car loan with bad credit and no down payment
30 June 2025

Do you struggle to get a car finance and cannot save for a deposit? You are not alone. Around 1 in every 6 individuals cannot save much, living from paycheck to paycheck. Moreover, issues like a bad credit history further affect the dream of car ownership. It is because getting a loan for a vehicle is challenging, with a poor credit score.  

To ease the risks, most loan providers demand a down payment. It reduces their liability and makes the deal affordable for the borrower, also. However, here, you cannot provide a deposit due to low finances and income. So, what are the possibilities of getting a car loan with bad credit and no down payment?  

Is putting down a deposit necessary for a car loan with bad credit?  

It is, at times, challenging to save money for a big-ticket purchase like a car. Moreover, it may delay the timeline to achieve the goal of owning one. Putting down a deposit, however, enriches your prospects for loan approval. 

It is not mandatory to provide a down payment on a car loan, unlike car finance. However, individuals with a bad credit score may fetch low interest rates and a high amount and reduce monthly payment liabilities by doing so.  

You can check the amount you save by using a car loan calculator. List the expected deposit amount, and you get the results. Knowing the approximates helps you explore car loans for low scores and fetch an affordable one. You can also reduce the liabilities on a car loan by applying for a smaller amount than needed. It eventually reduces the impact of the competitive interest rates that you get on a loan. 

Is it possible to get a car finance without a deposit for bad credit?  

The poor credit history may have held you back from seeking other financing types in the past. You might be fearful about getting rejected on your next car loan application. However, don’t worry, you may still get car finance for bad credit and no deposit requirements.  

Here, if the car loan does not work, a Hire purchase car finance agreement would be the best approach. It does not instruct you to deliver a deposit to authorise with bad credit. Instead, you can spread the loan payments in easy instalments. Decide a repayment schedule that performs for you, given your income and the other liabilities. 

Who is capable of a no-deposit auto finance quote?  

No-deposit car finance quotes are ideal for individuals with zero chances of providing a poor credit score. Here, you may only get the used car finance options instead of new ones. You may qualify if you meet the following conditions:  

Affordability  

    It is the basics of getting a car finance with no deposit and bad credit. Every responsible loan provider conducts affordability checks to determine the person’s ability to repay the dues. For this, individuals with consistent and good incomes may qualify for the loan. You have a monthly income of at least £5000 to be eligible for the loan.  

    Have a valid driving license 

      Yes, you must hold a reliable and authentic driving license to get no-deposit car finance with a bad credit score. Individuals with a learning driver’s license may struggle to qualify. Therefore, it is ideal to apply only if you have a valid, experienced driving license. Moreover, if you are a UK citizen, you have a valid license for that place.  

      Are aged between 20-75 years 

        Car finance without a deposit is challenging to get as an 18-year-old. However, individuals with income and improved credit ratings may qualify.  

        Must have valid income proof (consecutive of 3 months) 

          Having a valid earning source is important to get one.  You must have valid income proof of at least 3 months of employment history to qualify. 

          What does to achieve a car loan with a low score and no deposit?   

          As you can see, getting a car loan with bad credit and no deposit is challenging. However, it is not impossible. You must work on your finances and credit score and improve your loan affordability. It is all about reducing the risk for the loan provider. Here are some aspects that might help you prepare for that:  

          Ensure a consistent and high income 

            If seeking car finance for bad credit and no deposit, having a regular income is important. It showcases your ability to repay the dues comfortably.  Identify your primary and secondary incomes. Focus on establishing a good primary one. It is the authentic source that most loan companies prefer. Moreover, a consistent and long employment history increases the reliability of payments.  

            Provide a guarantor  

              It is one of the possibilities if you want to get car finance for bad credit and no deposit. It reveals that you may struggle with the payments later.  Thus, a third person may help you get the loan immediately with good credit and income. You must provide one only if the loan company asks you to. The person should be someone whom you can trust with your finances.   

              Once chosen, pre-qualify to know your liabilities. It will help you understand which loan quote you and the guarantor qualify for. Accordingly, you can apply finally. This pre-qualification process is a no credit check loan that helps you know the approximate costs without worries. You can proceed if you find the loan quote suitable. 

              Track paying the bills in a timely manner 

                It is important to ensure timely payments on your liabilities. For example, if you pay your credit cards, utility bills, council tax, and rent regularly, your credit score improves. It generates the reliability of you paying the car loan with bad credit, and timely too. Thus, you may qualify for the loan immediately. You must reveal at least 3 months of consecutive payments with improved income.  

                Bottom line 

                Getting a car loan for bad credit and no down payment is challenging. However, the tips above may help you increase your options for getting one. Identify and work on your credit score and income before applying. Check whether there is at least a possibility to apply for a loan with a guarantor. If not, then you must work on individual financial improvement.  

                Apply Now