Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk. Dot Dot Loans is a credit broker, not a lender.
How our loan search works
Soft search eligibility check
A soft search checks initial eligibility without affecting your credit score or being visible to other lenders. A lender may carry out a hard credit search if you continue with a formal application.
Search lenders and brokers
One short form searches our panel to find a potential match without applying separately.
See if we find a potential match
We securely share your details with participating partners to look for a potential match. If there is a potential match, we take you to the partner's website to continue. A match is not a guarantee of approval.
Being matched with a lender does not guarantee you will be accepted for a loan. Any offer is subject to the lender's own affordability and credit checks, and the rate, amount and term you are offered may differ from the examples shown here. Dot Dot Loans is a credit broker, not a lender, and does not make lending decisions. Representative APR 79.5% (Variable).
Other loan types
About our service
Dot Dot Loans is an FCA-authorised UK credit broker. Our service is free to use.
FCA authorised and regulated
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference 919697, so you're dealing with a regulated credit broker.
No impact on your credit score
Checking your eligibility uses a soft search and does not affect your credit score.
Always free to use
There are no broker fees, ever. Our service is free to use. We may be paid a commission by the lender or broker we introduce you to, or by UK Credit Ratings, a credit report service, if you sign up to its free trial. See how we make money.
Data protection and privacy
Registered with the ICO under reference ZB537016. Your details are handled securely and in line with UK data protection rules. Read our privacy policy.
Loans for bad credit
Bad credit can make borrowing more expensive, but it does not automatically mean a no. There is no single credit score or fixed cut off. Each lender decides what it will accept. Some lenders on our panel may consider you if the repayments are affordable now.
Dot Dot Loans is a credit broker, not a lender. Our free service uses one short form and one soft search to check our panel of FCA authorised lenders and brokers for a potential match. This does not affect your credit score. We do not search the whole market. If you formally apply to a lender, it does a hard search, which can affect your score.
What lenders look at
FCA rules require lenders to check that you can afford repayments. They compare your income with your outgoings and existing repayments, and look at your credit history. For example, if you borrow £200, the repayments need to fit alongside your rent, food and energy bills. The amount you borrow and the term both affect affordability. Recent conduct usually matters more than older events. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion hold records of how you have managed credit.
CCJs and defaults
Recent defaults, CCJs or bankruptcy can narrow your choices. You may be offered a smaller amount at a higher rate, even if the repayments are affordable now. Our guide to extremely bad credit loans explains more about borrowing when your credit history has more serious problems.
Our guide to loans for bad credit explains more. Rates are usually higher with bad credit, so compare the total amount repayable, not just the monthly payment. A longer term can mean more interest overall. The lender decides and confirms your rate and repayments before you agree.
What can count against you
- Missed or late payments
- Defaults or court orders to repay debts, called county court judgments (CCJs)
- An IVA (a formal debt repayment agreement), bankruptcy or a debt management plan
- A short or limited credit history
Payday loans
A payday loan is a small, short term loan. Traditionally, you repaid it in one lump sum on your next payday. Many are now repaid in a few monthly instalments. That spreads the repayments, but payday loans are still among the most expensive ways to borrow.
Dot Dot Loans is a credit broker, not a lender. Many lenders on our panel offer short term loans repaid in instalments over 3 months or more. Our free service checks our panel of FCA authorised lenders and brokers with one short form and a soft search. This does not affect your credit score. A formal application to a lender involves a hard search, which can affect your score. A match does not guarantee approval.
When a loan might fit
A payday loan can suit a one off cost if you can clear it without going short on rent, food or energy. It is the wrong answer if you keep borrowing for regular bills or need a new loan to repay an old one. In that situation, speak to a free debt adviser such as StepChange. The lender must check affordability and decides whether to lend.
Check cheaper options before you borrow, including a credit union, a Budgeting Advance for an unexpected one off cost if you get Universal Credit, or a payment plan with whoever you owe. Our guide to payday loans explains the costs and what to check. Compare the total amount repayable, as a longer term can mean more interest overall.
How the FCA caps costs
The FCA price cap rules limit interest and fees on payday loans. Borrow £200 and you will never repay more than £400 in total. The cap sets daily and overall limits, plus a limit on fees for missed repayments.
Source: Financial Conduct Authority price cap rules for high-cost short-term credit (CONC 5A).
Loan amounts, terms and costs
Borrowing should always be affordable. Take a moment to check the repayments fit your budget before you apply.
What affects whether you're accepted
Dot Dot Loans is a credit broker, so the lenders on our panel make the final decision and being matched is not a guarantee of approval. A few things tend to make a difference to what they can offer.
Affordability
Lenders weigh your income against your regular outgoings to check the repayments are comfortable for you.
Credit history
Your track record of managing credit matters, though some lenders will consider a less than perfect history.
A stable income
A regular, verifiable income helps lenders see that the repayments are sustainable over the term.
Existing commitments
Current loans, cards and other commitments are taken into account alongside the new repayments.
One search checks our panel for a potential match
This can save you from making separate applications to multiple lenders and leaving a trail of hard searches on your credit file. Being matched is not a guarantee of approval.
Only borrow what you can comfortably repay. If money is tight, free and impartial help is available from MoneyHelper.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a loan through Dot Dot Loans?
Do you perform credit checks?
How much can I borrow?
What can a personal loan be used for?
Are there any hidden charges or fees?
Will applying affect my credit score?
How much does a loan cost?
How long does it take to receive the funds?
