We take a paperless approach to loan applications, meaning you can now complete the whole loan process online without using pen and paper. We will keep you updated throughout, and if your application is successful, we will send your loan agreement by email for you to digitally sign. Once you tell us when to start your loan, we will set up your Direct Debit and deposit the funds into your account.
No internet? No problem! We can complete an application over the phone, or face to face in one of our branches.
We pride ourselves on our flexible loan options; our handy loan calculator indicates your monthly repayments depending on your preferred amount and repayment timeframe. We also have a range of loans tailored to specific situations and circumstances, such as wedding loans, holiday loans, or Christmas loans. Please see below for more details of rates against each loan type.
There are no administration charges, early penalties or changes to the rate of the loan once approved.
Loan Calculator
Frequently asked questions
Here at Moneywise, our team considers multiple factors before approving loan applications.
A. Is it affordable?
The first thing we consider is – is it affordable? We want to make sure that if we’re taking repayments for a loan, you’ll be able to keep up with this loan and your other commitments.
B. Is it realistic?
Next, we’ll consider if the loan repayment schemes are realistic. We do this by checking if you’re up to date with your rent or mortgage. We also look whether or not you’re making repayments for utilities and council tax. If these payments are up to date, we’ll see if you have enough disposable income to cover these – plus our loan repayment on top.
If your bank statements show low balances, for example, we will assess the situation further. This helps us understand if all your spending is necessary. If you’re spending lots of money on takeaways for example, we may suggest a change in spending habits to ensure you’re able to make repayments.
C. Is your credit check acceptable?
If we’re happy that the loan is affordable and realistic, we may also need to run a credit check on some of our loan products. We’ll check the credit report to see if there are any active CCJs. If so, are they recent and are you repaying them?
We’ll continue to look over your current and previous credit accounts. This will make sure that each statement is up to date and you’re making regular repayments.
Interest rates vary! Most loans are set at a 3% interest rate (42.60% APR). This is for new and existing members, and family loans will always be set at this rate. We offer payroll members loans with a 2% interest rate. We might also offer lower interest rates due to length of membership, the amount of savings you hold with us and if we’ve offered a secured loan.
If you’re worried about repaying your loan on time, contact our team as soon as possible.
It depends on your situation. If this is a short-term issue where one or two payments are going to be missed, we may be able to cover these from savings already held with us. If not, an agreement can be made with our credit control department to either temporarily reduce payments, or for the payments to be made at a later date.
In cases where this is a long-term issue, you’d be able to discuss your best options with our credit control department. The team will help you come to an agreement about how to pay going forward.
If your application is successful, our team will help you set up the details and repayments of your account. You’ll also be provided with information on how to access your savings, keep track of your loan balance and, if you request it, offers and advice on topping up.
If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll provide you with information on setting up a savings account. Our team will also offer guidance on any other financial assistance we are aware of that may be available at the time. Finally, we also provide details of other support services, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, that may be able to help you.
There are multiple reasons why your application may have been declined:
- if you currently have an active individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), debt relief order (DRO) or are bankrupt
- if it is not affordable for you to make the repayments (see above)
- if you have recently missed repayments on an existing loan with us
- if there is a decline in your credit report
To find out more, contact a member of our team and we’ll explain your circumstances.
Yes. Whether you’re in full-time employment or in receipt of benefits, anyone is eligible to apply for a Moneywise loan if you meet our requirements, including living or working in the North East.
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Membership with Moneywise is open to all who live or work in most of the North East of England – Northumberland, Teesside, Tyne and Wear and County Durham are all covered. As a co-operative, all Moneywise members are owners and have a say in how we operate.
Joining Moneywise is free, subject to a £1 annual membership fee. All we ask is that you save regularly to support our funds for lending. We only lend to members, so you can be confident your savings are being used to support like-minded individuals.