Lender Profile
Mercantile Trust Secured Loans
UK specialist second charge lender for complex cases at smaller-to-mid loan sizes.
About Mercantile Trust
Mercantile Trust is a UK specialist secured loan lender focused on smaller-to-mid loan sizes where individual underwriting matters more than rigid scoring. They lend across clean credit and minor-to-moderate adverse cases, with particular appetite for cases that need a human underwriter to assess.
Their product range covers 2-year and 5-year fixed rates with variable revert. Maximum loan sizes typically sit around £150,000, with rates from the mid-9s for adverse cases. Mercantile's positioning is the relationship-led specialist for cases that don't fit Selina's prime pricing but don't need a heavy-adverse specialist like Evolution.
Underwriting is fully human-reviewed with senior underwriters available to discuss complex cases. Most cases complete in 3–4 weeks.
Product range: Second charge mortgages on 2-year and 5-year fixed rates. Clean credit and minor-to-moderate adverse credit accepted. Smaller-to-mid loan sizes.
Best for
- Complex cases at loan sizes up to £150,000 that need underwriter discretion
- Minor-to-moderate adverse credit where mainstream specialists decline
- Borrowers preferring a relationship-led underwriting approach
- Cases where rigid scorecards from larger lenders don't work
Key facts
- Established
- Established UK specialist (long-tenured)
- Parent Company
- Mercantile Trust (FCA-authorised)
- Min Loan
- £10,000
- Max Loan
- £150,000
- Max Term
- 25 years
- Max Ltv
- 75% combined
- Fee
- £995 arrangement fee (typical)
- Credit Tier
- Clean to moderate adverse
- Rate Structure
- 2-year and 5-year fixed, then variable revert
- Completion
- Typically 3–4 weeks
- Property Eligibility
- Standard UK residential property in the applicant's name. Combined LTV capped at 75%.
Pros
- +Human-led underwriting — case discretion on complex profiles
- +Accepts adverse credit beyond minor — into moderate tier
- +Relationship-driven approach with accessible senior underwriters
- +Specialist focus on smaller-to-mid loan sizes
Cons
- −Maximum loan £150,000 — caps below larger lenders for big consolidation
- −Rates not the lowest in the market for prime cases
- −Combined LTV cap of 75% — limited at higher LTVs
Mercantile Trust FAQs
What rates does Mercantile Trust offer on secured loans?
Mercantile Trust secured loan rates typically start around 9.50% APR for clean credit at competitive LTVs, rising to 12–14% for moderate adverse cases. The exact rate depends on credit profile, LTV, and loan amount. Maximum combined LTV is 75%. Rates are subject to change — your adviser will confirm current pricing.
What is a representative example for a Mercantile Trust secured loan?
Representative example for a £25,000 secured loan over 120 months at 9.95% APR fixed for 5 years (10.65% variable thereafter): monthly repayment £329.71, total loan repayments £39,565.20, Mercantile Trust arrangement fee £995, Charles Frank Finance broker fee £2,495. Total amount payable £43,055.20. Total charge for credit (interest plus fees) £18,055.20. Representative APRC 11.4%. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
What property eligibility does Mercantile Trust require?
Standard UK residential property in the applicant's name with a current first charge mortgage. Combined LTV capped at 75%. A property valuation is required.
Will Mercantile Trust accept moderate adverse credit?
Yes — Mercantile is one of the more flexible UK lenders on moderate adverse credit, accepting cases that minor-adverse specialists may decline. Underwriting is case-by-case considering recency, severity, and current affordability. Rates reflect the credit profile.
Apply for a Mercantile Trust secured loan
We'll match your case against Mercantile Trust's criteria first — and the rest of our panel — to find the cheapest fit.