Adverse Credit
Bad Credit
Secured Loans UK
CCJs, defaults, missed payments, and mortgage arrears are all considered by specialist lenders on our panel. Compare live rates now — no hard credit check, no obligation.
Why secured loans work for bad credit
When you have a poor credit history, unsecured borrowing becomes expensive or impossible. But a secured loan changes the equation — because the loan is backed by the equity in your home, lenders take on far less risk.
This means specialist lenders are willing to look beyond your credit score and assess the full picture — your income, your equity, the age and size of your credit issues, and your current ability to repay.
Rates will be higher than for clean credit, but they are still typically far lower than unsecured loans or credit cards for adverse applicants — and you can borrow significantly larger amounts.
Credit issues we can help with:
Missed payments
1–3 missed payments in last 2 years
Defaults
Satisfied or unsatisfied defaults considered
CCJs
County court judgements, especially if satisfied
Mortgage arrears
Up to 3 months in arrears may be considered
IVA / DMP
Individual voluntary arrangements or debt management plans
Bankruptcy
Discharged bankruptcy (typically 3+ years ago)
What rates can I expect?
Rates depend on the severity of your credit issues, your LTV, and the lender. Use the selector on our rate table to see adverse credit rates from our panel.
Minor issues
1–2 missed payments, old defaults
From ~7–9%
initial rate
Moderate adverse
CCJs under £5k, satisfied defaults
From ~9–13%
initial rate
Severe adverse
Recent CCJs, IVA, mortgage arrears
From ~13–18%
initial rate
Rates shown are indicative. Your actual rate depends on your individual circumstances, lender assessment, and market conditions. APRC is variable.
Specialist lenders on our panel
These lenders have specific products designed for applicants with adverse credit histories.
Pepper Money
Specialist adverse credit lender
Accepts: CCJs, defaults, missed payments, mortgage arrears
Together
Flexible common-sense lending
Accepts: Complex income, self-employed, recent credit issues
Norton Finance
Adverse credit specialists since 1974
Accepts: CCJs, IVAs, defaults, debt management plans
Spring Finance
Short-term and bridging solutions
Accepts: Recent adverse, complex employment, non-standard properties
How to improve your chances
Build equity
A lower combined LTV gives lenders more security and gives you access to better rates. The more equity you have, the stronger your application.
Wait for issues to age
Credit problems have less impact the older they are. A CCJ from 3 years ago is viewed very differently from one registered last month.
Satisfy outstanding CCJs
Paying off any outstanding CCJs before applying significantly improves your chances and the rate you will be offered.
Get your credit file
Check your credit file with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion before applying. Errors on your file can be corrected and may improve your score.
Show stable income
A consistent employment history or provable self-employed income reassures lenders about your ability to repay.
Use a specialist broker
An FCA-authorised broker who knows which lenders accept your specific credit profile can save you time and avoid unnecessary hard searches.
Common questions
Can I get a secured loan with bad credit?
Yes. Because the loan is secured against your property, lenders are more willing to consider poor credit histories than with unsecured loans. Your equity and income are often more important than your credit score. Specialist lenders on our panel — including Pepper Money and Together — consider CCJs, defaults, and missed payments.
Will a CCJ stop me getting a secured loan?
Not necessarily. Many lenders will consider CCJs, particularly if they are satisfied, older than 12 months, or below a certain value. The key factors are the size and age of the CCJ, your current equity, and your ability to afford the repayments.
What interest rate will I pay with bad credit?
Rates for adverse credit secured loans typically range from 8% to 18% depending on the severity of your credit issues, LTV, loan amount, and term. Still usually far lower than unsecured personal loans or credit cards for people with bad credit, which can exceed 40% APR.
How much can I borrow with bad credit?
Most specialist lenders offer between £5,000 and £500,000 for adverse credit applicants. Maximum combined LTV is typically 70–80% for adverse credit, compared to 85% for clean credit.
Will comparing rates affect my credit score?
No. Comparing rates here uses a soft search only — it does not appear on your credit file or affect your score. A hard search only happens when you formally apply with a lender.
What counts as bad credit for a secured loan?
Lenders consider missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs, debt management plans, mortgage arrears, and discharged bankruptcy. The impact on your available rates depends on the severity and age of the issue.
Get a free adverse credit quote
Our advisers specialise in finding secured loan solutions for homeowners with poor credit. No hard credit check to compare. No obligation to proceed.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.