Posts Tagged ‘Credit Score’

What’s the Difference Between Poor and Bad Credit in 2023

July 26, 2023

When you’re seeking to secure a business loan, understanding your credit score becomes a critical factor. This numerical value represents a person’s creditworthiness, and lenders use it to determine the likelihood of a borrower repaying their debts. At JPM Capital, our mission is to ensure you understand the distinction between poor and bad credit and how it can influence your funding solutions.

A meter showing poor credit, representing the exploration of credit ratings.

What’s the Difference Between Poor and Bad Credit?

While the terms “poor” and “bad” credit might seem interchangeable, there’s a difference. As per UK credit agencies, a score below 561 is categorised as poor, while a score below 509 is termed bad.

  1. Poor Credit: Poor credit arises when your credit score is below the average due to factors such as missed repayments or maxed-out credit cards. If you fall into this category, Bad Credit Business Loans can be your saviour.
  2. Bad Credit: This means your score is significantly lower than the average due to severe issues like bankruptcies or County Court Judgments (CCJs). Securing loans with bad credit can be challenging, but not impossible, especially with alternative finance options.

Did You Know? More than 30% of the UK’s adult population has poor or bad credit, making it difficult for them to secure traditional loans, as per this Business Credit Score guide.

The Three Types of Bad Credit

There are three primary types of bad credit:

  1. Late Payments: This is the most common and can significantly impact your credit score. As this SME loans guide suggests, even one missed payment can cause a drop.
  2. Defaults: A default occurs if you fail to pay a debt after multiple reminders. It can severely harm your credit rating.
  3. CCJs (County Court Judgments): This is a court order in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland registered against you if you fail to repay a debt.

Each type of bad credit remains on your credit file for six years, which is why it’s essential to make repayments on time and maintain a healthy credit score.

How Credit Scores Affect Business Loans

A low credit score can make securing small business loans more challenging, as lenders often view lower scores as higher risks. However, JPM Capital believes in providing equal opportunities. With solutions like VAT funding, tax funding, and working capital funding, we assist businesses in reaching their goals, irrespective of their credit history.

Pro Tip: Diversify your funding solutions to enhance your chances of securing a loan, even with a poor or bad credit score.

Refurbishment and Expansion Funding

Even with poor or bad credit, you can secure funding for refurbishment or expansion. These funds allow businesses to invest in growth, irrespective of their credit history.

Conclusion

Grasping the nature of your credit score and the difference between poor and bad credit can be a game-changer for your financial journey. It might seem daunting to apply for business loans with an imperfect credit score, but with the right options and partners, like JPM Capital, your business can secure the necessary funds.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between poor and bad credit?

A1: In the UK, a credit score below 561 is considered poor, while a score below 509 is classified as bad.

Q2: What is considered poor credit?

A2: A credit score falling below the average score of 561 is categorised as poor credit.

Q3: What is classed as bad credit in the UK?

A3: A score below 509 is termed as bad credit in the UK.

Q4: What are the three types of bad credit?

A4: The three types of bad credit are late payments, defaults, and County Court Judgments (CCJs).

Useful External Resources

For more insights about business loans and managing bad credit, you can explore these informative resources:

What Credit Score Do I Need for an Unsecured Loan?

July 18, 2023

In the world of finance, credit scores play a crucial role, especially when it comes to unsecured loans. But, what credit score do you need for an unsecured loan? This is a question we often get asked at JPM Capital.

An individual working at a desk, symbolizing the diligent research needed to understand the credit score requirements for an unsecured loan.

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s define what an unsecured loan is. These are loans that are not secured against any of your assets like property or vehicles. Given this lack of security for lenders, your creditworthiness—usually indicated by your credit score—becomes a significant factor in your approval process.

Understanding Credit Scores

The credit score ranges from 0 to 700 in the UK, with any score above 380 considered as ‘fair’. Most lenders consider a score of 420 and above as ‘good’, while anything above 465 is ‘excellent’. To secure an unsecured loan, it’s ideal to have a ‘good’ credit score, however, having a lower score doesn’t make it impossible to get a loan.

Different lenders have different policies; for example, bad credit business loans could be an option for business owners with a lower credit score. It’s worth exploring alternative finance options if traditional channels are closed due to credit issues.

Note: The lowest credit score to get a loan varies across lenders. However, anything below 380 could pose a challenge. But, it’s not impossible.

Considerations for Unsecured Loans

Are unsecured loans hard to get? The answer depends on various factors. For businesses looking for working capital funding or refurbishment/expansion funding, having a good credit score can ease the process.

Lenders will evaluate your business’s financial health, trading history, and repayment capability. They also look at industry-specific risks and external factors, such as market trends and economic conditions.

One example is CryoBurst, a company offering whole-body cryotherapy and sports massage services. Their testimonials showcase a strong market presence and customer satisfaction, factors that would likely be considered favourably by lenders.

Finding the Right Loan

Even with less-than-perfect credit, there are many ways to secure funding. For businesses struggling with tax payments, tax funding and VAT funding are also viable options. Small businesses might also consider small business loans. It’s essential to explore all options and find the right funding solution for your needs.

Conclusion

Getting an unsecured loan doesn’t always hinge on having an ‘excellent’ credit score. Lenders consider many factors when evaluating a loan application. At JPM Capital, we provide a range of funding solutions and strive to cater to different needs. With our guidance, you can navigate the financial landscape and find the most suitable options for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What credit score do you need for an unsecured loan?

While the ‘good’ range (420 and above) is ideal, it’s possible to secure a loan with a lower credit score. Consider exploring alternative financing options if your credit score is less than perfect.

  1. What is the lowest credit score to get a loan?

A score below 380 could make securing a loan challenging. However, different lenders have different policies, and options like bad credit business loans exist.

  1. Do you need good credit for an unsecured loan?

Having a good credit score can make the process easier but isn’t always necessary. Lenders consider many factors, including business health and trading history.

  1. Are unsecured loans hard to get?

Securing an unsecured loan can be challenging without a good credit score or a strong financial standing. However, with the right guidance and alternative funding options, it’s achievable.

For more information, visit our blog or contact us directly.

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