Low Interest Loans

Advantages and disadvantages of a personal loan

Before you take out a personal loan, it’s important to do your research. Borrowing money can give you access to the funds you need to pay off debts or make a big purchase. But, it means you need to be confident you can make monthly repayments towards paying off the loan.

Advantages:

• Repayments are usually fixed, so you know how much you can afford to pay back every month
• The interest rate is usually fixed, with no fees payable
• Choose the repayment terms to make it more affordable.

Disadvantages:

• You should be sure you only borrow what you need and can make repayments within your monthly budget
• The interest rate on smaller loans over short terms can be higher than other types of borrowing
• Depending on the type of loan you apply for, you may have to pay additional loan fees.

If you’ve done your homework and have decided to apply for a loan, the next step is to choose between a secured and an unsecured loan.

What are the different types of loan?

Not every situation requires the same kind of loan. There are two types of loan available, each with unique features, to suit different circumstances.

Secured loans

A secured loan is where you borrow money secured against an asset – usually your home. If you don’t keep up with your repayments, you may lose the asset you used to secure the loan.

Unsecured loans

With an unsecured loan, sometimes known as a personal loan, the money you can borrow is determined by your credit score. It won’t be secured to any of your assets in the way a secured loan is.

What interest rates are available?

The interest rate you’ll be offered on a loan may vary, depending on certain factors. These include your financial history and current circumstances, plus the type of product you’re applying for. Our interest rates start from 6.59%.

A better credit score may reduce the rate you’re offered and get you a better deal overall. Each loan repayment plan is calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Repayment amounts are determined by the annual percentage rate (APR). APR is what lenders charge for a loan, including the interest rate, plus other fees.

To find out more about APR and what goes into calculating the rate, take a look at our guide to APR.

How much can I borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on your personal situation. We provide secured and unsecured loans, starting from £3,000, going all the way up to £500,000.

• Unsecured personal loan – borrow up to £25,000
• Secured loan – borrow up to £500,000

The large variety of lenders we work with provides flexibility. It can help you find borrowing that suits you, with repayment terms available from one year to 30 years (maximum 10 years for unsecured loans).

Try out our loan calculator to set the term and amount you'd like to borrow. Get an idea of what your repayment schedule will look like.

Commonly asked questions about loans

We’ve answered your most asked questions about our loans. To find out more, call one of our friendly and helpful advisors on 0800 694 5566.

How can I check my credit score?

To check your credit score, head to the website of one of the three main credit reporting agencies. These are:

• Experian
• Equifax
• TransUnion

Here you’ll be able to run a credit report, which generates your credit score for free.

Will searching for a loan affect my credit score?

No, a soft search is usually performed by lenders while people are shopping around, and this will not affect your credit score. It is only when a loan is taken out that a hard credit check will be added to your credit history.

Read our guide to the different kinds of credit search.

Can I apply for a loan with bad credit?

Yes, you can apply for a loan with bad credit or a Count Court Judgement (CCJ). There are lenders who will work with you on a repayment package that covers both your existing debt and the amount of money you want to borrow.

How long does it take to be approved for a loan?

You will usually receive an instant decision from us on whether or not your application has been successful. We recommend leaving one to two weeks for your application to be processed, before receiving the funds, for a secured loan. An unsecured loan can be completed a couple in of days.

Can I pay off a loan early?

A loan can be paid off at any time, but many lenders charge a small early repayment fee for doing so. This would still save you a substantial amount on the total interest that would have accrued, if the loan were allowed to run to its agreed term. It is essential that you can afford your repayments for the full term, from the outset.

Can I take a break from paying back my loan?

You can discuss taking a break from paying back your debt consolidation loan. This is known as a ‘payment holiday’. Before choosing this option, it’s important to remember this can change your financial situation and affect your credit rating. Discuss the terms and conditions of taking a payment break with your lender, before agreeing. This option is usually only available if your circumstances change after taking the loan out and you are struggling to meet the loan repayments.

How long are the repayment terms?

Our repayment terms are flexible and work around your needs. Choose a period that suits your financial situation best, from one to 30 years, to make sure you can comfortably make your repayments.

What are the interest rates?

The interest rates you are charged may vary, based on your individual situation and financial history. Our homeowner interest rates start at 6.59%.

Are there any loan fees?

We do not charge fees on unsecured loans. As a broker, we may charge a broker fee of up to 12.5% on a secured loan. Because we’re not a bank, we receive commission from the lender, once the loan application has completed.

Am I eligible for a loan?

We help customers from every walk of life take control of their finances. Our products are available for:

• Homeowners/non-homeowners/tenants
• Employed/self-employed individuals
• Married couples (joint application)
• Single parents
• Applicants in receipt of pensions & benefits
• Retirees

No matter what your circumstances, even if you have CCJs, we may be able to help find you the ideal loan product.

How our loans work

Applying for a loan with Norton Finance is simple and hassle-free. Simply:

• Choose the most suitable product for you
• Decide how much you need to borrow and over what term
• Leave the rest to us – we will manage your application from beginning to end

We’re a broker, not a bank, so you’ll find lots more choice, as we search more than 600 different plans to find the best rates. Whether you’re retired, self-employed, or even if you have CCJs, we can help.

Apply online or give us a call and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your options.

Applying for a loan

Apply for low finance loans by calling 0800 694 5566 to speak to one of our advisors or apply online for a free no-obligation quote.

All you need to provide initially is your:

• Name and address
• Employment status
• Details of your income

If you’re applying for a debt consolidation loan, it helps to have details to hand about the loans you intend to repay, including the amount owed and monthly repayment costs, to make the application process simpler.