Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk. We are a broker, NOT a lender.
Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk. We are a broker, NOT a lender.
If you’re considering applying for a loan, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is probably this: how long does it take to get a loan approved in the UK? Whether you’re facing an emergency expense or just want to plan your finances, timing is everything.
In this article, we’ll break down what affects loan approval times, how the process differs by lender and loan type, and how you can speed things up. If you're searching online for how long loan approval takes in the UK, this guide will give you everything you need to know — and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
When you apply for a loan, the lender performs several steps before giving you the green light. These may include:
This process can take anywhere from a few seconds to several days depending on:
Let’s explore these timelines in more detail.
For many borrowers, especially those applying online for short-term or personal loans, approvals can happen in minutes. Some lenders even advertise instant decisions — but it’s important to understand what that means in practice.
Here’s a breakdown of average approval times in the UK:
These are just averages — your experience may be faster or slower based on your credit profile, lender, and how prepared you are when applying.
Some online lenders and brokers promote instant approval loans. In most cases, this means you’ll receive a decision within minutes — but the money isn’t transferred instantly.
Here’s what “instant” usually means:
Be cautious with any lender promising “guaranteed approval” — under UK regulations, no lender can offer that without proper checks. Trustworthy platforms like Trust Credit offer fast approvals but always based on your real financial data.
Several things can impact how long it takes to get a loan approved:
A strong credit score may speed up approval since lenders view you as lower risk. If your credit file shows late payments, defaults, or heavy borrowing, you may face delays while the lender considers your application.
Short-term loans and payday loans tend to be approved faster than personal or secured loans. The more complex the loan product, the longer the assessment process.
If a lender needs to verify your income, ID, or address, you may have to upload documents. Sending everything accurately and quickly can reduce waiting time significantly.
Applying during business hours may lead to faster processing, especially with lenders that review applications manually. Applications made late at night or on weekends might not be reviewed until the next working day.
Lenders who use automated systems or work with brokers like Trust Credit can process applications faster than traditional banks, which may rely on manual checks.
Want your loan approved faster? Here are a few tips to increase your chances of a same-day response:
At Trust Credit, we use a soft credit check to match you with lenders you’re eligible for — without damaging your credit score. Our process takes less than 60 seconds, and you’ll only proceed to full application once you’re pre-qualified.
Using a broker like Trust Credit can often be faster than applying directly to multiple lenders. Why?
Once you choose a lender, you'll be redirected to complete the final application — usually with pre-filled data — cutting down approval time even further.
Yes, most loans applied for on Saturdays or Sundays will be processed the next working day. Some lenders offer automated decision tools that work over the weekend, but payouts may be delayed until Monday.
To avoid delays:
A fast loan approval doesn’t always mean fast money. Some lenders approve you quickly, but payment can take hours — or even a full day — depending on their processing systems.
If you need the funds today, look for lenders or brokers that offer:
Trust Credit works with lenders that specialise in quick decisions and quick payouts, depending on your bank and the time of application.
If your application is declined, it might slow things down — especially if you then apply to multiple other lenders.
To avoid this:
Getting declined also leaves a hard search on your file, which may reduce your credit score temporarily.
At Trust Credit, we’ve designed our process to be fast, fair, and transparent — without compromising your security or score.
Here’s how it works:
You only go through the full application once you’ve seen what’s possible — saving you time, energy, and unnecessary rejections.
Can I get a loan approved the same day?
Yes — many short-term loan applications are approved the same day, especially with online lenders. Some are even approved within an hour.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Not if you start with a soft search like Trust Credit offers. Only once you move forward with a lender will a hard search be recorded.
What can I do to make approval faster?
Have your documents ready, check eligibility first, and apply during business hours. Using a broker also reduces the time and effort required.
Are instant loan approvals legit?
Some are. But always check if they’re FCA-regulated and avoid any lender promising “guaranteed approval.” That’s a red flag.
So, how long does it take to get a loan approved in the UK? It depends — but if you do things the smart way, you could be approved and funded in just a few hours.
To boost your chances:
With the right approach, you can avoid delays and get the loan you need quickly, safely, and without damaging your credit.