Bad Credit Loans

A fair assessment, not just a credit score

If you have bad or imperfect credit and need access to short-term borrowing, you’re not alone. Many people in the UK have credit files affected by missed payments, temporary financial pressure, or life events.

At Cashfloat, a bad credit score does not automatically define the outcome. We assess applications individually, looking beyond a single number to understand whether a loan is suitable and affordable for you today.

Check your eligibility

Soft credit check • No obligation to proceed • See any offer before deciding.

Late repayment can cause serious money problems. For free, impartial advice, visit moneyhelper.org.uk.
Warning: Late repayments can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk

How Cashfloat Approaches Bad Credit Differently

Many lenders rely heavily on automated score cut-offs. This often means people are declined based on historic issues that no longer reflect their current situation.

Cashfloat takes a more considered approach. We understand that UK credit reports can include things like missed utility bills, mobile phone arrears, or short-term financial stress caused by changes in employment or household circumstances. These do not always mean borrowing is unsuitable.

Instead of relying solely on a credit score, we look “under the hood” to assess whether a loan would realistically help or harm the borrower.

What We Look At When Assessing an Application

When you apply for a bad credit loan with Cashfloat, we focus on the wider picture, including:

  • Your current income and its consistency
  • Whether repayments are affordable within your budget
  • Recent financial behaviour, not just older credit issues
  • Indicators of stability that suggest the loan can be repaid responsibly

This is why some applicants with low credit scores may be approved, while others with higher scores may not be. The decision is based on suitability, not just a number.

See if you’re eligible

Checking eligibility won’t affect your credit score

What a Cashfloat Bad Credit Loan Looks Like

Bad credit loans from Cashfloat are short-term loans designed to be clear, predictable, and controlled.

All Cashfloat loans include:

  • Clear repayment schedules shown before you agree
  • FCA-mandated cost caps
  • The option to repay early with no penalties
  • Support available if your circumstances change

Exact loan terms depend on individual assessment and will always be shown in full before you commit.

In some cases, spreading repayments over instalments can support affordability.

Honest Boundaries Matter

Cashfloat is a regulated lender. We do not approve loans simply because an application has been made.

If our assessment shows that a loan would place you under financial strain or increase your risk of difficulty, we will decline the application. This protects both the borrower and the long-term sustainability of our lending.

Our goal is not to approve every application. It is to lend responsibly, where doing so makes sense.

What Happens If You Apply

The application process is designed to minimise unnecessary risk to your credit file.

  • Step 1: Soft eligibility check
    We begin with a soft credit check to assess eligibility. This does not leave a permanent mark on your credit record.
  • Step 2: Affordability and suitability review
    We assess whether repayments are realistic based on your current situation.
  • Step 3: Decision before commitment
    If approved, you’ll see the full repayment plan and total cost before accepting anything.
  • Step 4: Hard credit check (only if you proceed)
    A hard credit check is carried out only for applications that move forward to a funding decision, as required by regulation.

You are under no obligation to accept an offer if one is presented.

You’ll see any offer before deciding

If Circumstances Change

We understand that financial situations can change unexpectedly.

If you experience difficulty meeting repayments, contacting us early is important. We will always aim to discuss realistic options where possible, rather than allowing problems to escalate.

Independent help is also available from organisations such as MoneyHelper.

How Bad Credit Loans Compare to Other Options

Bad credit loans are not suitable for everyone. Depending on your needs, other options may be more appropriate:
Payday loans
May suit very short-term, urgent needs
Learn more about payday loans
Short-term loans
May be better where longer repayment flexibility is required
Explore short-term loans
If you’re unsure, reviewing these options can help you decide which route is most appropriate for your situation.

Regulation and Trust

Cashfloat Loans is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has operated under FCA rules since 2014. This means we are required to:

  • Treat customers fairly
  • Assess affordability and suitability
  • Provide clear explanations of costs and risks
  • Operate formal complaints and support procedures

Our approach to bad credit lending is shaped by these obligations.

Representative Cost Example

As required by regulation, a representative example is provided for illustration only.

Representative example

Loan: £700 for 6 months
Repayments: 1st monthly repayment of £168.45, followed by 4 monthly repayments of £224.60, and a final repayment of £112.20.
Total amount repayable: £1,179.05
Interest rate (fixed): 185.39% per annum
Representative APR: 611.74%
Daily interest cap: 0.8% per day

No borrower will ever be required to repay more than 100% of the amount borrowed in interest and charges.

Proceeding with Cashfloat

If you’d like to see whether a Cashfloat bad credit loan may be suitable for you, you can begin with a soft eligibility check. The process takes just a few minutes and does not require you to commit. You are free to decline any offer presented, with no impact on your credit score.

Soft credit check • No obligation to proceed