Borrowing

Apart from mortgages to enable you to buy your home or shared ownership, borrowing money and taking out a loan should be a 'last resort', unless it is calculated 'healthy' borrowing – such as 0% interest credit (also known as interest-free) purchases over a period of time.

This is a cost-effective way of borrowing against an essential large item purchase such as furniture or computer equipment. A loan that gives you a better rate of repayment to consolidate other loans can provide a good option for better managing your budget.

There are often high costs associated with borrowing, so it's important to understand the best options for borrowing money, and to plan and manage these costs to ensure that they are affordable and necessary.

Remember that your credit rating may be negatively affected and you may experience more financial difficulties and debt if you are unable to repay what you borrow.

Where Can I Borrow Money?

Always speak to a regulated financial lending organisation, such as a recognised bank or building society. Unauthorised lenders, Pawnbrokers, and 'pay day' loan companies may seem an easy option, but you will be paying back extortionate rates of interest on your borrowing, which will lead to increased financial difficulty, anxiety, and loss (such as your home or belongings if you fall behind with your financial commitments).

Bank or Building Society

Most people borrow money from a bank or building society, either by accessing a personal loan, overdraft or credit card. If you have a mortgage, you may be able to remortgage to release equity in your home. If you are in a shared ownership scheme you will need to first discuss this with your landlord.

Credit Unions

Some credit unions provide cheap alternative loans just like a bank or building society. Visit the Find Your Credit Union website to find your local credit union and the service it provides.

What to Check Before you Borrow?

Total credit to be repaid

Add together your loan or credit amount, interest and other charges which you must pay. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) gives you the true cost of the interest you will pay on your loan.

Payment date

Is the payment date suitable for you? Will you have money available to pay when your loan or credit payment is due? If you don't, then you may be charged with a penalty fee.

Terms and conditions

Read and understand the fine print which explains your rights, responsibilities, payments, fees and duration of the loan.

Early repayment fees

Avoid credit with early repayment fees if you are likely to repay your credit in full before full payment is due.

Check your credit rating

Apply for credit that suits your credit rating.

Alternatives

Are there any alternative lending streams, for example peer to peer lending? For further information visit the Money Advice Service website.

Affordability

Is this credit affordable? Ensure that you are able to repay what you borrow as your credit rating may be negatively affected if you do not repay what you owe.

Credit Limits and Interest

The amount that you can borrow depends on your personal circumstances, credit rating and level of debt. You may be charged a more expensive interest rate if you have a low credit rating and a high level of debt.