Quick Answer: Best Secured Loans for Bad Credit in 2026
Specialist lenders — Pepper Money, Together, Norton Home Loans, Optimum, United Trust Bank and Evolution — offer secured loans to borrowers with CCJs, defaults, arrears and low scores, pricing for risk rather than declining. Rates typically run from around 9% to 15%+ depending on severity and LTV, improving as adverse credit ages and is satisfied. Best approached through a specialist secured-loan broker who knows each lender's exact credit thresholds. Keeping combined LTV low secures the best available rate.
Rates last reviewed June 2026. Figures shown are indicative market ranges to help you compare — not live quotes or personalised offers. Mortgage rates change daily and depend on your circumstances, the lender's criteria and the Bank of England base rate. Check live rates for your profile →
Why Secured Loans Suit Bad Credit
A secured loan is often the better route when credit is impaired:
- Security reduces lender risk — because the loan is charged against your home, lenders accept credit profiles that mainstream remortgage lenders reject.
- Keeps your main mortgage intact — you avoid re-applying for your whole mortgage (and a fresh credit check on it), which is valuable if a marker appeared after you took your current deal.
- Individual underwriting — specialist second-charge lenders look at the story behind the adverse credit, not just a score.
- Funds for any purpose — debt consolidation, home improvements or other needs, even with a chequered credit history.