Loan Guides
Plain-English guides to borrowing, credit and staying safe.
Types of Loans
Dealing With Bad Credit
Credit Files & Scores
What Borrowing Costs
Alternatives & SafetyThese guides are here to help you understand borrowing before you decide anything. They explain how credit files work, what a loan really costs, what lenders look for and who offers free help – without trying to sell you a loan. When you are ready to borrow, our loans pages explain your options, and for the latest from the lending world, take a look at Quick News.
Popular Guides
- Soft vs Hard Credit SearchesWhich credit checks leave a mark on your file, and which don't.
- Checking Your Credit FileHow to see your file for free, and what to look out for.
- APR ExplainedWhat the percentage on a loan advert tells you, and the figure that matters more.
- Spotting Loan ScamsThe five tricks fraudsters use most, and how to check a firm is genuine.
- Credit UnionsCapped-rate loans from local, not-for-profit lenders – and how to find one.
- Rebuilding Your CreditA seven-step plan to move on from a poor credit history.
- Guaranteed LoansWhy nobody can promise you a loan, and how the upfront fee scam works.
- Car Finance ExplainedHP, PCP and personal loans compared, and the latest on the car finance compensation scheme.
- Secured vs Unsecured LoansWhat a lender can take if you can't pay, and why it matters.
- Credit Cards ExplainedHow cards compare with loans, and the traps to avoid.