poor credit Car Finance Options

Yes, you may still be able to get car finance with poor credit. AutoMoney Trust considers your overall financial circumstances and affordability rather than relying on your credit score alone, and specialises in helping customers who have been declined elsewhere, including those with CCJs, missed payments, a limited credit history or a default on their credit file. Having poor credit does not automatically prevent you from being considered for car finance.

Every application is assessed individually, considering factors such as affordability, income stability, employment and existing financial commitments. While poor credit may mean a higher interest rate or a smaller borrowing amount, it does not automatically prevent you from getting car finance. 

Whether you are looking for car finance with bad credit or have struggled to get approval elsewhere, our team can help you explore your available options. You can complete a short online application with a soft credit search, which will not affect your credit score. 

People also asked

Can I apply for car finance with a low credit score?

What lenders may consider beyond your credit score

Yes, you can apply for car finance with a low credit score. AutoMoney Trust considers applications from customers with lower credit score, and having a low score does not automatically prevent you from being considered for finance. Each application is assessed individually based on your wider financial circumstances and affordability.

We understand that a credit score does not always provide a complete picture of your financial situation. That's why we also consider factors such as affordability, income stability, existing financial commitments and recent credit conduct when reviewing your application.

Having a low credit score does not automatically mean you will be unable to get car finance. However, it may affect the finance options available, including the rate offered or the amount you may be able to borrow. All applications are assessed individually and remain subject to status, affordability checks and our lending criteria. 

If you are looking for car finance with a low credit score, you can explore your options with AutoMoney Trust by completing an online application. Our initial assessment helps you understand whether finance may be suitable for your circumstances, with a decision available in minutes. 

How Car Finance Can Affect Your Credit Score

How repayments can affect your credit profile

Car finance can affect your credit score positively or negatively depending on how you manage your agreement. Making regular, on-time payments can help build a positive credit history and demonstrate responsible borrowing, while late or missed payments can negatively affect your credit score and make it more difficult or expensive to access credit in the future.

If payments are not made on time, they may be reported to credit reference agencies, which can lower your credit score and make future borrowing more difficult or potentially more expensive. 

When you apply for car finance, a lender may carry out a hard credit search, which appears on your credit file and can cause a small, temporary change to your credit score. This is a normal part of the application process and helps lenders assess whether finance is affordable and suitable for you. 

For more information about how applications are assessed, read our guide on Credit Checks for Car Finance.

How do late or missed payments affect my credit file?

What happens when a payment is late or missed

Late or missed car finance payments may be reported to the main UK credit reference agencies and could remain on your credit file for up to six years. This can negatively affect your credit score and may make it more difficult or more expensive to access credit in the future, while keeping your payments up to date can help maintain a healthier credit profile.

A missed payment may affect future borrowing decisions, with lenders potentially offering different terms, higher interest rates, or declining an application depending on your overall financial circumstances. The impact can vary depending on how late the payment is, whether the account returns to good standing, and if arrears continue over time. 

If you are experiencing difficulties keeping up with your car finance payments, it is important to contact AutoMoney Trust as soon as possible. Speaking to us early gives the opportunity to understand your situation and discuss what support or options may be available before payments are missed. 

Keeping your finance agreement up to date and making payments on time can help maintain a healthier credit profile. For more detail on how lenders review applications, see our guide to credit checks for car finance.

What documents do I need for a car finance application?

Documents you may be asked to provide

To apply for car finance with AutoMoney Trust, you'll usually need documents that help verify your identity, confirm your income and affordability, and validate your address. The exact documents we'll ask for will depend on your individual circumstances, but having the relevant information ready before you start your application can help make the process quicker, smoother and reduce the likelihood of delays.

You may need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid UK driving license or passport, along with proof of income such as recent payslips or bank statements. You may be asked for proof of address dated within the last three months, as well as details of the vehicle you are looking to finance if you have already chosen one. 

If you are self-employed and applying for car finance, you may need to provide additional information, such as SA302 forms, tax calculations, or business accounts, to help demonstrate your income and affordability. 

The documents required can vary depending on your individual circumstances and application. Providing accurate details and having your documents available in advance can help sped up the car finance application process and reduce the need for additional requests.