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Search deals with rates from 5.2% APR (representative 11.1% APR^)

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^Representative example: Borrowing £7,500 over 48 months on a personal loan at a fixed interest rate of 11.1% p.a. results in monthly payments of £194.21 and a total repayable of £9,321.88. Representative 11.1% APR (fixed). Correct as of June 2026.

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Our cheapest personal loans

These are some of the personal loans with the lowest APRs from our panel of providers. We focus on £7,500-£15,000 loans as this is the most commonly borrowed amount, but some of the products in our table will also be available for higher sums.

The APR you’re offered could be higher than what you see advertised. Always check your eligibility and the T&Cs before applying.

Last updated 28 August 2026

  • M&S Bank loans: 5.9% rep APR

    Representative APR**

    5.9%

    Loan amount

    £7,500-£25,000

    Repayment period

    1-7 years

    Check eligibility
    What you should know

    • Must be aged 18 or over; minimum annual income £10,000

    Representative example – based on a loan of £10,000 at 5.9% per annum fixed (representative 5.9% APR), total amount repayable would be £11,529 at £192.15 per month for 60 months

  • Nationwide loans: 5.9% rep APR

    Representative APR**

    5.9%

    Loan amount

    £7,500-£25,000

    Repayment period

    1-5 years

    Check eligibility
    What you should know

    • Must be aged 18 or over and have held a Nationwide current account, savings account or mortgage for at least 14 days

    • Minimum monthly income £700 after tax

    Representative example – based on a loan of £10,000 at 5.9% per annum fixed (representative 5.9% APR), total amount repayable would be £11,529 at £192.15 per month for 60 months

  • The AA: 6.3% rep APR for members

    Representative APR**

    6.3%

    Loan amount

    £7,500-£19,999

    Repayment period

    1-8 years

    Check eligibility
    What you should know

    • Rep APR is 6.3% for AA breakdown and insurance customers, and 6.4% for non-members (the example above is based on 6.3%)

    • Must be aged 18 or over and a UK resident with a UK address

    • Applicants must not have been declared bankrupt in the past 6 years or applied for a loan with The AA or NatWest in the past 28 days

    Representative example – based on a loan of £10,000 at 6.3% per annum fixed (representative 6.3% APR), total amount repayable would be £11,634.60 at £193.91 per month for 60 months

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over unless otherwise stated. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

**Representative APR: at least 51% of successful applicants must get this rate; others may have to pay a higher rate.

The best type of loan for you will, of course, depend on your personal situation and what you need the cash for – but these are some of the main types you can choose from:

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Personal loan

With a personal loan (also known as an unsecured loan), you can typically borrow £1,000 to £25,000 without putting up an asset as security. Compare the Market offers personal loans up to £50,000.

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Secured loan

With a secured loan, you need to offer an asset as security. In the case of a homeowner loan, that’s your house. If it’s a secured car loan, it’s your car. If you can’t pay back the loan, you could lose the asset.

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Small, short-term loan

A small loan is often paid back over a short period of time, usually within a year. You can typically borrow up to £3,000.

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Bad credit loan

A bad credit loan is specifically aimed at borrowers with a poor credit score or no credit history. This type of loan usually has a higher interest rate and tighter restrictions, such as a lower borrowing limit.

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Guarantor loans

A guarantor loan involves someone agreeing to make the loan repayments if you can’t. This could be an option if you have bad credit or no credit history.

You can’t compare guarantor loans with Compare the Market.

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What other types of loans are available?

Some loans are designed for specific situations, such as studying at university or borrowing from individual lenders rather than a bank.

Peer-to-peer loans

With a peer-to-peer loan, you borrow money from an individual or a group of people instead of a bank.

Peer-to-peer websites connect you with people willing to lend to you, then act as intermediaries.

You can’t compare peer-to-peer loans with Compare the Market.

Loans for students

If you’re studying, a loan could help with living costs or larger expenses, such as buying a car.

While you need to apply direct to the Student Loans Company for an official 'student loan’, there are other borrowing options for students too.

Find out more in our guide to loans for students.

Loans for unemployed people

Being out of work doesn’t mean you can’t get a loan, although you may have fewer options and be charged a high rate of interest.

Read more on loans for unemployed people.

What can you use a loan for?

You can take out a loan to cover all kinds of costs, as well as to consolidate existing debts, but there are some exceptions.

You COULD use a loan for...

  • Unexpected bills, such as emergency repairs to your car

  • Home renovations

  • A holiday – a personal loan could top up your savings if you’re off on the trip of a lifetime

  • A wedding

  • A car

  • Consolidating your debt – a personal loan can help combine multiple debts and leave you with simpler and hopefully cheaper repayments

  • Paying for a new home while you wait for your old one to sell (a bridging loan)

You CAN’T use a loan for...

  • Gambling

  • A house deposit

  • Investments, such as stocks and shares

  • Starting a business – instead, you could consider a government-backed Start Up loan, a business loan or a peer-to-peer loan

  • Any illegal activity

Did you know?

30% of people who apply for a loan through Compare the Market want to consolidate debt.

Buying a car is the second most popular reason at 23%, while 19% of borrowers are funding home improvements3.

Do I need a good credit rating to get a loan?

A good credit score means you’re more likely to be accepted for a loan. It shows lenders you’re responsible with money and have a history of borrowing and paying off debts.

This is why people with the best credit scores tend to get the best loan rates.

But having a bad credit score doesn’t mean you’ll always be refused a loan. There are bad credit loans designed for people with a poor credit history, but you’ll probably pay a higher interest rate and have fewer borrowing options.

What’s considered a poor credit score?

There are three main credit reference agencies (CRAs) in the UK: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each use a different scoring criteria and range.

Credit score

Equifax

Experian

TransUnion

Poor

0-438

0-640

0-565

Fair

439-530

641-860

566-603

Good-very good

531-810

861-1,120

604-627

Excellent

811-1,000

1,121-1,250

628-710

Read more on credit scores and how they work.

How much will my loan cost?

The interest rate you’ll be charged on a loan depends on:

  • Your circumstances – lenders will take your credit history into account to decide your APR

  • Loan amount – it’s generally best to borrow only what you need. The more you borrow, the more interest you'll pay overall

  • Loan term (length of time you repay it over) – the longer the term, the more interest you’ll pay.

Use our loan calculator to work out how much a loan could cost you.

Use our loan calculator

How the loan term affects the interest you’ll pay

Here’s how much interest you’ll pay on a £5,000 loan repaid over 2, 3 and 4 years, assuming no extra fees (representative 11.1% APR^).

Loan term

Monthly repayment

Total interest

2 years

£232.05

£569.14

3 years

£162.68

£856.58

4 years

£128.19

£1,153.20

Bear in mind...

A short-term loan will mean you pay less in interest, making it cheaper overall. But your monthly repayments will be higher than if you repay the loan over a longer period.

^Representative example: Borrowing £7,500 over 48 months on a personal loan at a fixed interest rate of 11.1% p.a. results in monthly payments of £194.21 and a total repayable of £9,321.88. Representative 11.1% APR (fixed). Correct as of June 2026.

Maximising your chances of getting a loan

To be approved for any UK loan you’ll need to pass a credit check, where the lender looks at your income and financial history.

Here’s how you could improve your chances of being approved for a loan.

Try our eligibility checker

Improve your credit score

Check your credit report is error-free. A good credit score can also help you access the best loan rates.

Work out whether you can afford the repayments

Use our loan calculator to get an idea of how much your repayments might be. You can adjust the amount of the loan, its length, APR and potential monthly repayments to weigh up affordability.

Check your eligibility

When you compare loans with us, we’ll show you which loans you’re likely to be accepted for. Our loan comparison service uses a soft credit check, so your credit score won't be affected.

Try our eligibility checker

Pros and cons of personal loans

If you think a personal loan could be right for you, here are some advantages and disadvantages to weigh up first.

Advantages of personalised loans

Flexible terms

You can choose how much you want to borrow and how long you'll take to repay. However, whether your application is accepted will depend on your credit score – use our eligibility checker to see what terms you could get.

Fixed repayments

Personal loan interest rates are usually fixed. This means you’ll repay a set amount each month, making it easier to budget.

Quick and easy to apply

You can often apply for personal loans online. If you’re approved, the lender will usually deposit the money into your account within a few days (or even a few hours if you’re already a customer).

Disadvantages of personalised loans

Long-term commitment

If you take out a loan but later lose your job and struggle to find work, you could find it hard to meet your repayments.

You might not get the advertised rate

Lenders only have to offer the representative APR to 51% of customers. The rate you’re offered could be higher depending on factors including your credit score.

Penalties if you default

A default is when the lender closes your account because you’ve missed payments. It will be visible on your credit file and could make it harder for you to get credit in the future.

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Charlie Evans

What our expert says...

“Before applying for a loan, take a few minutes to make sure it’s right for your budget. Check what the repayments will be each month, how much you’ll pay back overall and whether you could still afford the loan if your circumstances changed. It’s also worth checking your credit report for any mistakes.

“A little preparation can improve your chances of being accepted and help you borrow with confidence.”

Charlie Evans, Personal finance expert

What are the alternatives to a loan?

If a loan doesn’t feel right for you, one of these options might work.

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Loan eligibility: what you need to get a loan

Typically, you’ll have to:

  • Be at least 18

  • Have a regular income (some lenders have a minimum income requirement too)

  • Be on the electoral register

  • Have a bank account.

Read our guide on how to get a loan for more information.

Learn more about loans

Compare different types, see how borrowing works and what to consider before you apply

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Applying & eligibility
How to apply for a loan
See what lenders may ask for and how long a loan application can take
Understanding loans
Different types of loans
Explore options to suit your budget and borrowing plans
Small loans
Understand how they work and what you'll need to apply
Bad credit loans
Understand how they work and check if you're eligible
View all loans guides

Personal loan calculator

Estimate monthly repayments and compare loan costs over time

Loan eligibility checker

Check which loans and rates you could be offered before you apply

Car finance calculator

Estimate your payments and see how much you could borrow

FAQs

What is a loan?

A loan is a lump sum of money that you borrow from a lender. When you take out a loan you agree to pay back what you borrow, plus interest, in monthly instalments over an agreed period until the loan is paid off.

The interest on a loan is worked out as a percentage of the loan balance and added to the monthly repayments. Lenders decide what interest rate to charge you based on factors including your credit score and how long you’ll take to pay back the loan.

A loan could be useful if you need to borrow a larger amount of money upfront than you could get through other types of borrowing.

How quickly can I get a loan?

How long it takes to get a loan depends on the lender, its application and approvals process, and the type of loan you’re applying for.

When you apply for a loan, lenders check your credit score and review your application. This could take anything from a few hours to a week or more. Once you’re approved, many lenders can have the funds in your account within a few days. Some even say the same day, if your application is accepted.

Some lenders offer fast turnaround times – for payday loans, for example. But these types of loans tend to be very expensive compared to other types of borrowing.

You can’t compare payday loans with Compare the Market.

How long can I borrow for?

It depends on the provider and the type of loan you take out:

Unsecured personal loans are typically paid back over one to 10 years.

Secured loans are often longer-term loans, which can sometimes be paid back over as long as 25-40 years.

Our data shows that the average length of a home improvement loan is 57 months . For debt consolidation the average is 56 months , while a loan used to pay for a wedding is paid back over an average of 50 months 3.

Will searching for a loan affect my credit rating?

Searching for a loan with Compare the Market won’t affect your credit rating. But each formal application you make for credit will be marked on your credit file.

If you make several applications over a short period, lenders could see this as a sign that you’re in desperate need of a loan or that you’re taking on more debt than you can afford.

Can I get a loan for a house deposit?

Although it’s possible to get a loan for a house deposit, many mortgage lenders will reject your mortgage application if you’re using a personal loan to pay the deposit.

Mortgage lenders carefully assess your affordability to make sure you can afford the repayments on your home. If you’re paying interest on a loan for the deposit on top of your mortgage repayments, you’ll likely be considered higher risk. That means if you are accepted for a mortgage, it’s likely to be more expensive.

What’s the difference between secured and unsecured loans?

With a secured loan, you need to use a valuable asset – usually your home – as security to borrow money. You don’t have to offer up anything as security for an unsecured loan.

While this makes an unsecured loan less of a risk for you, it’s the opposite case for the lender. To reflect this, you can usually borrow less with an unsecured loan and it’s typically repaid over a shorter period.

Read more on the differences between unsecured and secured loans.

What is APR?

APR represents the cost of borrowing over 12 months. It includes any fees that come with the loan and the interest payable. APR stands for annual percentage rate.

If you have a loan with a variable APR and the Bank of England base rate increases, so could your APR. If this happens, your loan repayments will become higher.

If you have a fixed-rate loan the APR will remain the same, even if the base rate goes up.

What is a representative example?

A representative example shows how much borrowing could cost. It includes the representative APR and must be shown when a loan is advertised. But it only needs to be offered to 51% of successful applicants, so the rate you actually get could be more or less, depending on your circumstances.

Can I overpay or pay my loan off early?

It depends on your loan agreement. Although providers must allow you to pay back personal loans in full, there may be fees for early repayments or overpayments.

Read more on repaying loans early.

What if I’m struggling to repay my loan?

If you’re struggling to repay your loan, get in touch with the loan provider. You may be given more time to make the payment.

If you miss a payment or make a late payment, the lender may add extra charges and interest to your loan. The lender can also take legal action or pass your debt to a collection agency.

Missed payments will also be noted on your credit report, which could harm your credit score and make it harder for you to borrow in future.

If you need help with debt, organisations including Citizens Advice and StepChange Debt Charity can offer free non-judgmental advice.

Is it better to borrow from my current bank?

Borrowing from your bank isn’t necessarily the best option. Your bank will usually be willing to lend you money if you have a good credit history and hold a current account with it. But that doesn’t automatically mean its borrowing terms are right for you.

It’s a good idea to check your eligibility for different loans with a loan comparison service such as ours. You can then compare what’s offered by your bank with a range of other options to see which is the most affordable for you.

What if I’m refused a loan?

If you’ve been turned down for a loan or another type of credit, wait before applying again.

Making multiple credit applications in a short amount of time could lower your credit score. It’s also a red flag to lenders who may think you’re having financial difficulties. Read our guide on what to do if you’re refused a loan.

How do I avoid loan scams?

Even the most financially savvy borrowers can be duped by loan fraudsters, so here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Cold calls, texts or emails offering you a loan and asking you to reply or call back

  • Being asked to pay an upfront fee

  • Being asked to give out personal details

  • Being asked to pay quickly or unusually

  • Loan companies that are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

If you need to report a scam or suspected fraud, contact Action Fraud online or by phoning 0300 123 2040 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm).

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Charlie Evans
Reviewed 28 Aug 2026 by Charlie Evans Personal finance expert

Charlie is a senior commercial leader with close to a decade of experience across the UK’s leading personal-finance and comparison platforms. Before joining Compare the Market as Head of Commercial in 2024, he held senior commercial roles at TotallyMoney and MoneySuperMarket Group.

Methodology

1Correct as of June 2026.

2Based on the % of respondents claiming they have used Compare the Market in the last 12 months vs. other leading PCWs. Source: Savanta BrandVue Financial Services, National Representative Survey of 12,257 respondents (June 2026)​

3Correct as of June 2026.

4Creditec is a UK credit broker that helps customers explore a range of alternative borrowing options through a single application journey. Working with a panel of lending and credit providers, Creditec aims to match customers with products that may be suitable for their circumstances. As part of our partnership, customers who are unsuccessful in obtaining a loan through Compare the Market may be given the option to continue their journey with Creditec, where they can explore other products that may be available to them. Any products shown and any lending decisions are determined by Creditec and its panel of providers.

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.