Credit Crisis - Can I still get a loan?
July 17, 2008
Although it’s important to research the loan market thoroughly make sure you don’t make multiple full scale applications at this time. Each loan you apply for will cause a record to be placed on your credit report and this can seem to a new lender that other lenders have been turning you down. This can very easily influence the decision of the new lender and you could find yourself turned down for no other reason than those multiple applications on your credit report.
The best way forward then is to try and get loan agreements in principle without having the full credit search. Then compare whats on the table and apply for the loan that bests suits your needs. If a lender turns you down then you MUST find out why. Lenders are not required by law to tell you why you were refused but in reality most lenders will give their reasons. It is vital to get the reason for refusal and check the reason is valid before you consider applying for another loan.
What lenders look out for. Lenders need to know you can handle credit therefore if you have never borrowed money before you may not be offered the best rate. You may believe you are a worthy customer deserving of the best loan but you can’t seem to get it simply because you have no track record.
If you can show that you are capable of managing your money properly, maybe by having a credit card and a mobile phone and keeping them in good standing then possibly this might bring the best rate loan offers closer to you
One thing you can’t be when applying for loan is overstretched financially. Your credit records are there for all lenders to see and they can see immediately what your monthly commitments are and also how you have been handling those commitments. They can also see your credit limits so it’s a good idea to cancel any unused credit cards as those low limits could put a lender off you. If other lenders are only allowing a little then why should the new lender have confidence?
Explain your special circumstances. If you have a bad credit record, or you are currently having some financial problems, it makes a lot of sense to seek advice rather than simply borrow more. If you have ever missed repayments in the past they remain on your credit record for at least 36 months. IVAs, Court judgments and bankruptcies stay on the record for at least six years.
If your problems were due to special circumstances then explain why - for example, if you suffered an illness that affected your income you can simply add a note to your credit report. Most Lenders may take this into account when considering you.
There are companies out there claiming they can repair your credit report. Stay away from these companies. Repairing your credit report is not possible unless someone made a mistake. If a mistake was made then you can repair your credit report yourself easily sp beware of these shysters, you will only end up being more out of pockets for something that simply isn’t possible.
There is usually a good reason for credit being refused to you. If you are struggling financially then the wisest step is first of all to review your spending. A good mover could be to consult with a debt councilling service.
One very simple and quick way to improve your credit rating is to register on the electoral roll if you aren’t on it already. Credit reference agency Experian tells us that lenders use the electoral roll as a precaution against fraud, to help check that you are who you say who you are and live where you claim to live. If you are registered at a different address to the one on the application form, or don’t appear on the electoral roll at all, they may ask for proof of residence or could simply turn you down.
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