How car finance eligibility checker works
Our car finance eligibility checker gets straight to the point. The tool guides you through a simple step-by-step process that takes less than two minutes to complete.
You tell us how much you want to borrow for your next car. Don't worry if you're unsure of the exact amount. A rough estimate works perfectly at this stage. You can finalise the precise figure later. Providing an initial amount helps us check your eligibility and match you with the right lenders from our panel.
You can borrow between £4,000 and £40,000 through our service. The more accurate your estimate, the better we can match you against suitable lenders. We do a free online soft credit check for car finance, so if you are qualified, it won't affect your credit score in any way.
Car finance calculator
These estimates are subject to credit checks and may change when you apply for finance. this is for example purposes only
Hire Purchase (HP)
APR 11.9%60 monthly payments of
£0
- Interest rate
- 11.9% APR
- Amount of interest
- £0
- Total payment
- £0
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
APR 11.9%60 monthly payments of
£0
- Optional final payment
- £0
- Interest rate
- 11.9% APR
- Amount of interest
- £0
- Total payment
- £0
Rates from 9.9% APR: the exact rate you will be offered will be based on your circumstances, subject to status. Representative Hire purchase (HP) example: borrowing £7,000 over 5 years with a representative APR of 21.9%, the annual interest rate of 21.9% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0, the amount payable would be £185.33 per month, with a total cost of credit of £4,119.81 and a total amount payable of £11,119.81. We look to find the best rate from our panel of lenders and will offer you the best deal that you're eligible for. We receive a fixed fee commission per finance agreement, or we receive a commission based on a percentage of the total amount of finance taken. This will not affect the interest rate offered or the total amount repayable. Our service is free.
We do a soft search to check for your eligibility
Our car finance eligibility checker runs on a simple principle. We protect your credit score throughout the initial check. You can explore your eligibility for car finance without affecting your credit rating.
Two types of credit checks exist: hard searches and soft searches. Hard credit searches leave a mark on your credit report. Lenders see these marks, and multiple hard searches can lower your credit score. Soft credit checks work differently. They check if you are eligible without affecting your credit score, and other lenders cannot see them on your file.
We conduct a soft check before matching you with lenders from our panel. This check reviews your monthly income, outgoing expenditure, employment circumstances and current credit commitments. All of that without any risk to your credit rating. This approach reduces the chance of rejection later in the process.
You move forward only if you want to proceed. Lenders then perform a full credit check to finalise your loan application. This standard step happens across all UK car finance applications once you decide to accept an offer.
Am I eligible for car finance?
Our panel of lenders offers different finance products to suit different needs. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) remain the most popular options for UK drivers. Each product has specific eligibility criteria that our soft credit search helps identify.
Will I be eligible for pcp finance?
PCP finance works for drivers who want lower monthly payments and flexibility at the end of the agreement. You make smaller instalments because you're only paying off part of the car's value. The remaining amount becomes a final payment if you choose to own the car outright.
Lenders look at your ability to afford the monthly payments throughout the term. They assess whether you can manage the final payment or prefer to return the vehicle. PCP suits you if you like changing cars every few years or want to keep your monthly costs down.
Our checker shows you which PCP deals match your financial profile. You see realistic APR rates based on your circumstances. This helps you decide if PCP aligns with your budget and driving plans.
Will I be eligible for hp finance?
Hire Purchase offers a straightforward path to owning your car outright. You spread the total cost across fixed monthly payments over an agreed term. The car becomes yours automatically once you make the final payment.
HP typically involves higher monthly repayments than PCP because you're paying off the full vehicle value. Lenders assess your ability to maintain these payments for the entire agreement length. You need a stable income and manageable existing credit commitments to qualify.
This finance option suits drivers who want to own their vehicle from the start. You build equity with every payment and face no mileage restrictions. Our car finance credit check reveals your HP eligibility without affecting your credit rating.
How to check if i am eligible for car finance
Our online checker makes the process simple and quick. You complete a short form that takes less than two minutes. The tool asks for basic information about your finances and the amount you want to borrow.
You start by entering how much you need for your next vehicle. Then you provide your personal details, including your full name, date of birth and current address. The form asks about your employment situation and monthly income. You also share information about your regular expenses and any existing loan commitments.
The system performs a soft car finance check that protects your credit score. You receive your results immediately on screen. The response shows whether you qualify and which lenders from our panel can help you. Your result includes an indication of the APR you might receive based on your circumstances.
You control what happens next. Contact our team to discuss your options, or proceed directly to a full application if you're ready. The initial check remains valid for 30 days, giving you time to find the right car.
Will I be eligible for car finance with a bad credit score?
Our panel of lenders looks beyond your credit rating to assess your full financial situation. You can still be eligible for car finance with bad credit or a poor credit history.
Specialist lenders work with customers who have faced credit difficulties. They understand that past financial challenges don't define your current ability to repay a loan. These lenders consider your employment status, monthly income, regular expenses and how much you can afford right now. Your present circumstances matter more than your credit history alone.
Our soft credit check helps identify which lenders suit your situation best. You discover your options without risking further damage to your credit score. We match you with lenders who specialise in your specific circumstances, whether you've experienced CCJs, defaults, or simply have a limited credit file.
The eligibility checker shows you realistic finance options based on your actual profile. You apply for car finance only after seeing what's genuinely available to you. This approach saves time and protects your credit rating from unnecessary hard searches.
What are criterias to be qualified for car finance?
To check if you are qualified for car finance, you must meet basic lending criteria. We verify these details to match you with specialist lenders from our panel.
Your requirements
- Age 18-75 years old
- UK resident with recent address history
- Full UK driving licence
- Monthly income of £1,000 or above from employment or self-employment
- Provide details of income and regular expenses
Vehicle criteria
- Purchase price £4,000-£40,000
- Maximum 120,000 miles on the odometer
- No older than 14 years at the end of the finance agreement
- Meets lender's valuation and condition standards
What car am I eligible to finance?
Your eligibility applies to a wide range of used vehicles. You can get car finance for popular models through our panel of lenders:
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes C-Class
- Ford Focus
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Qashqai
- Renault Clio
- Volkswagen Golf
The vehicle's age and condition influence the rates available. Our lenders work with cars up to 12 years old at the start of your agreement.
The cash price of your chosen vehicle determines the amount you borrow. A larger deposit reduces your loan size and typically improves your monthly payments. You can use part-exchange value from your current car towards the deposit. Some lenders accommodate customers with negative equity, helping you move into a different vehicle.
Your budget guides your choice. Our calculator shows a realistic monthly budget based on the vehicle value and term length you select.
Why is our eligibility checker the best?
There are several reasons why our customers prefer using our eligibility checker to find out if they can get a car loan. Besides being very easy to use, the checker has the following benefits:
- It’s 100% free
- You get the results within a few minutes
- We conduct a soft search credit check which means that the search will not be reflected in your credit history
- Constant support is available to each and every customer
FAQ
Where can I check car finance eligibility online?
Carplus offers a free finance eligibility checker on this page for an instant indication of your eligibility. As a credit broker working with trusted finance partners, we perform a soft check that has no impact on your credit score and isn't visible to lenders. This shows whether you're eligible for car finance before making a formal application.
How do car finance companies determine eligibility without affecting my credit score?
Finance companies use a soft credit search to assess your creditworthiness. This check accesses your credit information but doesn't impact your credit score or appear on reports visible to other lenders. You can check eligibility multiple times with no effect on your credit rating. Only a full application triggers a hard search.
Is this car finance eligibility check free?
Yes, our checker is completely free. We operate as a broker earning commission to us from lenders, so you pay nothing. The soft credit search gives you an indication of cost and available deals without obligation.
Does this mean I'm pre-approved for car finance?
Our checker gives an indication you might be eligible, not guaranteed approval. Lenders may verify your creditworthiness and affordability when you submit a full application for car finance. Getting accepted for car finance requires confirming your address history and credit information through their formal assessment process.
How accurate are the eligibility checker results?
Our eligibility checker provides a reliable indication based on your current credit profile and car loan criteria. Results match your likely outcomes with our panel of lenders, though final approval depends on their individual criteria. The finance calculator shows realistic car finance deals you can expect, including representative APR rates specific to your circumstances.
How do I know if I will be approved for car finance?
You'll know if you qualify when lenders complete their full assessment after your formal application. Our checker shows you're likely to be accepted for finance based on initial eligibility criteria. Final approval requires lenders to verify all details in your finance agreement, including income and employment confirmation.
What do lenders see on a soft search?
Lenders view basic information from your credit profile during a soft search, including your credit score, existing accounts, and payment history. This soft check doesn't impact your credit rating or appear on reports visible to other companies. It simply confirms your car loan eligibility without affecting credit applications elsewhere.
I’m eligible, what do I do next?
Choose the right car finance option for your needs and decide whether you want a new or used car. Use our car finance calculator to determine how much you'd like to borrow and select your preferred term up to 60 months. This helps you spread the cost in manageable payments from month to month.
