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Emergency Loans for Bad Credit

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  • 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.

Need help with an urgent cost and bad credit?

If an urgent bill lands while your credit history is less than perfect, it can feel like expensive short-term borrowing is the only route. 118 118 Money offers personal loans that may be considered even if you have had credit problems before.

118 118 Money is a direct lender. We assess your application ourselves, carry out credit and affordability checks, and if accepted, you borrow directly from us rather than through a broker.

A safer first step before applying

A full loan application leaves a mark on your credit file. Our eligibility check helps you see whether you are likely to be accepted before you apply, without affecting your credit score.

Having bad credit does not automatically mean you will be declined, but acceptance is never guaranteed. Lenders may look at more than one score, including affordability and your wider financial situation.

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
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Why people search for emergency loans with bad credit

People searching this term usually need two things at once: speed and a lender that will still consider a less-than-perfect credit history. Common reasons include:

Urgent costs. You may need help with a car repair, household bill, or unexpected expense.

Bad-credit anxiety. You want to know whether you have a chance before making a full application.

Clear repayments. Fixed monthly repayments can make planning easier than rolling short-term credit.

No guarantor. You apply in your own name, without asking someone else to back the borrowing.

Quick next step. If approved and set up, funds could arrive quickly, depending on your bank.

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3 simple steps to get started

  • Check your eligibility with no impact to 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 lenders may look at

When you apply for an emergency loan with bad credit, lenders typically look beyond a single credit score. They may review your credit profile, income, regular outgoings, existing commitments, and whether the repayments look manageable.

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 consider 118 118 Money

118 118 Money offers 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. If you are already struggling with bills or debt, free debt advice may be a better first step than more borrowing.

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Emergency Loans for Bad Credit FAQs

You can check your eligibility even if your credit history is less than perfect. Approval is not guaranteed, and 118 118 Money will still carry out credit and affordability checks before lending.

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.

No. You apply in your own name and the application is assessed on your own circumstances.

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.

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