Be smarter with your money

Loan guides

These guides will help you find out more about the different types of loan and lenders available.

• Scammers pretending to be Payday UK: how to spot them and what to do

  Criminals are using the Payday UK name to ask people for upfront fees. Here's how to spot them, how to check it's really us, and what to do if you've been targeted.

  Read guide: Scammers pretending to be Payday UK: how to spot them and what to do →

• Alternatives to payday loans: cheaper ways to cover a gap

  Cheaper and free options to check before you take out a payday loan.

  Read guide: Alternatives to payday loans: cheaper ways to cover a gap →

• How to get a loan as a student

  Personal loans for students: types, criteria, and when they're worth it.

  Read guide: How to get a loan as a student →

• Direct lenders vs credit brokers: what’s the difference?

  Understand the difference between direct lenders and brokers to make the right choice.

  Read guide: Direct lenders vs credit brokers: what’s the difference? →

• Logbook loans: what they are and how they could cost you your car

  Secured loans against your car: critical warnings and safer alternatives.

  Read guide: Logbook loans: what they are and how they could cost you your car →

• Loans for young people: your first credit guide

  Can a young person get a loan with no credit history? What lenders check, how to build credit from nothing, and the cheaper options to try first.

  Read guide: Loans for young people: your first credit guide →

• Loans for unemployed people: can you get one?

  Learn what your borrowing options are when you're between jobs.

  Read guide: Loans for unemployed people: can you get one? →

• Payday loan comparison: how to compare short-term loans

  What to compare beyond the APR, from the total you'll repay to what happens if a payment fails.

  Read guide: Payday loan comparison: how to compare short-term loans →

• What are no credit check loans and do they exist?

  Find out why no credit check loans don’t exist in the UK and how lenders assess affordability. See the legitimate options if you have bad credit or no credit history.

  Read guide: What are no credit check loans and do they exist? →

• What are guarantor loans and how do they work?

  A guide to guarantor loans, how they work and who can be one.

  Read guide: What are guarantor loans and how do they work? →

• Emergency loans: your options when you need money urgently

  Need cash fast? Explore quick funding options for financial emergencies.

  Read guide: Emergency loans: your options when you need money urgently →

• Doorstep loans: what are they and are they still available?

  Doorstep loans are still available in some areas, but they're expensive. Find out how home credit works, how to check a lender and what to try first.

  Read guide: Doorstep loans: what are they and are they still available? →

• APR explained: understanding the true cost of borrowing

  Understand Annual Percentage Rate and how it affects your loan costs.

  Read guide: APR explained: understanding the true cost of borrowing →

• Loans for people on benefits: can I get one?

  Explore government support, interest-free advances and responsible borrowing options if you're receiving benefits.

  Read guide: Loans for people on benefits: can I get one? →

• How to borrow money online safely

  Avoid scams and find FCA-authorised lenders. Learn the safe way to apply online.

  Read guide: How to borrow money online safely →

• How to get a loan with bad credit

  Find out how to get a loan with bad credit, what lenders look at, what it costs and how to check where you stand without harming your score.

  Read guide: How to get a loan with bad credit →