
Guide for How to Get Quick Loans for Cars
- September 17, 2025
- Remy Anderson
- Finance
Personal loans are the cheapest way to finance your car. With rates starting at 5.8% for amounts over £7,500, loans for cars beat most dealer finance options. Quick loans for cars is always possible.
You need to know three things upfront. Individual purchases require £50,000 minimum, while business purchases start at £25,000. Your interest rate depends on your credit history and loan provider. You’ll need personal information ready to prove you’re creditworthy.
The best loans for cars comes down to finding terms you can handle and payments that fit your budget.
If you need cheap loans for cars, or special financing for a used car, this guide will help you get money fast for your next car buy.
Understanding Quick Car Loans

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Quick car loans have changed everything about traditional financing. No more waiting weeks for approval or drowning in paperwork.
What makes a loan ‘quick’?
Digital applications and smart algorithms assess whether you may qualify instantly. First Direct gets you through their process in less than 10 minutes online. Money hits your account immediately after approval. You can buy your car the same day.
How fast can you get approved?
Speed depends on your lender and credit situation:
- Minutes to hours: Some lenders decide within 60 seconds.
- Same day: Most applications get answers within 24 hours.
- 1-2 business days: Standard UK approval timeframe.
HSBC current account holders get instant decisions. Non-HSBC customers wait 2-5 working days. Nationwide transfers approved funds within 2 hours.
Are quick loans more expensive?
Speed costs more sometimes. APRs swing dramatically between lenders.
You’ll find rates for loans for cars UK start from 5.8% APR up to 22.9% for loans between £7,500 and £25,000. First Direct caps theirs at 18.9% APR.
Your credit history determines everything. Poor credit still gets you financing, but expect much higher rates. Compare carefully before you sign.
Quick loans deliver convenience and speed. Just make sure the terms actually work for your situation.
These Are the Only Loan Types Worth Considering
What you want from your car determines which loan you should get. Ownership, monthly payments, or flexibility—each goal needs a different approach.
Personal loans give you immediate ownership
Personal loans put the car title in your name from day one. You own it outright, modify it however you want, and sell whenever you choose.
Hire Purchase (HP) agreements work differently but still get you ownership. Monthly payments plus a final fee of £100-£200 makes the car yours. HP costs more monthly but builds equity with every payment.
New cars beat used cars for interest rates
New car loans come with lower rates than loans for used cars because lenders know exactly what the car’s worth. Used car loans carry higher APRs since valuing pre-owned vehicles gets complicated.
Used car terms max out at five years versus seven for new cars. But used car payments average £416.93 monthly compared to £582.91 for new vehicles. Lower payments win if cash flow matters most.
Personal loans dominate the used car market
Personal loans crush dealer finance when you’re buying used. Good credit scores unlock bank rates, and quick loans for cars, as low as 5.8% for loans over £7,500.
Excellent credit opens up 0% purchase credit cards. If you pay off the balance within the interest-free period, you won’t pay any interest.
Online marketplaces show you the best rates across multiple lenders. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments but higher total interest costs.
Get Your Car Loan Approved Fast – quick loans for cars

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Quick car loan approval happens when you’re prepared. These steps eliminate delays and get you funded faster.
Fix your credit report first
Check your credit report before applying—it determines whether you qualify and the rates. Many lenders offer free credit checks that won’t hurt your score. Please check for any mistakes and make sure your address history is correct. This prevents verification problems and speeds up your credit check.
Gather these documents now
Have these ready before you apply:
- Identity verification: Valid UK driving license or passport
- Income proof: Three months of payslips or bank statements
- Address verification: Recent utility bills or bank statements from the past 90 days
Self-employed applicants need the last two years’ tax returns. Please gather three years of address history and job records to help speed up the process.
Use pre-approval to skip the wait
Pre-qualification tools run soft credit searches without affecting your score. You’ll know your approval odds and potential rates within minutes. Pre-approval gives you a budget before you shop and stronger negotiating power at dealerships. When you find your car, final approval happens faster since verification is already done.
Managing Your Loan After Approval
Direct debit is the only payment method we’d recommend. Automatic payments prevent late fees and build your credit score. Set up recurring transfers through your lender’s online service for a specific date each month. Your bank handles everything automatically.
Track your balance and interest
Monitor your loan through your lender’s online account. Check payments, view transaction history, and request statements. Change payment dates or make overpayments when you have extra funds. Track interest rates to spot refinancing opportunities that could save money.
Plan for balloon payments if using PCP
Balloon payments typically equal 25% of the car’s value. You have three choices at the end of your PCP agreement:
- Pay the lump sum and own the car outright
- Start a new finance deal on the same or different vehicle
- Return the car without further payment
What to do if you can’t pay on time
Contact your lender immediately if payment difficulties arise. They might offer extensions, payment holidays, or contract changes. Not talking can cause you to lose your belongings, receive late payment notices, and damage your credit score.
Quick Loans for Cars : These Are Your Best Options
Getting cheap car loans comes down to preparation and choosing the right lender. If you can handle the monthly payments, go for it.
Digital applications take under 10 minutes with most lenders. Your credit score determines everything – fix any errors before you apply. Gather your documents first: driving license, payslips, and utility bills from the past 90 days.
Set up direct debit once approved. Track your balance through your lender’s online account. PCP agreements need planning for that final balloon payment worth 25% of the car’s value.
What do you do if you can’t make a payment? Contact your lender immediately. They’ll work with you on extensions or payment holidays rather than face repossession costs.
Personal loans beat dealer finance for most car purchases. Your credit score, loan term, and ownership goals determine which option works best. These are the only financing routes we’d recommend for quick car purchases.