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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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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.

Can You Get a Loan With a CCJ? No-Guarantor and Bad-Credit Options Explained (UK)

Learn how a CCJ may affect your borrowing options, what lenders assess, and how to check loan eligibility with a soft search.

Rebuilding Your Credit Score in the UK: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to rebuild your credit score through better payment habits, lower credit usage, fewer applications, and regular credit checks.

What Happens If You Miss a Loan Payment?

Learn what happens when you miss a loan payment in the UK, including credit file impacts, lender actions, and steps you can take to get back on track.

Self-Employed Personal Loans UK: What Lenders Really Look At

Understand how lenders assess self-employed borrowers, what proof of income is required, and how affordability checks work.

What Is a Good Credit Score and How Can You Build One?

Learn what counts as a good credit score in the UK, how scores differ by agency, and the steps that may help improve yours.

Smart Ways to Get a Loan with Bad Credit

Having bad credit doesn't mean you're shut out of borrowing there are practical steps you can take to find the right loan for your situation.

Loans on PIP: What You Need to Know Before Applying

Receiving PIP doesn’t automatically rule you out. Learn how lenders assess affordability and what to consider before borrowing.

Loans on Universal Credit: What UK Lenders Actually Accept

Understand how lenders assess Universal Credit income, affordability, and credit history when reviewing loan applications in the UK.

No Guarantor Loans: Who They're for and What to Watch For

Understand no guarantor loans, affordability checks, APRs, and how soft search eligibility checks work before applying.

Soft Search vs Hard Search: How Loan Applications Affect Your Credit Score

Understand how soft and hard credit checks work, when lenders use them, and how multiple hard searches can affect applications.

Fair Credit Explained: What Your 500–700 Credit Score Actually Means for Borrowing in the UK

Learn what a fair credit score means in the UK, how lenders assess it, and what borrowing options may be available with a 500–700 score.