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Here you'll find the latest news from OakbrookAdvance plus lots of hints, tips and useful guides from the Oakbrook team.

Affordability Checks Explained: 9 Powerful Insights Into What Lenders Look at Beyond Credit Score

Affordability Checks Explained: What Lenders Look at Beyond Credit Score understand lender affordability checks and loan affordability criteria that may influence your loan approval.

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New to the UK with a Thin Credit File: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Credit History

New to the UK with a thin credit file: how to build one

Zero-Hours and Gig Income: What Lenders Actually Look At When Evaluating Your Loan Application

Working on a zero-hours contract or earning through gigs? Learn how lenders assess income, affordability, bank statements and credit history when applying for a loan.

How to Read Your Credit Agreement: The Six Numbers That Matter

Learn how to read a UK credit agreement and understand the six key numbers that affect your loan, including APR, repayments, total cost and loan term.

Car Finance Compensation: What the FCA Redress Scheme Means and Why You Don't Need a Claims Company

Understand the FCA car finance redress scheme, potential eligibility, compensation and how to make a complaint directly for free.

Loan Fee Fraud: Why a Real Lender Never Asks for Money Upfront

Learn how loan fee fraud works, the warning signs to look for, how to check a lender is genuine, and what to do if you've been targeted.

Your Loan Is Paid Off Now What?

Learn what happens after you pay off a personal loan, how it affects your credit file, and what steps to take next to support your financial future.

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Payday Loans vs Personal Loans UK: What's the Difference

Compare payday loans and personal loans, understand the costs, APR, repayments, and key differences before choosing a borrowing option.

Buy Now, Pay Later Is Now FCA-Regulated: What It Means for Your Credit File and Your Options

Compare Buy Now, Pay Later and personal loans, understand the new FCA rules, and learn which option may suit your borrowing needs.

Buying a Car With a Personal Loan in the UK: What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Yes, you can use a personal loan to buy a car. Learn how it works, how it compares with car finance, and what to consider before borrowing.

Can You Take Out Another Loan After Paying One Off? A UK Guide

Find out when you can apply for another personal loan after paying one off and what UK lenders consider before approving a new application.

Two Loans at Once vs Borrowing Again: What's Possible in the UK

Find out whether you can take out a second personal loan, top up an existing loan, or consolidate debt, and what lenders assess before you apply.

Very Bad Credit Loans With No Guarantor: How Direct Lenders Decide and What to Expect

Learn how lenders assess very bad credit applications, affordability, income, and no-guarantor loan options in the UK.