Need money quickly but worried about bad credit?
When you need to move quickly, it is easy to focus on speed and forget the cost. 118 118 Money offers personal loans that may be considered even if your credit history is less than perfect.
You can check your eligibility before you apply. That means you can see whether you are likely to be accepted without leaving a mark on your credit score.
A safer first step before applying
A full loan application leaves a mark on your credit file. If you have bad credit, making several rushed applications can make things harder, not easier.
Our eligibility check helps you take the sensible first step: check the chance of acceptance, understand the offer, then decide whether applying is right for you.
What “same day” can mean
A same day loan does not mean every application will be accepted or that money will always arrive that day. Your application still needs to be assessed, and the time taken to receive funds can depend on completing the agreement and on your bank.
Before you apply, check the total amount you would repay, the payment dates and whether the monthly repayment leaves enough room for rent or mortgage payments, food, energy, travel and other essentials. If the repayment would put your budget under more pressure, it may be better to speak to the company you owe or get free debt advice before borrowing.
Before you use borrowing for an urgent cost
Start with the cost that needs to be covered. Check how much is due, when it is due and whether the provider can offer a payment arrangement. For an essential bill, a short conversation with the company may give you more time or a way to spread the cost without taking out more credit.
If a loan still feels like the right option, borrow only the amount that solves the immediate problem. A higher amount can make the monthly payment and the total cost harder to manage. It is also worth checking whether savings, an authorised overdraft, a credit union or support from family or friends would be more suitable for the situation.
How to compare an offer
Look beyond the speed of the decision. Check the amount you will receive, how many monthly payments you will make, the payment date, the total amount repayable and what happens if you miss a payment. Comparing these details against your regular budget can help you decide whether an offer is manageable before you commit.
A soft-search eligibility check can be useful when you want to understand your likely options first. It is not a guarantee of acceptance. If you choose to go ahead, the full application is assessed using the information you provide and the lender's credit and affordability checks.
When to get support instead
If you are already behind on several bills, using credit for everyday essentials or cannot see how another repayment would fit, it may be better to get support before applying. Contact the companies you owe as soon as possible and consider free, independent debt advice. Taking time to review the wider picture can help avoid turning a short-term problem into a longer-term one.
For priority costs such as rent, energy, council tax or food, speak to the provider or local support service before choosing new borrowing. The aim is to deal with the immediate issue in a way that does not make the following month harder. If you do decide to apply, keep a copy of the agreement and set a reminder for every repayment date.
This gives you a clear record of the commitment and helps you plan ahead.
