Spend in hours, not poundsDownload our new 118M8 app Spend your hours wisely

118 118 money helpers illustration

Direct Lender Loans for Bad Credit

118 118 money helpers illustration
  • Borrow £1,000 to £8,000
  • Repay over 12 to 60 months
  • Check eligibility with no impact on your credit score
Check my eligibility nowThis won't affect your credit score

Representative example: Amount of credit £2,000 for 24 months. Interest rate: 41.2% pa (fixed). 24 scheduled monthly payments of £123.64. Total amount payable: £2,967.43. Representative 49.9% APR.

Looking for direct lender loans for bad credit?

If you are searching for direct lender loans for bad credit, you may want a clearer route than applying through a broker. 118 118 Money is a direct lender, so we assess your application ourselves and lend directly if you are accepted.

We carry out credit and affordability checks, and an eligibility check can help you see whether you are likely to be accepted before you make a full application. It will not affect your credit score.

What direct lender means

A direct lender makes the lending decision and provides the loan directly. That can make the process easier to understand because you know who is assessing the application and who you would repay if accepted.

Having bad credit does not automatically mean you will be declined, but acceptance is never guaranteed. We look at your wider circumstances, including affordability, before making a lending decision.

Check your eligibility before you apply
See whether you are likely to be accepted without affecting your credit score.
Check my eligibilityThis won't affect your credit score
person wearing sunglasses
Why this type of loan appeals to borrowers

People searching this term usually want a practical next step without making their credit position worse. Common reasons include:

Direct decision-making. You want to deal with the company assessing the application, not only a comparison or broker journey.

Bad-credit concern. You want to understand your chances before making a full loan application.

Clarity. You want to see the loan range, repayment term, and eligibility process before you decide what to do next.

Confidence. An eligibility check can help you understand your chances before a full application, with no impact on your credit score.

Speed. Once approved and set up, funds could arrive quickly, depending on your bank.

118 118 money helpers illustration

3 simple steps to get started

  • Check your eligibility with no impact on your credit score
  • Set up your account, direct debit and sign
  • Receive funds in 15 minutes*
Check my eligibilityThis won't affect your credit score. *This can vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on your bank.

What we may look at

When you apply, we look at your credit profile and carry out affordability checks to help make sure repayments are manageable. This can include details like your income, regular outgoings, existing commitments, and overall financial position.

That is why an eligibility check can be a sensible first step. It helps you understand whether you are likely to be accepted before moving to a full application.

Why borrowers use 118 118 Money

We offer loans from £1,000 to £8,000 with repayment terms from 12 to 60 months, depending on your individual circumstances. If you are accepted, you can complete the process online and funds could be received in as little as 15 minutes, although timings can vary by bank.

As with any borrowing, only take out credit if it is affordable and right for your situation.

Read what our customers think about us

Direct Lender Loans for Bad Credit FAQs

A direct lender makes the lending decision and provides the loan directly, rather than only introducing you to other lenders. 118 118 Money is a direct lender and carries out credit and affordability checks.

Yes. Our eligibility check helps you see whether you are likely to be accepted without affecting your credit score.

If accepted, you can borrow £1,000 to £8,000 and repay over 12 to 60 months, depending on your individual circumstances.

A full application can leave a mark on your credit file. The 118 118 Money eligibility check does not affect your credit score, so it can be a useful first step before applying.

Once approved and set up, funds could be received in as little as 15 minutes. This can vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on your bank.

118 118 money helpers illustration

Ready to check your eligibility?

See whether you are likely to be accepted before you apply. It won't affect your credit score.

118 118 money helpers illustration

Credit is subject to status, affordability and credit checks. Credit is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Terms and conditions apply.