What is a short term loan?
A short term loan (also known as a payday loan) is a loan taken for a short term, generally under 12 months.
The loan amount you can take is relatively small (usually under £1,000). Short term loans are defined as High Cost Short Term Credit (HCSTC) due to the high-interest rates.
What is the difference between a payday loan and a short term loan?
The difference between short term loans and payday loans the length of time, or term to make repayments. A payday loan is paid within shorter period normally a month or two, and between paydays. Short term loans range from one to twelve months. Payday loans are a form of short term loans, both are considered to be high cost forms of credit.
How do short term loans work?
Short term loans work similarly to personal loans and are paid back in equal monthly instalments, except if the term is one month, as is the case with a payday loan.
There is no collateral or guarantee required. Although these types of loans can be easier to apply for, interest rates are significantly higher than most other forms of credit. Before applying, you should consider payday loan alternatives.
Why would I need a short term loan?
You may need a short term loan to cover an urgent bill or make an emergency payment, and you have no cheaper alternative. For example, you have a leak in the house that needs to be repaired immediately. Or you have damaged a tooth, and you require dental surgery urgently.
Short term loans should not be used continuously. For example, cover regular expenses such as monthly petrol costs. Or to cover unnecessary spending, such as eating out or a holiday.
Should I use a short term loans direct lender or a broker?
A direct lender will lend directly to you without using a third-party lending partner. A broker will use your information to find a lender or lenders who may be willing to lend to you; this will mean your information will be passed on to third parties. Whether you choose a payday loan direct lender or a broker, it's good to shop around first. Check for alternative forms of credit that may offer lower interest rates, and before you apply, make sure the repayments are realistic.
Should I consider other alternatives to a short term loan?
Yes, it's always good to shop around and compare options, particularly as short-term lending can be a costly way to borrow money. If you have bad credit, those options may be limited. If you are in financial difficulty, you should avoid short term loans and payday loans. And, if you find yourself reliant on payday loans, it may be best to seek help and speak to a money advice expert (such as moneyadviceservice.co.uk) to get support.
Can I get a payday loan with no credit check?
UK lenders are required to perform adequate checks before approving a loan. As a result, finding loans with no credit checks is difficult, as responsible lenders will want to obtain as much information as possible to assess your current situation before lending to you. To do this, many will require a credit check at some point.