Just so you know... we don't finance VAT; it must be paid up front with your deposit or part exchange (if applicable). For example, if you wanted to buy a van that was priced at £5,000 including VAT, we would only finance £4,000, which means that you'd need to pay £1,000 to cover the VAT.
Bad credit van finance
We've specialised in bad credit van finance for over 20 years; financing vans for people with a thin credit file or bad credit history, and who have been declined by other lenders.
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What is bad credit van finance?
The expression "bad credit van finance" refers to financing options designed for people with less-than-perfect credit scores. It caters to those who may have faced financial setbacks or struggled with managing their credit in the past. These financing solutions provide a lifeline to van buyers by offering them a realistic opportunity to obtain a loan for a vehicle they need.
Reasons for bad credit
You might have bad credit because...
- you've never taken out a substantial loan or credit agreement, or have always paid in cash, meaning you have little or no credit history;
- you've shared credit or finance agreements with another person who has/had credit issues, and now your credit file is associated with theirs;
- you've made bad financial decisions in the past, i.e. took out large credit agreements with large repayments that you couldn't afford or pay on time;
- you've previously been declined by other finance lenders - this is common amongst self-employed applicants because it can be more difficult to prove your income;
- you have a build-up of missed payments across different accounts which may have led to defaults or CCJs - these can remain on your credit file for up to six years.
The application process
Our bad credit van finance application process is as simple as one, two, three!
Complete an online application form and get a decision on your approval within minutes.
If you are automatically accepted for van finance, you'll be able to finalise your application online.
If your finance application is referred, we'll get in contact with you via email or SMS to arrange a time for one of our Underwriters to give you a call to discuss a few details.
Van finance calculator
Van finance calculator
Use our van finance calculator to get an idea of how much a van finance agreement with us costs, with no commitment to apply.
Start your application now!
Getting approved for bad credit van finance is quick and easy.
Accessible financing
Our bad credit van finance options are tailored to accommodate people with credit challenges, making vehicle loans more accessible to a wider range of customers. We understand the unique circumstances faced by borrowers with bad credit and offer solutions that align with their needs.
Vehicle ownership
Bad credit van finance allows customers to own a vehicle that suits their needs. Unlike traditional lenders who may reject loan applications based solely on credit scores, we aim to have a conversation with those that apply to understand their past credit issues and discuss what we can do to help moving forward.
Credit improvement opportunities
By securing bad credit van finance and consistently meeting repayment obligations, customers can actively work towards improving their credit scores. Responsible handling of van loans demonstrates financial discipline and sends positive signals to credit agencies, potentially leading to improved creditworthiness over time.
Rebuilding financial confidence
Obtaining bad credit van finance can instil confidence in individuals who’ve faced previous financial setbacks. By successfully securing a van loan, customers can feel empowered, knowing they have taken a significant step towards rebuilding their financial stability. This renewed confidence can positively impact other aspects of their lives, encouraging them to pursue further financial goals.
Flexible terms and conditions
Bad credit van finance often offers more flexible terms and conditions compared to conventional financing options. We understand the challenges faced by borrowers with bad credit and are willing to accommodate their unique circumstances. This may include lower down payment requirements, extended loan durations, and manageable interest rates, providing customers with greater financial flexibility.
Understanding bad credit van finance
Bad credit van finance plays an important role in empowering individuals with poor credit histories to regain their financial footing and improve their creditworthiness. By providing access to vehicle finance, we enable borrowers to demonstrate responsible financial behaviour, such as making regular payments. Timely repayments on van loans can positively impact credit scores, helping people to rebuild their credit files and open doors to future financial opportunities.
Hire Purchase pros and cons
Unsure if a Hire Purchase agreement would be suitable for you? Check out some of the pros and cons!
- Fixed interest rate
- Simple to arrange
- No deposit required
- No annual mileage restrictions
- Flexible term lengths (18 - 61 months)
- Fixed monthly (or weekly) repayments
- Vehicle belongs to you after the final payment has been made
- Customers are protected under the Consumer Rights Act (2015)
- Finance is subject to status
- You don't own the vehicle until the final payment has been made
- The vehicle is at risk of repossession if you don't keep up with repayments
- Not suitable if you plan on paying off your finance agreement within six months
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Vans available on finance
Having bad credit shouldn't stop you from getting the van you want! We can provide finance on a wide variety of vans, from brands such as Ford, Vauxhall, and Renault. For more information, check out our fixed and flexible van finance criteria:
Fixed Criteria
- Aged 21+
- UK resident
- Petrol maximum mileage: 120,000
- Diesel maximum mileage: 160,000
Flexible Criteria
- 18 - 61 month terms
- No deposit required
- £2,000 - £15,000 lend
- Minimum one year self-employed (if applicable)
Whilst our criteria helps us to lend responsibly, we're flexible on things such as the age of the van and the term length of the agreement. For example, you can choose to pay your van finance loan over a long period of time, i.e., 48 months, or make larger instalments and pay your finance agreement off in as little as 18 months.
Bad credit van finance FAQs
First Response Finance is a responsible vehicle finance lender, and all decisions are made in the best interests of the customer; based on credit scores, status, and income at the time of application. We'll never approve an application if we believe you might struggle with repayments.
Get independent advice on money, finance products, debt management, and budgeting through Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper.