When applying to borrow money, lenders will need to know about your financial history.
Being able to provide this information during your loan application can help lenders make their decision, as well as speeding up the application process.
The documents that lenders require can range from passports and driving licences, to credit history and bank statements. They are a means of proving who you are and whether you’ll be able to pay back the money you borrow. Making sure you have all the necessary paperwork can make the loan application a quick and simple process for you.
Find out more about what documents you’ll need to borrow money below.
What will lenders ask me?
As part of your loan application process, lenders will ask for information about who you are, what you earn, and what you spend in a typical month. They’re likely to need specifics so try to give as much detail as you can. The more specific information you can provide, the sooner you’re likely to have a decision.
You’ll typically be asked to provide your personal details and information on your personal or household finances.
Personal details
Brokers and potential lenders will need to know your personal information in order to proceed with your loan application. This is likely to include:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Title
- Marital status
- Address and postcode (and how long you’ve lived there)
You may also be asked to provide additional contact details such as:
- Any extra addresses you’ve been registered at in the last five years
- Personal and home phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Work numbers
- National Insurance number
This information will help lenders learn more about you, and ensures they can contact you about your application should they need to.
Your finances
By giving lenders and brokers as much information about your personal and household finances as you can, you’ll help them make a clear decision on whether they can lend to you and how much.
Keeping tabs on your income, and how much remains after paying regular bills will show lenders whether you can afford the repayments on a loan.
You’re likely to be asked to provide information about:
- Your employer and job title
- How regularly you receive your wages (i.e. monthly or weekly)
- Your annual salary
- Monthly income (including your wages, rental income or extra business profits)
- Regular outgoings, bills and subscriptions
- Your credit history
- Any CCJs you may have
- Any benefit or government subsidised income you may receive.
What documents will I need to borrow money?
The most obvious documents to have to hand when applying for a loan will be your passport and a recent bank statement. In many cases, lenders will want specific proof of the information you provide them with, and the best way to do that is with the right documentation.
Having the necessary documents to hand will help lenders verify your situation. It could even help to speed up the application process so that you get your final decision – and the money from an approved loan – sooner.
Some of the most likely documents to be needed are listed below.
Proof of identity
Proof of identity documents prove you are who you say you are and that your personal details are correct. Examples include:
- Passport
- Driving license
- Birth certificate
- Blue Badge
Proof of address
Your proof of address documents confirm that you live at the address you’ve provided. Lenders will typically accept the following:
- A recent utility bill (no more than three months old)
- A recent bank statement
- Your tenancy agreement
Bank statements
Bank statements are the simplest way to prove your regular incomings, outgoings and address to potential lenders. They also confirm you have an account for the loan to be paid into, and where repayments are to be made from.
Payslips
Payslips or wage statements prove your monthly earnings from your employer are what you claim. Aim to provide at least three months’ payslips to show the consistency of your earnings.
Benefit documents
Make sure you provide award letters or documentation regarding any tax credits or benefits you receive. This will help provide a clear picture of your income to lenders.
Existing loan and credit card statements
You may also need to declare any existing loans or credit cards you have. Lenders may also ask you to provide a recent statement for each to make it clear whether you can afford your repayments.
Once you have all your documents to hand and are confident you have the information you’ll need in order to borrow money; you’re ready to apply. If you’re still unsure what type of loan you need, take a look at the loan information on our website.
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