1 2 3 4 2 3 1

Have you been declined car finance by Santander?

Louise Haines
Written by Louise Haines
Looking for finance?
Get your no obligation car finance quote
Representative 19.5% APR
Car Finance 247 Limited is a credit broker, not a lender.
Ford Fiesta
Get your no obligation car finance quote
Get my quote

If you've recently applied for car finance with Santander and received a rejection, you're not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, wondering what went wrong and what they can do next. In this Santander car finance guide, we'll explore some common questions and concerns about Santander's car finance decisions, and what steps you could take if you have been refused a car loan from this high profile lender.

Let’s start with the main question from this guide.

Have you been declined car finance by Santander?

If you’re reading this, chances are you have found yourself in this less-than-ideal situation. Though it might feel like a big setback, and even the end of the road, it doesn’t have to be. The first port of call could be to find out from Santander why they refused the car finance, if they haven’t already told you. Knowing the reason for the refusal could stand you in better stead for fixing the problem, or avoiding further refusals when you make future applications. If you can’t find out the specific reason, you may still be able to get approved for car finance with other lenders, it’s just easier to move forward with more confidence if you have this information.

declined car finance by Santander.png



I have been refused credit by Santander for PCP, can you help?

Yes, we could! Receiving a rejection for Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) financing from Santander can be frustrating and disheartening, but don't worry, we might just have the solution for you. Here at Car Finance 247 we work closely with a large panel of lenders of all types and areas of expertise, which means we may be able to help people get approved for PCP car financing even when they have been refused car finance by other lenders. Simply hit the ‘Get my quote’ button on our website and answer a few questions about your financial circumstances, and we’ll do the rest. Credit is subject to status.

Why have I been refused PCP with Santander?

There are several reasons why Santander or any other lender might decline your PCP car finance application. Some common factors include a poor credit history, not having a high enough income, having high levels of existing debt, or mistakes or missing details in the information you gave during the application process. Santander checks each application based on criteria like this, and may decline applications that don’t meet their desired standards or pose too much of a lending risk.

Does Santander accept bad credit?

Santander, like many other lenders, considers applications from individuals with varying credit histories. While they may approve some applicants with less-than-perfect credit scores, they typically prefer borrowers with a stable financial background and a good credit history. If you have bad credit, securing car finance from Santander or similar institutions might be challenging, but not always impossible. Exploring alternative lenders or improving your credit score over time could increase your chances of approval. Credit is subject to status.

What credit bureau does Santander use?

Santander, like most major lenders, relies on credit bureaus, also known as credit agencies, to assess the creditworthiness of applicants. In the UK, the main credit reference agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Santander may use one or more of these agencies to obtain information about your credit history, repayment behaviour, and overall financial health. You may be able to find out which specific credit agencies Santander uses the most by contacting them directly for this information. It may also be worth regularly checking your credit report from all three of these agencies to make sure they’re all accurate, and address any issues that may affect your creditworthiness.

Does being refused car finance by Santander affect my credit score?

When you apply for car finance or any other form of credit, the lender might typically conducts a ‘hard check’ on your credit report. This check becomes a part of your credit history and may have a slight negative impact on your credit score, especially if you have multiple hard checks within a short period. However, the mere act of being declined for car finance by Santander does not directly affect your credit score. Instead, it's the credit check and any subsequent actions, such as applying elsewhere, that can influence your credit rating.

Can Car Finance 247 help me if I have been declined by Santander?

Yes, we could! That’s what we’re here for, trying to help people find the best car finance deal that suits their needs and circumstances, even if those circumstances are slightly tricky. While it’s never a guarantee that we’ll be able to help everybody get approved, we do work with a large selection of specialist lenders, many of which offer services specifically tailored to people who have been refused car finance in the past. We might be able to introduce you to lenders who are experts at finding deals and getting approvals for people with bad credit, or people with CCJs, defaults or IVAs in their credit histories. We even work with lenders who specialise in car finance for self employed people or those on benefits, even if they’ve been declined by bigger lenders like Santander for not having a ‘traditional’ form of income. Credit is subject to status.


So, while being declined car finance by Santander can be disappointing, hopefully this guide has helped reassure you that it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t still get car finance elsewhere. Taking the time to understand why your application was rejected, and working on improving your creditworthiness for future applications could help with any future applications. And remember, we at Car Finance 247 are always here to try and help introduce you to other lenders who may be able to get you approved, even if you’ve been refused car finance by Santander or other big lenders.


  • Are Santander loans easy to get?

    Santander's loan approval process varies depending on factors such as your credit history, your income, and the type of loan you're applying for. Generally, Santander, like any reputable lender, maintains certain criteria to assess the creditworthiness of applicants. While some individuals may find Santander's loans relatively easy to get approved for, others may face challenges, especially if they have less-than-perfect credit or other risk factors. If you’re feeling unsure where you might stand as a potential car loan applicant, it’s a good idea to take a look at Santander's eligibility requirements and ensure that you meet their criteria before applying.

  • Are Santander strict lenders?

    Santander is known for being a reputable and responsible lender, which means they have established criteria and procedures to evaluate loan applications. While they aim to help customers in achieving their financial goals, they also prioritise responsible lending practices to reduce risk for both applicants and themselves. This may result in Santander being seen as a relatively strict lender, especially when it comes to assessing creditworthiness and managing risk. However, their strictness is often in line with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

  • What checks does Santander do?

    When you apply for a loan with Santander, they may typically do various checks to assess your creditworthiness and financial stability. These checks may include verifying your income, employment status, credit history, and other relevant information provided during the application process. Santander may also do affordability checks to make sure you can comfortably manage the loan repayments based on your income and expenses.

  • How long does it take Santander to approve a car loan?

    The time it takes for Santander to approve a car loan may vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your application, the completeness of the documentation you provide, and the overall number of applications they are dealing with at the time. In some cases, Santander may provide instant decisions for straightforward applications, while others may need additional time for assessment and verification. Typically, applicants can expect to receive a decision from anything within a few hours to a few days after submitting their application, but this timeline may vary.

  • Does Santander check your credit score?

    Yes, like most lenders, Santander checks your credit score as part of the loan application process. They use this information, along with other factors such as your income, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio, to assess your creditworthiness and determine the terms of the loan. Your credit score provides Santander with insight into your past credit behaviour and helps them evaluate the level of risk associated with lending to you.

  • Is Santander a good lender?

    If the question is whether Santander is a reputable lender, the answer is certainly yes – they are a well-known, trustworthy and respected lender with responsible practices. Whether Santander is considered a good lender for you specifically depends on various factors, including your individual experience, financial needs, and preferences.

    Santander is a well-established financial institution with a strong reputation and a wide range of financial products and services. They strive to provide competitive rates, flexible terms, and excellent customer service to their customers. However, as with any lender, you should take the time to carefully review Santander's loan offerings, terms, and conditions to see if they complement your financial goals and circumstances. Additionally, researching customer reviews and feedback can provide valuable insights into Santander's reputation as a lender and whether they would be a good choice for you personally.