Bad Credit Car Finance
Made Simple
Poor credit history doesn't have to stop you driving. Bigpage works with specialist lenders who look at your current situation — not just your past — to find a finance deal that actually works for you.
Bigpage is a credit broker, not a lender. Rates start from 12.9% APR. The rate offered will depend on your individual circumstances. Representative example: Borrowing £8,000 over 60 months at a representative APR of 21.8%, the amount payable would be £211/month, total cost of credit £4,686, total amount payable £12,686.
What is Bad Credit Car Finance?
Bad credit car finance is designed for people whose credit scores aren't perfect. Traditional lenders often view applicants with poor credit histories as high-risk — making it difficult to secure a loan through the usual channels.
Bigpage works with a panel of specialist lenders who look beyond your credit score. They consider your current financial situation — your income, employment and monthly outgoings — rather than fixating solely on past credit issues.
This means even if you've had missed payments, defaults, a CCJ, IVA, or even bankruptcy, you may still be able to get car finance. And because Bigpage uses a soft search first, checking your eligibility won't affect your credit score at all.
💡 What is considered bad credit?
Poor credit means having a low credit score, which can make it harder or more expensive to borrow. Credit reference agencies track your borrowing and repayment history to calculate your score.
Missed payments lower your score, while consistent, on-time payments improve it. Interestingly, responsibly managing credit often results in a better score than having no credit history at all.
You can check your credit score for free at Experian, Equifax or TransUnion — and one way bad credit finance can help is by giving you the chance to rebuild your score through regular, affordable repayments.
How is bad credit defined in the UK?
Each UK credit agency uses its own scoring system. Here's what "bad" and "poor" credit looks like across the three main agencies.
Check your score for free at Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Bigpage uses a soft search to assess eligibility — so checking won't affect your score. A hard search only occurs if you choose to proceed with a finance offer.
How to apply for bad credit car finance
Our application process is designed to be quick, clear and stress-free — with no surprises along the way.
Check Your Eligibility
Complete a short online form with a few personal and financial details. Bigpage runs an initial soft credit check — this doesn't affect your credit score — to see which bad credit finance options you may qualify for.
Receive Your Personalised Quote
If you're eligible, you'll receive tailored finance options from our panel of specialist lenders — including PCP and HP plans designed for those with bad credit. All clearly explained, no jargon.
Choose Your Car
Find a car yourself or browse through Bigpage's trusted dealer network — knowing exactly what you can afford. Our Car Buying Advisors are on hand to help you find the right vehicle at the right price.
Secure Your Finance
Once you've chosen your car, Bigpage handles all the paperwork with the dealer and lender. We manage the finance agreement, documents and handover — keeping everything simple and transparent.
Drive Away
Pick up your car and start your journey. Your agreed monthly repayments begin on your scheduled date — and every payment you make is an opportunity to rebuild your credit score.
Why Bigpage for bad credit finance?
We're not a lender — we're your advocate. Our job is to find the deal that works for you, not the one that works best for a single lender.
Wide Panel of Specialist Lenders
We compare deals from a broad range of finance providers — including lenders who specialise specifically in poor credit profiles and some not available anywhere else.
Soft Search First — Always
We always begin with a soft search so you can check your eligibility without any impact on your credit score. A hard search only happens if you choose to proceed.
All Credit Profiles Considered
Whether you have an excellent credit history or have faced CCJs, defaults, IVAs or bankruptcy, we'll work to match you with a finance deal that fits.
Hassle-Free & Fully Managed
From your first application to driving away, we handle the paperwork, liaise with dealers and lenders, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Trusted Dealer Network
Browse thousands of quality used vehicles through dealers we've vetted — so you can shop with confidence knowing the car and the price are both fair.
Rebuild Your Credit Score
Every on-time monthly repayment is recorded on your credit file. Bad credit car finance is one of the most effective ways to steadily improve your score over time.
We can help whatever your credit history
You may still be eligible for car finance even in situations that seem complicated. Here are some of the circumstances we regularly help with.
CCJ (County Court Judgement)
A CCJ makes approval harder but not impossible. We work with lenders who consider applications from customers with outstanding or satisfied CCJs.
Learn more →IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement)
In an active IVA? Some of our lenders will still consider your application. We'll assess your current affordability alongside your IVA obligations.
Learn more →Bankruptcy & Discharge
Once discharged from bankruptcy, you can apply. We typically recommend waiting 12 months to help rebuild your score first, but we're always here to advise.
Learn more →Defaults on Your Credit File
Defaults lower your score, but many of our lenders still consider applications. We'll search our panel to find the options that suit your circumstances.
Learn more →Self-Employed with Bad Credit
Being self-employed adds complexity but isn't a barrier. Lenders may ask for additional income proof — we'll guide you through exactly what's needed.
Learn more →Previously Refused Finance
A past refusal doesn't mean another refusal. Reasons often include borrowing too much or errors on the application — our advisors help you get it right.
Learn more →Estimate your monthly repayments
Use the calculator below to get an idea of what bad credit car finance could cost you each month. For illustration only — your actual rate will depend on your circumstances.
Why interest rates are higher with bad credit
When lenders assess risk, a lower credit score signals a higher chance of missed payments. To offset this risk, they typically charge a higher APR. This is not permanent — as your credit score improves over time, you may be able to refinance at a better rate.
The good news? Every repayment you make on time is recorded on your credit file. Many of our customers see significant credit score improvements within 12–18 months of starting their agreement.
Bad credit car finance FAQs
Everything you need to know before applying — answered clearly, without the jargon.
Is it hard to get accepted with bad credit? ▾
It can be more challenging than with a good credit score, but it's far from impossible. Bigpage searches a wide panel of specialist lenders, including some who focus specifically on bad credit applications. We increase your chances by matching you to the lenders most likely to accept you.
Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score? ▾
No. Bigpage always begins with a soft search, which is invisible to other lenders and has no impact on your credit score. A hard search only takes place if you choose to proceed with a finance offer — and we'll always make this clear before it happens.
Can I get car finance with no credit history? ▾
Having no credit history can be tricky since lenders have no record of how you manage repayments. However, it's not impossible. By understanding your personal financial situation, we can search our lender panel to find options that may work for you.
Can I get finance with a CCJ or IVA? ▾
Yes — both are possible. A CCJ or active IVA makes approval more difficult, but Bigpage works with lenders who consider these applications. We'll review your current affordability and financial situation to find the best available options for you.
What if I was refused car finance before? ▾
A previous refusal doesn't mean you'll always be rejected. Common reasons include asking to borrow too much, errors on the application, or simply not being matched to the right lender. Bigpage helps you apply correctly and matches you with lenders more likely to say yes.
Can I get finance with bad credit and no deposit? ▾
Yes, it's possible. Some lenders on our panel offer no-deposit options, although a deposit can reduce your monthly payments and improve your approval chances. We'll always show you what's available based on your specific situation.
How does bad credit affect the interest rate? ▾
Credit scores work on a sliding scale — the lower your score, the higher the APR you may be offered. However, as you make repayments on time and your score improves, you may be able to refinance at a lower rate in the future.
What's the difference between a soft and hard credit check? ▾
A soft search is an initial look at your credit report that's invisible to other lenders and has no effect on your score. A hard search is a full assessment recorded on your credit file for two years. Bigpage always soft searches first — a hard search only happens when you proceed with an offer.
Ready to find your car — whatever your credit history?
Check your eligibility in minutes with no impact on your credit score. Our specialist team is here to help you find a deal that works.