What is a credit union?

A credit union is a not-for-profit co-operative, providing loans and savings accounts to its members. Their three main aims are: To provide loans at low interest rates To encourage regular saving To provide financial support and assistance to members and the community In 2023, the British credit union sector surpassed 1.5 million members (including junior…

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You have a CCJ from a long time ago

A County Court Judgment (CCJ), even if it was from a long time time ago, still has a negative effect on your ability to get a loan. If the CCJ is from more than three years ago a lender may offer a small loan. However they may not be prepared to lend a higher amount.…

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You have a CCJ on your credit file

A County Court Judgment (CCJ), even if it was from a long time ago, still has a negative effect on your ability to get a loan. If the CCJ is small or from sometime ago lenders might be more likely to say yes. However they may not be prepared to lend a higher amount. It…

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You are currently insolvent

According to your credit file, you are currently going through a type of insolvency. This can include bankruptcy, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement and Debt Relief Orders. There are legal restrictions which means that in most cases lenders will not be able to offer you a loan if you are currently insolvent. Tip: Wait until you…

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You have a default from a while ago

If you’ve missed between three and six  payments, on a credit account you may be declared in default. Defaults are serious. Often a lender will automatically decline an application if there has been a default. This remains the case, even if the default was from sometime ago. Tip: If the default is in the last couple…

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You have missed more than payment recently

Missed payments are when you’ve not made repayments due under a credit agreement. For example, missing the last two months’ credit card repayments. Lenders considering loan applications see the current status of your account. If two payments have been missed this will show a ‘status 2’. If this is in the last 12 months, you…

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