Written by
Cara Bradley
5 min read
Updated: 27/02/2024
If your credit score is a little worse for wear, you may feel worried about applying for a payday loan.
This could be because you’ve been turned down for credit in the past, or perhaps you’re concerned that you might not be able to borrow as much money as you need.
In these circumstances, you may well wonder if there is a way you can apply for a payday loan without having to undergo a credit check.
What is a credit check?
A credit check – also known as a credit search – allows a credit broker or lender to look into your financial history. Your credit file will show any past borrowing, how well it was managed, and if it was paid in full on time.
There are two different types of credit searches: soft search, and hard search.
A soft search provides lenders with an overview of your credit history without affecting your credit score or leaving a footprint on your file. They are usually used to give a lender or broker an idea of how likely you are to be approved for a credit product.
When you apply for credit directly with a lender, you will be required to undergo a hard credit search. This allows a more in-depth view of your credit history. The lender will use the information gathered during their hard search to help them decide whether you are likely to be able to repay the money you are asking to borrow.
Hard searches can remain visible on your credit file for up to 12 months, and too many hard searches over a short period of time could affect your credit score.
Can I get a loan without a credit check?
A responsible lender will want to make sure that any borrowing is affordable for you and will not have a negative effect on your ability to pay your other essential bills, such as your mortgage or rent. A hard credit check helps your lender understand your financial situation before deciding whether to lend to you or not.
You should be very wary of any lender who does not want to complete a hard credit search as part of a loan application.
Always make sure that any lender or credit broker you use is authorised and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
You can check if a company is on the FCA register here.
Can I get a payday loan with Viva Money?
Viva Money is a credit broker, not a lender. We work with a panel of trusted lenders who offer personal loans from £100 to £10,000.
We do not work with any lenders offering payday or no credit check loans.
You can search for a loan with Viva Money if you:
- Are over the age of 18;
- Have a UK address;
- Have a UK bank account with a valid debit card; and
- Have a regular source of income paid directly into your bank account.
What’s the difference between short-term and payday loans?
As the name suggests, payday loans usually need to be repaid in full within a month.
Short-term loans offer a longer repayment duration, allowing you to spread the cost of your borrowing. The lenders on the Viva Money panel offer repayment terms between 3 to 60 months, depending on how much money you apply to borrow.
Can I get a loan with bad credit?
When you apply for a loan, you will be required to undergo a credit check. We understand that this may be nerve-racking if you have a low credit score, but it’s important to remember that while having bad credit can make being approved for a loan difficult, it is not impossible.
Some of the lenders Viva Money work with specialise in loans for those with less-than-perfect credit scores.
Things to think about before you apply for a loan with bad credit
It’s good to bear in mind that if you are approved for a loan with bad credit, you may be subject to a higher rate of interest. You may also not be able to borrow as much money as you’d like.
Can I get a loan with no credit history?
Having no credit history is sometimes referred to as having a ‘thin’ credit file and is common in those who have never paid bills or borrowed credit before.
Because they have no evidence of how you have managed credit in the past, lenders may see you as a risk and this could reduce your chance of approval.
Building up your credit score could help if you wanted to apply for credit in the future. You can work towards a healthier credit position by registering to vote, checking your credit report for errors, paying your bills on time and, if applicable, staying well within the credit limit of your credit card.
I’m struggling to repay my loan; what are my options?
If you’ve taken out a loan that you are having difficulty repaying, you should contact your lender as soon as possible.
I’m worried about money. Where can I go for help?
We’re sorry that you’re feeling this way. We understand how consuming money worries can be and appreciate that not everybody feels comfortable opening up.
With this in mind, we have proudly teamed up with charity StepChange to provide a Money Health Check quiz which can be taken online for free. The quiz shouldn’t take long to complete, and the answers you provide will generate advice on how to handle your current situation and what you can do next.
You can also access free money and debt advice on sites such as Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper, and National Debtline.
