) can look suspect to lenders and could indicate to them that you need extra revenues of money to support your lifestyle. So, whilst it’s ok to have a few lines of credit, it’s best to only have what you need.

Whilst it’s not good to have too many lines of credit, you can improve your credit score by opening a credit building credit card account. This a card with smaller amounts of money on it, which you can use as an example to lenders of you being financially responsible. However, if you don’t make your payment and use the credit on this card excessively, you will harm your credit score. This is only recommended for those people that are financially secure, disciplined with managing their budgets, and want an additional way to improve their credit score.

Building a good credit score in your twenties is no easy task – you’ve just begun your financial life and you might not have had enough financial responsibilities to establish a good credit score. Don’t panic, there will be plenty of time to prove your creditworthiness, and as long as you follow the rules outlined above, you’ll get there in no time!

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Car Finance with Fair Credit: What You Need to Know

Is Car Finance Good for my Credit Rating?

Why Was I Denied a Car Loan with Good Credit?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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