An independent guide ยท updated weekly

Catalogues Bad Credit

Before you apply

The acceptance checklist

Five checks, about half an hour, before you apply anywhere. Each one fixes a common, avoidable reason for being turned down.

  1. 1Get on the electoral roll. It's the single fastest way to confirm who you are and where you live.
  2. 2Check your credit file for errors. Old addresses, accounts that aren't yours and debts already settled all drag you down.
  3. 3Break old financial links. A joint account with an ex can tie their history to yours. Ask the agencies for a notice of disassociation.
  4. 4Space out applications. Several hard searches in a few weeks look like money trouble. Use soft-search checks first.
  5. 5Know your weekly budget. Pick a repayment you'd still manage in a tight month, not just a good one.