Personal loans

Whether you’ve just moved into a new home that's in need of a do-over, or your current home just needs a fresh lick of paint, a loan can help you cover the cost. It could even help with bigger renovations, like replacing your roof.

The big day often comes with a big price tag Venue, catering and accommodation can soon add up, and that's before you add in all the extras that help make the day unforgettable. If your dream wedding isn’t quite in line with your dream budget, a loan could help.

Next to a house, a car might be the biggest purchase you ever make. Whether you’re investing in a reliable family car, or treating yourself to something a little sportier, a loan can help you cover the cost. Just be sure to explore other borrowing options like car finance first.

Have debts spread over several cards or accounts? Consolidating them into a single pot could make them easier to manage. Just be aware that loans come with interest, so make sure they're the best option for you.

Annual percentage rate, or APR, is the total amount of interest and other fees you’ll be charged on top of the amount you’re borrowing. For example, if a loan comes with a 15% APR, this means you’ll pay 15% of the amount you're borrowing on top of that amount in a year.

Once you’ve picked a lender to go with, you’ll be taken to their site to finish your application. At this point, they're likely to perform a hard credit check on you. This will appear on your credit report and can impact your credit score if you’re rejected if you end up applying for credit multiple times.

The length of your loan is known as its ‘term’. The longer your term, the lower the interest rate you may be offered. But keep in mind that while 12% over 5 years might sound better than 15% over 2 years, the 12% offer would see you paying more in total.