Reasons why Secured Loans are becoming an ever popular way of borrowing money for UK consumers.

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Secured Loans available to all UK homeowners including self employed and those with a bad credit history.

Secured Loans available for any purpose, including debt consolidation & home improvements.

Suitable for consumers with Equity in their home, or non equity lending available

Repayment terms from 5 to 30 years

All types of property considered, as security for secured loans, even unusual property types considered

Secured Loan Amounts from £5,000 up to £100,000

Competitive rates to suit all circumstances.

Able to keep low interest mortgage rates if you've recently experienced repayment problems

Mortgage redemption penalties can be avoided by not having to redeem an existing mortgage deal.

No Income multiple calculations

Secured Loans are fast and easy to apply for, without any obligation once accepted

No Upfront fees payable.

Secured Loan completions are usually much quicker than a remortgage with completion achieved within 21 days.

No solicitors required as secured loan lenders use their own in-house legal teams.

Applying for a loan

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Step 1a: Choose a loan from our top deals tables

To compare loans quickly, use the personal loan and secured loan best-buy tables on the loans homepage.

Just enter the amount you would like to borrow and the period you want to pay it back over, and we'll show you a table of our top deals - pick the loan that's right for you and click 'apply'.

We'll show you a summary of the loan you have chosen and ask you for a few details, including your name, address, email and phone number and then redirect you to your chosen provider's website to view and complete your application.

If you provide your phone number, you will receive a call from our expert loans brokers to discuss your options. The loans service may be able to find a loan which suits your circumstances better and also has deals that aren't available online.

Any personal details you give us are protected by encryption software and sent securely to prevent fraud.

Step 1b: Use our full loans comparison service.

Alternatively, you can use our full loans comparison service for a more in-depth comparison.

Step 2: Tell us how much you want to borrow, how long you need to repay the loan and whether or not you're a homeowner.

The APR on a loan can vary depending on how much you want to borrow and how long the loan is for - the shorter the loan term (the amount of time allocated to repay the loan), the more money you save on interest. Always be sure that you can afford the monthly repayments.

For loans intended to pay off other debts such as credit cards, remember you won't have to pay the interest on those debts anymore, so this can come off your budget.

We also ask whether or not you are a homeowner, so we know whether or not include secured loans in your results. If you are a homeowner we will also ask how much your property is worth, how much you have outstanding on your mortgage, how much debt you have, your employment status and your annual income so that we can give you the most relevant results.

If you have any questions, call us on 0800 404 7968.

Step 3: Tell us if you have any CCJs

We ask whether or not you have any CCJs so we can tailor you results accordingly. If you have had CCJs or credit problems in the past this does not mean that we won't be able to find a loan for you.

Step 4: Tell us if you want to be able to apply online.

If you choose to apply for a loan online through uSwitch, all the loans we show you allow you to go through to the lender's website to complete your application.

If you do not select the option to see 'Loans you can apply online for with uSwitch' the results will include all the loans on the market, including those that aren't available through uSwitch.

Step 5: Add your contact details.

We keep your basic contact details so we can help you with any future queries. Your name and telephone number only will be passed on to our loans broker service who will give you a call to help you find the best loan for you.

You can apply online for the loan you choose if you wish, but the loans service may be able to find a loan which suits your circumstances better.

Any personal details you give us are protected by encryption software and sent securely to prevent fraud.

Step 6: Click 'Continue' for the loans that match your requirements.

Our calculator works out which loans which loans are on offer, the typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR), the monthly repayments and the total amount you will pay back.

Step 7: See a list of loans and pick one.

If applicable, we will show you both personal and secured loans - you can use the tabs at the top of the results table to choose whether you see both kinds of loans or one in particular.

Loans are ordered by cost - so the lowest monthly repayment comes first. You can choose to sort by other criteria, including APR or total amount repayable.

For loans that include online sign-up with uSwitch, click "Apply" to complete your application on the lender's website.

No loans that match your specific requirements? You can go back and amend your details or start the application process again.

Step 8: Complete your online application with your chosen lender.

Your chosen lender will need additional information about your finances, employment status and your partner's situation. They will then run a credit check.

What happens afterwards?

What can you expect after you've applied for your loan online? Here are a few common questions:

I applied for a loan online and then got a call from the uSwitch loans broker. Why is that?

Choosing a loan is an important decision. We believe you should have the best advice to help you make it. To help you find the right loan, our expert loans broker will give you a call to discuss your requirements. They have access to many loans, some of which are not available directly through the uSwitch website, which may be better for your personal circumstances and borrowing amount. If you need any help at any stage of your application, call uSwitch on 0800 404 7968.

How long will it take for the lender to confirm that my application has been successful?

They should be in touch within a week or so, once they've done a credit check.

I've been turned down by a loan lender. What can I do?

You may not be eligible for a particular loan, but sometimes the lender will offer an alternative with a higher interest rate. To see if you can find a personal loan with another lender, do another comparison.

Your credit rating is a key factor in whether or not you are accepted for a loan. Check your credit rating online now.

I've noticed that my personal loan is being referred to as an unsecured loan. Why is that?

They are one and the same. Both personal loan and unsecured loan refer to a loan that is not secured against any property (home or car). A personal loan is given on the basis of your credit rating.

Am I allowed to repay the full amount before the end of the loan term?

Yes, although some lenders will charge you. Read the small print and look out for the terms:

early repayment penalty

early redemption fee

redemption charge

financial penalty

When you compare loans with uSwitch, you will be able to see which providers charge for early repayment.

Choose the best secured loan

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Who should choose a secured loan

Secured loans allow you to borrow more and repay over a longer period than a personal loan - up to 25 years. They can normally be used for almost any purpose and as the lender has the benefit of security they can be offered to people who may be excluded from other loans. Borrowers who are self-employed, have recently changed jobs or have previous credit problems will be considered for a secured loan. They are also useful for borrowing larger sums or where the applicant requires a longer repayment period.

How can I find the best secured loan

Finding the best secured loan for your situation can be complicated as there are many factors for the lender to take into account. With so many providers offering secured loans, trying to compare them all yourself could take forever. Luckily uSwitch.com can do all the work for you with our secured loans comparison service.

All you need to do is tell us a few details about the secured loan you're looking for and your personal circumstances. It's free, impartial and any information you give us will remain confidential and secure.

How can I be sure it's the best secured loan for me

As well as comparing the available secured loans, uSwitch.com refers you to a broker where appropriate to ensure you get the best possible deal. Some lenders prefer to only work through brokers. It is for this reason we have chosen to work with an approved broker as they will have access to a wider range of lenders and will use their expertise to match a secured loan to your circumstances.

Find a secured loan today

So now that you know all about secured loans, why delay? Let us help you find the best secured loan for you right now. Just go to our secured loans calculator.