Loan Guides
UK loan guides
Everything you need to know about borrowing in the UK — explained clearly by our lending research team.
Essential reading
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What Is a Short-Term Loan in the UK?
Everything you need to know about how short-term loans work, who can apply, and what the FCA regulations say about costs and limits.
Can You Get a Short-Term Loan with Bad Credit?
Bad credit doesn't always mean rejection. Learn which lenders consider all credit histories and what affects your approval chances.
Emergency Loans: Get Cash the Same Day
When you need money urgently, same-day emergency loans can help. Here's how to find a responsible lender and what to watch out for.
APR Explained: What It Means and How to Compare Loans
What APR really means, how representative APR works, why short term loan APRs look so high, and how to use it to compare lenders properly.
FCA Cost Cap Explained: Your Borrowing Rights in 2026
The 0.8%/day rule, the 100% total cost cap, the £15 default fee limit — and what the FCA's ongoing price cap review means for borrowers.
Finance team
From our finance team
FCA updates responsible lending rules for short term lenders in 2026
New guidance from the Financial Conduct Authority tightens affordability assessment requirements for UK short term lenders, with key changes taking effect this summer.
Paul · Head of Lending Research & Content
March 2026 · 4 min read
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118118 Money cuts representative APR for new customers this spring
UK lender 118118 Money has reduced its representative rate for new applicants, making it one of the more competitive options for borrowers with a fair credit history.
Paul · Head of Lending Research & Content
March 2026 · 3 min read
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What the Bank of England base rate hold means for borrowers in 2026
The Bank of England held the base rate steady at its latest meeting. Here is what it means for UK borrowers currently comparing short term loans and personal credit.
Paul · Head of Lending Research & Content
March 2026 · 5 min read
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How to improve your credit score before applying for a short term loan
Your credit profile directly affects which lenders will accept you and at what rate. Here are the steps that actually make a difference.
Paul · Head of Lending Research & Content
March 2026 · 6 min read
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Average short term loan rates in the UK — Q1 2026
We analysed rates across our full panel of FCA-regulated lenders to find the true cost of borrowing. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive lender is significant.
Paul · Head of Lending Research & Content
March 2026 · 7 min read
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Refinancing a short term loan — when it makes sense and when it doesn't
Refinancing can reduce your monthly payments but it is not always the right move. Paul breaks down the numbers so you can decide.
Paul · Head of Lending Research & Content
March 2026 · 5 min read
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