How are Credit Scores Calculated?

Your credit score is based on the history available on the way in which you have managed the repayment of loans and other forms of credit over the last six years.

For example, if you have paid all of your debts on time, for instance, you are likely to have a good credit score. If you have missed payments, defaulted on them altogether, had to resort to a debt management plan to manage your debts, enter an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), DRO or a Scottish trust deed, or have been declared bankrupt, your credit score will have been adversely affected at each of these steps.

The higher your credit score, the higher the chance of approval for a car loan, as lenders will have more confidence in your propensity to repay. You would also be eligible for some of the most attractive rates of interest, and here at CarFinance 247 we have very competitive finance deals for those with good credit.

However, with such a large panel of lenders, we also have finance options available to those with less than perfect credit histories. In fact, a number of our lenders specialise in providing finance to those with bad credit, including for those with CCJs, defaults or that have been refused elsewhere.

Perhaps because of your youth or financial lifestyle, you have no credit record or credit score at all – there is nothing to indicate whether you are likely to handle debt responsibly or otherwise.

The lack of a credit history might be making your life as difficult as having a low credit score when it comes to securing the finance you need to buy your new vehicle.

At CarFinance 247, we aim to help customers with a range of credit histories to finance their next vehicle (whether it’s a car, van, motorbike or motorhome!). In most cases, a deposit isn’t needed, and we can also help if you’re self-employed, a part-time worker or retired (to name just a few!).

If you are looking to improve your credit score, there are a number of ways in which you can do this. For example, make sure you are on the electoral roll, keep up to date with all you monthly payments and regularly get a copy of your credit file to make sure all the information on it is correct.

Finally, try not to make lots of applications for credit. If you have made a lot of applications for finance (not just car finance but for credit cards or loans etc.), this may leave a footprint on your credit file.

Once approved at CarFinance 247, you can buy a car from any reputable dealership in the UK.

To see how much you could borrow, why not use our car finance calculator?