Frequently Asked Questions

Our online application can be completed in as little as 5 minutes. Most applicants receive an instant decision, with full verification and funding typically completed within 24-48 hours for personal loans, and slightly longer for mortgage and business products.

No, checking your rate with Integra Finance uses a soft credit check that doesn't impact your credit score. A hard credit check is only performed when you decide to proceed with a formal application after reviewing your personalized offers.

Our interest rates are personalized based on multiple factors including credit history, income, loan amount, term length, and current market conditions. Unlike many lenders, we look beyond just credit scores to provide competitive rates to a broader range of customers.

We pride ourselves on transparency. Most of our loans have no application fees or early repayment charges. Some specific loan products may include an arrangement fee (typically 1-2% of the loan amount), which is clearly disclosed before you accept the loan.

Yes, we consider applications from people with all credit backgrounds. Our holistic approach looks at your current financial situation, not just your credit history. While rates may be higher for applicants with lower credit scores, we offer solutions across the credit spectrum.

Repayments are typically made via Direct Debit from your bank account on a monthly basis. You can choose your preferred payment date during the application process. We also offer an online account portal where you can manage your loan, make additional payments, or adjust your payment schedule if needed.

Our personal loans can be used for various purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvements, medical expenses, education costs, major purchases, and more. We offer flexible terms to suit your specific needs.

We pride ourselves on quick processing. Once approved, most customers receive their funds within 24 hours. The entire process from application to funding can be completed in as little as one business day.

To qualify, you must be 18 or older, have a minimum credit score of 580, and demonstrate a stable income of at least £12,000 annually. We consider various factors beyond just credit score to provide fair lending options.

We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. There are no arrangement fees, and you can make early repayments without penalty. Our interest rates are competitive and clearly stated upfront.

Yes, we specialize in helping people with various credit backgrounds. While a higher credit score typically means better rates, we offer options for individuals with lower credit scores. Our holistic assessment looks beyond just credit numbers.

You'll need to provide your last 2 years of financial statements, 6 months of bank statements, a business plan for growth loans, and proof of identity for directors or owners with more than 25% shareholding.

We pride ourselves on quick processing. Once approved, most businesses receive their funds within 5 business days. The entire process from application to funding can be completed in as little as one week.

It depends on the loan amount and your business circumstances. For loans under £50,000, we often don't require collateral. For larger amounts, we may ask for security in the form of business assets or property.

We charge a 2% arrangement fee on successful applications. There are no early repayment penalties, so you can repay your loan early and save on interest if your cash flow improves.

We consider each application individually. While we look at your company's credit history, we also assess your current business performance, cash flow, and growth potential. Strong business fundamentals can offset past credit issues.

For residential mortgages, a minimum deposit of 5-10% is typically required, though 15-25% will secure better rates. Buy-to-let mortgages usually require a minimum of 25%. First-time buyer schemes may offer options with lower deposit requirements.

Yes, we offer specialized mortgage solutions for those with less-than-perfect credit histories. While the rates may be slightly higher, we consider various factors beyond just credit score, including income stability, deposit size, and recent financial behavior.

Fixed rate mortgages maintain the same interest rate for a set period (typically 2-10 years), providing payment certainty. Variable rate mortgages have interest rates that can change, often in line with the Bank of England base rate, which may result in lower initial rates but less payment security.

Our initial decision is typically provided within 72 hours of receiving a complete application. The entire process from application to completion usually takes 4-6 weeks, depending on property survey requirements and legal processes.

Yes, most of our mortgages allow for overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance each year without penalty. Early repayment charges may apply during fixed or discount periods, but these are clearly outlined in your mortgage offer.

Yes, our auto loans cover both new and quality used vehicles. For used vehicles, we typically finance cars up to 7 years old, though exceptions may be made for well-maintained older vehicles.

While a down payment is not always required, we recommend at least 10% of the vehicle's value as a down payment. This can help you secure better loan terms and lower monthly payments.

Yes, we offer auto loans for a range of credit profiles. While better credit scores typically qualify for better rates, we have options for those with less-than-perfect credit and evaluate applications holistically.

Most applications receive a decision within 24 hours. Once approved, we can typically complete the financing process within 2-3 business days, depending on the specific vehicle purchase details.

Yes, you can pay off your auto loan early without any prepayment penalties. This can help you save on interest costs over the life of the loan.

Eligibility requirements include being 18 or older, accepted to an accredited educational institution, and being a UK resident or eligible international student. We assess applications holistically, considering various factors beyond just credit history.

Undergraduate loans range from £1,000 to £20,000, postgraduate loans from £1,000 to £25,000, and continuing education loans from £500 to £10,000. The exact amount depends on your program costs, financial need, and other factors.

For most student loans, repayment is deferred while you're studying full-time. Undergraduate loans include a 6-month grace period after graduation, while postgraduate loans offer a 3-month grace period. After these periods, repayments begin based on the plan you choose.

Yes, our student loans can be used for various education-related expenses including tuition, accommodation, books, living expenses, and even study abroad opportunities. The funds are typically disbursed directly to you, allowing flexibility in how you manage your educational costs.

If your educational circumstances change, we offer flexibility. Contact us immediately if you change courses, take a break from studies, or leave your program. We'll work with you to adjust your loan terms and repayment schedule accordingly.

Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into a single loan, usually with a lower interest rate. We pay off your existing creditors, and you make one simplified monthly payment to us. This can lower your overall monthly payment, reduce total interest paid, and help you become debt-free faster.

Initially, there may be a small temporary dip in your credit score due to the credit inquiry. However, as you make consistent payments on your consolidation loan and reduce your overall debt, your credit score typically improves over time. Many customers see credit score improvements within 6-12 months.

You can consolidate most unsecured debts, including credit cards, store cards, personal loans, medical bills, private student loans, and payday loans. Secured debts like mortgages and auto loans typically cannot be included in a debt consolidation loan.

Basic eligibility includes being at least 18 years old, having a minimum credit score of 560, and demonstrating sufficient income to make the consolidated payments. We look at your overall financial picture, not just credit score, to determine eligibility and rates.

We pride ourselves on transparent pricing with no hidden fees. There are no arrangement fees for our debt consolidation loans, and you can make early repayments without penalty. Your interest rate is clearly stated upfront, with no surprise charges.

A home equity loan provides a one-time lump sum with fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) works more like a credit card, allowing you to borrow only what you need when you need it during the draw period, usually with a variable interest rate.

Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home's value minus your outstanding mortgage balance. For example, if your home is worth £300,000 and you owe £150,000 on your mortgage, you could potentially borrow up to £105,000 (85% of £300,000 = £255,000, minus £150,000 = £105,000).

The primary risk is that your home serves as collateral, meaning if you fail to make payments, you could face foreclosure. Additionally, if your home's value decreases, you could end up owing more than your home is worth. It's important to have a solid repayment plan and avoid using home equity for non-essential expenses.

Interest paid on home equity loans may be tax-deductible if the funds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home that secures the loan. However, tax laws change frequently, so we recommend consulting with a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Our initial decision is typically provided within 48 hours. The entire process from application to funding usually takes 2-4 weeks, depending on property valuation scheduling and verification of your documentation. We pride ourselves on a streamlined process that's faster than many traditional lenders.

A business loan provides a lump sum with fixed repayment terms and is ideal for specific projects or purchases. A line of credit offers flexible access to funds up to a predetermined limit, with interest paid only on the amount drawn, making it suitable for managing cash flow fluctuations and ongoing expenses.

Once your line of credit is approved, you can access funds immediately through our online banking portal or mobile app. Transfers to your business account typically process within one business day, and subsequent draws are available instantly.

You only pay interest on the amount you actually draw, not on the total available credit. There's a small annual maintenance fee of 0.5% on the unused portion to keep the line active, but this is significantly less than paying interest on the full amount.

Yes, businesses with good repayment history may qualify for credit limit increases. After 6-12 months of responsible usage and timely payments, you can request a limit review. We regularly assess accounts for potential limit increases based on usage patterns and business growth.

You'll need to provide business bank statements (last 3-6 months), financial statements or tax returns (last 1-2 years), proof of business ownership, and personal identification. Larger credit lines may require additional documentation such as accounts receivable/payable ageing reports.

Missing payments on a secured loan can potentially lead to repossession of your property in severe cases, which is why it's important to ensure the loan is affordable. However, we work closely with borrowers experiencing difficulties to find solutions before this stage, including payment holidays or restructuring the loan where appropriate.

Yes, secured loans are often more accessible to those with imperfect credit histories. Since the loan is secured against your property, lenders take on less risk and can be more flexible regarding credit issues. While a poor credit history may affect your interest rate, we specialize in finding solutions for those who have been declined by mainstream lenders.

The secured loan process typically takes 2-3 weeks from application to funding, though this can vary depending on the complexity of your circumstances and how quickly the property valuation can be arranged. We offer an initial decision within 48 hours, and our team works efficiently to complete the process as quickly as possible.

Yes, our secured loans allow for early repayment. Depending on the specific loan terms, there may be early repayment charges, typically equivalent to 1-2 months' interest. However, paying off your loan early can still save you money on interest in the long run. We'll clearly explain any early repayment conditions before you commit to the loan.

When you initially check your rate with us, we perform a "soft search" which doesn't impact your credit score. Only when you proceed with a full application will we conduct a "hard search," which is recorded on your credit file. Successfully managing your secured loan repayments can actually improve your credit score over time.

We don't have a strict minimum credit score requirement. Instead, we assess each application holistically, considering factors like your income, employment stability, and current financial situation alongside your credit history.

Our rates are typically much lower than those offered by payday lenders and many other bad credit specialists. While rates start from 12.9% APR, the exact rate depends on your specific circumstances. We always aim to provide the most competitive rate possible based on your profile.

We perform a soft credit check initially, which doesn't impact your credit score. Only if you choose to proceed with a full application will we conduct a hard credit check, which may temporarily lower your score by a few points. However, consistent repayments on your loan can help improve your score over time.

Most applications receive a decision within 24 hours. Once approved, funds are typically transferred to your bank account within 1-2 business days. Some customers receive their funds the same day of final approval.

Having a CCJ (County Court Judgment) or past bankruptcy doesn't automatically disqualify you. We consider when these occurred and your financial behavior since then. Discharged bankruptcies and satisfied CCJs from more than a year ago may still allow you to qualify for our loans.

We can typically provide an initial decision within 24 hours and complete the funding within 7-14 days, depending on the complexity of your case and the property involved. For straightforward situations with all documentation ready, we've funded loans in as little as 3 working days.

Common exit strategies include: selling the property, refinancing to a traditional mortgage once the property is renovated or habitable, securing long-term business finance, or using confirmed incoming funds such as inheritance or investment returns. The stronger and more certain your exit strategy, the better terms we can offer.

Bridging loan interest is typically calculated monthly rather than annually and can be structured in different ways: monthly payments, rolled-up interest (added to the loan and paid at the end), or retained interest (deducted from the loan advance). This flexibility helps manage cash flow during the bridging period.

If your exit strategy is delayed, contact us as soon as possible. We can often arrange an extension to your loan term, though additional fees may apply. It's always better to discuss potential delays early rather than waiting until the loan is due for repayment.

Yes, bridging loans are primarily secured against the property rather than based on your credit history. While we do consider credit history, we place more emphasis on the property value and your exit strategy. We've helped many clients with less-than-perfect credit secure bridging finance when traditional lenders wouldn't consider them.

Most residential and commercial properties are eligible for green loans when the funds are used for energy-efficient improvements. Common projects include solar panel installation, insulation upgrades, energy-efficient heating systems, and other sustainable renovations.

We provide decisions within 48 hours of receiving a complete application. Once approved, funds are typically disbursed within 3-5 business days, allowing you to start your eco-friendly improvements quickly.

While we don't strictly require the use of specific contractors, we do recommend choosing qualified professionals with experience in energy-efficient installations. For certain technologies like solar panels or heat pumps, using MCS-certified installers ensures quality and may be necessary for any associated government grants or incentives.

Absolutely! Our green loans can be used alongside government incentives such as the Renewable Heat Incentive, Solar Export Guarantee, or home improvement grants. Our specialists can help you navigate available incentives to maximize the financial benefits of your eco-friendly upgrades.

No, our green loans come with no early repayment penalties. If your energy savings exceed expectations or you simply want to clear the loan ahead of schedule, you're free to do so without additional charges.

Agricultural loan repayments can be tailored to align with your farm's cash flow cycle. Options include seasonal payments (larger payments after harvest), quarterly payments, monthly payments, or custom schedules based on your specific farming operation and income patterns.

Yes, our agricultural loans can fund sustainable farming projects including organic certification, renewable energy installations, water conservation systems, and eco-friendly equipment upgrades. These projects may qualify for our green farming incentives, potentially offering more favorable terms.

You'll need to provide 2-3 years of farm financial statements, tax returns, proof of land ownership or lease agreements, inventory of assets, crop insurance documentation, and a detailed business plan for how the loan will be used and repaid based on your production cycles.

We have specialized programs for new and beginning farmers. While we typically require 2+ years of farming experience, we consider other factors for new farmers, including agricultural education, mentorship arrangements, strong business plans, and off-farm income sources that can support repayment.

We understand that agricultural businesses face unique risks from weather events and market fluctuations. Our agricultural loans include provisions for payment flexibility during verified natural disasters or significant crop failures. We also recommend appropriate insurance coverage as part of your risk management strategy.

Most approved applications receive funds the same day. If you're approved before 2pm on a business day, you'll typically receive the money in your account within hours. Applications approved after 2pm or on weekends/holidays will be funded the next business day.

Our payday loans offer significantly lower interest rates than traditional payday lenders, starting from 28% APR compared to the typical 400%+ rates. We also provide longer repayment periods of up to 3 months instead of requiring full repayment on your next payday, which can lead to expensive rollover cycles.

To apply, you'll need to be 18+ years old, a UK resident, have a regular source of income, an active bank account, a valid mobile phone, and email address. We'll verify your identity, income, and bank details during the application process.

Yes, you can repay your loan early at any time without any penalties or extra fees. In fact, we encourage early repayment when possible as it can reduce the overall interest you pay.

If you're struggling to make a repayment, contact us immediately. We'll work with you to find a solution, which may include adjusting your repayment plan. We don't charge late fees, but missed payments may affect your credit score. We're committed to responsible lending and finding solutions that work for our customers.

Depending on the loan type, funds can be available within 24-48 hours after approval. For emergency medical loans, we offer same-day decisions and expedited funding to ensure you can access care when needed.

Yes, our medical loans can be used for a wide range of cosmetic and elective procedures including plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and aesthetic treatments. Our Cosmetic & Elective Procedure Loan is specifically designed for these purposes.

We offer both options. We can disburse funds directly to your healthcare provider for seamless payment of your medical services, or we can deposit the funds into your account if you prefer to manage the payments yourself.

Our medical loans can work alongside your insurance coverage. You can finance just the portion not covered by insurance, such as deductibles, co-pays, or non-covered treatments. We'll work with you to determine the appropriate loan amount.

Initially checking your rate will not impact your credit score as we perform a soft credit check. Only when you decide to proceed with the full application will we conduct a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily affect your score by a few points.

Microloans are smaller in amount (up to £25,000), have shorter terms (typically up to 3 years), faster approval processes (often within 24 hours), and more flexible eligibility requirements. They're specifically designed for startups, micro-businesses, and entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing.

No, unlike traditional business loans, our microloans are available to businesses with no trading history. We evaluate applications based on your business plan, market potential, and personal financial situation rather than requiring extensive business financial records.

For startups, we typically require a detailed business plan, financial projections, personal identification, proof of address, and personal bank statements. If your business is already operating, we'll also ask for any available business financial information, but extensive records aren't mandatory.

Yes, responsibly managing and repaying your microloan is an excellent way to establish or improve your business credit profile. We report payment activity to credit bureaus, helping you build a credit history that can make it easier to secure larger financing in the future as your business grows.

Beyond just funding, we provide microloan recipients with access to our startup advisors, business planning resources, financial management tools, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs. Our goal is to support your overall business success, not just provide capital.

P2P lending connects businesses directly with individual investors through an online platform, removing the bank as intermediary. This often results in more competitive rates, alternative approval criteria, faster funding, and more flexible terms since terms are determined by a marketplace of investors rather than a single institution's policies.

If your loan doesn't reach 100% funding within the designated funding period (typically 14 days), you have several options: accept the partial funding that's been pledged, extend the funding period, or decline the funding and withdraw your application. Our P2P specialists will advise on the best approach based on your specific situation.

Yes, you can repay your loan early with no penalties. You'll only pay interest on the time you've had the loan, which can result in significant savings if you're able to repay ahead of schedule. Early repayment also strengthens your credit profile on our platform for future funding needs.

The most successful loan listings include a compelling business story, clear explanation of how funds will be used, demonstration of repayment ability, engaging photos or videos of your business, transparent financial information, and a personal touch that helps investors connect with your vision. Our team provides guidance on optimizing your listing before it goes live.

Investors see your business name, industry, years in operation, loan purpose, financial summary (not detailed financials), risk category, and your business story. We protect sensitive information while providing enough detail for investors to make informed decisions. You control what personal aspects of your business journey you wish to share.

Yes, our vacation loans can be used for any type of travel including international trips, domestic getaways, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, road trips, and adventure travel. You have complete flexibility to use the funds for flights, accommodation, activities, and other travel expenses.

Most vacation loan applications receive a decision within 24 hours. Once approved, funds are typically transferred to your account within 1-2 business days, allowing you to book your travel plans quickly and secure limited-time deals.

If you need to cancel your trip, you're still responsible for repaying your loan according to the original terms. This is why we recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance with your vacation loan funds to protect against cancellations, delays, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Yes, we offer joint applications for vacation loans. Applying with a travel companion may increase your borrowing potential and could result in better rates if you have different credit profiles. Both applicants will be equally responsible for loan repayments.

Travel insurance is not automatically included with our vacation loans. However, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance with your loan funds. You can use a portion of your loan to secure appropriate coverage for your trip based on your specific needs and destination.

Our wedding loans range from £1,000 to £25,000, allowing you to finance anything from specific wedding elements to your entire celebration and honeymoon. The exact amount you can borrow depends on factors like your credit profile, income, and existing financial commitments.

Most wedding loan applications receive a decision within 24 hours. Once approved, funds are typically transferred to your account within 24-48 hours, allowing you to start booking venues and vendors immediately.

Yes, we offer joint applications for wedding loans. Applying together may increase your borrowing potential and could help you secure a better interest rate if you have different credit profiles. Both applicants will be equally responsible for repayments.

Checking your rate initially won't impact your credit score as we perform a soft credit check. Only when you decide to proceed with the full application will we conduct a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily affect your score by a few points.

Life happens, and we understand plans can change. If you postpone your wedding, the loan terms remain the same. You can continue making payments as scheduled, or contact us to discuss potential options if your financial situation has changed.

Our automated investing platform requires a minimum of £1,000 to start. For manual selection, you can invest as little as £50 per loan. The Integra Managed Fund requires a minimum of £25,000.

Returns are calculated based on the interest paid by borrowers, minus our 1% service fee. Payments are distributed monthly for automatic investing and manual selection, and quarterly for the Managed Fund. You can choose to receive payments or automatically reinvest.

We have a robust recovery process for defaulted loans. For secured loans, we can claim the collateral. Our diversification strategy minimizes the impact of any single default on your portfolio. Additionally, our Provision Fund provides an extra layer of protection for investors.

Yes, we offer a secondary market where you can sell your loan parts to other investors. While we cannot guarantee immediate liquidity, most investors are able to exit within 2-4 weeks. A 0.5% transfer fee applies to early withdrawals.

While not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), we implement multiple layers of protection including rigorous borrower screening, diversification, secured lending options, and our Provision Fund which covers certain losses in the event of defaults.