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Small Loans

Small loans for when you need a little extra help

On occasion an unexpected bill or unplanned expense may leave a hole in your budget. A small loan lets you borrow a relatively modest amount of money, repaying it through regular repayments over an agreed period of time.

Small loans can be used for a range of one-off costs and unlike payday loans, which are typically designed to be repaid over a very short period, small loans can offer longer repayment terms and a more manageable way to spread the cost of borrowing. Small loans may spread the cost of a one-off expense over an agreed term, but longer repayment periods can increase the total interest paid. Compare the APR, total amount repayable and repayment schedule before borrowing.

At Fair Finance, new customers can apply to borrow between £400 and £1,000, with repayment terms from 6 to 12 months. If you’ve had a loan with us before, existing customers may be able to borrow up to £3,000, with a longer repayment term of up to 18 months.

If you are considering a small loan, it’s important to only borrow what you need and ensure repayments are affordable.

Fair Finance considers each application individually, including credit history, income, expenditure and existing commitments. We only offer credit where our assessment indicates repayments are affordable; approval is not guaranteed.

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What is a small loan?

A small loan is an unsecured loan that lets you borrow a small amount of money to cover a specific cost which is repaid over an agreed amount of time.

Small loans may be useful for:

  • Unexpected household expenses
  • Essential repairs or replacements
  • Urgent travel or transport
  • An unexpected bill

Before borrowing, consider whether you need a loan and whether the repayments will comfortably fit your budget. You’ll repay more than you borrow, so it’s always important to check the total cost as well as the repayment amount.
piggy bank representing personal loan
happy couple getting a small loan

Small loans from Fair Finance

Fair Finance offers personal loans which are subject to affordability and eligibility assessments designed to ensure repayments are sustainable based on your individual circumstances. We consider your current circumstances rather than just relying on your credit score.

With Fair Finance:

  • New customers can apply for £400–£1,000
  • Repayment terms are 6–12 months for new customers
  • Existing customers may borrow up to £3,000
  • Weekly or monthly repayments are available

Every application is assessed individually, and approval is subject to eligibility and affordability checks.

Small Loans

A direct lender providing affordable small loans

How much would you like to borrow?

400
1000

Duration of loan

6
12

Borrow

£1000

Duration

9 Months

Admin Fee

36

Monthly repayments

£500

Interest

£309

Total to repay

£945

Borrow

£500

Duration

8 Months

Admin Fee

36

Monthly repayments

£500

Interest

£309

Total to repay

£945

Representative Example

If you borrow £500 repayable over 12 months, your total repayment will be £929.40. Your 12 monthly instalments will each be £74.95. We will also charge and a one-off administration fee (6% of loan amount) amounting to £30. The rate of interest applied to the loan is 132% fixed. The Representative APR is 280%.

New customers can apply for a loan of up to £1,000 with repayments terms of between 6 and 12 months.

Existing customers can apply for a loan of up to £3,000 with a maximum repayment term of 18 months.

Can I get a small loan with bad credit?

Having bad credit or poor credit history doesn’t necessarily stop you from applying for a small loan with Fair Finance.

When considering your application, we look at your current financial circumstances and ability to afford the repayments, including:

  • Your income
  • Regular household expenses
  • Existing financial commitments
  • Your credit history

We consider each application individually rather than making a decision based solely on your credit score. Acceptance is not guaranteed and applications remain subject to our affordability and eligibility criteria.
small loan with bad credit
loan terms and conditions

What should I consider before taking out a small loan?

Even when borrowing a small amount, make sure the loan is suitable and affordable for you.

Before applying, consider:

  • Whether you really need to borrow
  • How much you actually need
  • The regular repayment amount
  • The total amount you’ll repay
  • Your existing bills and commitments

Longer repayment periods can reduce individual repayments but may increase the overall cost. We do not charge an early repayment fee. If you repay your loan early, the amount of interest you pay may be reduced in accordance with your loan agreement.

WHY BORROW A FAIR PERSONAL LOAN

Bad Credit? On Benefits? New to the UK?

No problem. We assess every loan to ensure everyone gets a fair chance.

Discounts for existing customers

Repaying your loan will allow you to borrow more and each loan will be cheaper.

No hidden surprises

We don’t charge for late repayments or for making early repayments

A fairer approach to small loans

If an unexpected or essential expense has left you needing a little extra help, a Fair Finance loan could be an option.

At Fair Finance, we believe access to credit should be fair and responsible. Our aim is to provide straightforward borrowing with clear costs and repayments, while making sure any loan we offer is affordable for you so before applying, use the loan calculator above to understand your repayments and the total amount you’ll repay. 

However, if you’re already struggling to keep up with debts or essential bills, taking out another loan may not be appropriate.

Free and impartial debt advice is available through organisations such as MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice.

To find the best place to get the advice or support you need to manage your bills and finances why not use our free Money Advice Tool to point you in the right direction.

Want to know more?

LET US ANSWER YOUR FAQ’s

We are a direct lender providing affordable loans of up to £3000

I receive benefits. Can I still apply for a loan?

Yes. Many of our customers receive benefits. The most important thing is whether our loan would be genuinely affordable for you - that's what we look at.

Yes. We aim to provide a decision within 24-48 working hours, although this may take longer if additional information is required.

Our aim is to make applying for a loan as easy and convenient as possible. We'll use electronic identity and credit checks, as well as bank statements to assess your application. In most cases, this is all we’ll need.

However, if we can’t verify certain information this way we may ask you for more documents such as payslips or benefits letters, a proof of ID or proof of address.

Any more questions?

Why Choose Fair Finance for a Small Loan?

We’re committed to providing fair and affordable credit across the UK. As a not-for-profit social lender we see you as more than just your credit score. We look at your current financial circumstances and ability to repay so a less-than-perfect credit history doesn’t automatically prevent you from applying.

  • Loans from £400 (subject to eligibility and affordability)
  • Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • Clear information about repayments and borrowing costs 
  • Flexibility of weekly or monthly repayment
  • Direct lender
  • No guarantor required

Money worries? Need Advice?

Not sure where to turn for help with your finances? Our free Money Advice Tool can point you towards useful information and support that’s relevant to your circumstances.

From dealing with household bills and getting your budget under control to making better financial decisions, the tool helps you find practical guidance and understand what options are available to you.

Want to improve your credit score?

Lenders use your credit history to understand how you've managed borrowing in the past. Your credit report records previous loans, repayment habits, missed payments and any fraud concerns, all of which can affect your credit score.

A lower score may limit your borrowing options or affect the rates you're offered. However, there are ways to improve your credit profile over time.