Quick Loans When You Need Them Most
When an unexpected expense lands in your lap, you need a solution that works as fast as life moves. Whether it’s a broken boiler in January, a car repair that can’t wait, or a vet bill that came out of nowhere, quick loans can provide the breathing room you need to get back on track.
At New Horizons, we search over 50 FCA-authorised lenders to find you the best match for your circumstances. Our Soft Credit Match technology lets you check your eligibility without leaving any mark on your credit file. You’ll see your options in minutes, with no obligation to proceed.
We’re not a lender ourselves. We’re a loan broker that does the hard work for you, comparing multiple lenders in one simple application. This means you get access to a wider range of options than applying to lenders individually, all without the worry of multiple credit checks affecting your score.
Thousands of people use New Horizons every day to find loans that work for their situation. Our Feefo Gold rating reflects our commitment to doing right by our customers.

How Quick Loans Work at New Horizons
Getting a quick loan through New Horizons is straightforward. The process is designed to be simple, transparent, and pressure-free from start to finish.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete our short online form. This takes around three minutes and asks for basic details about yourself, your income, and how much you’d like to borrow.
- Our Soft Credit Match technology searches our lender panel. This soft search is invisible to other lenders and won’t affect your credit score.
- Review your matched offers. Within minutes, you’ll see which lenders may be able to help and what rates they’re offering.
- Choose whether to proceed. Only at this point will the lender conduct a full credit check. If approved, many lenders can transfer funds the same day.
You’re in control throughout. If none of the offers suit your needs, you can walk away with no impact on your credit file and no fees to pay.
Who Can Apply for Quick Loans Online?
Our quick loans online service is available to UK residents who meet some basic requirements.
To apply, you’ll need to be:
- At least 18 years old
- A UK resident
- In receipt of a regular income (employment, self-employment, or benefits)
- Holder of a UK bank account
- Contactable via mobile phone and email
Past credit problems don’t automatically disqualify you. We work with lenders who look at your current circumstances, not just your credit history. If you’ve had defaults, CCJs, or missed payments in the past, you may still find options through our service. Our loans for bad credit page explains more about how this works.
What matters most to lenders is whether you can afford the repayments now. They’ll assess your income against your outgoings to ensure borrowing is sustainable for your situation.
It's quick & easy
Apply for a loanQuick Loans for Bad Credit
Having a less than perfect credit score can feel like a barrier to borrowing. Many high street banks set strict credit requirements that leave people with past problems feeling shut out. Quick loans for bad credit work differently.
The lenders on our panel understand that life doesn’t always go to plan. A redundancy, illness, or relationship breakdown can affect anyone’s finances. What happened in your past doesn’t have to define your options today.
We work with specialist lenders who look at your whole picture, including your current income and affordability, not just your credit score. This approach means more people can access the funds they need, even if they’ve been turned down elsewhere.
That said, having bad credit may affect the rates you’re offered. Lenders see applicants with lower credit scores as higher risk, which can mean higher interest rates. It’s important to compare offers carefully and make sure any loan is genuinely affordable before committing. If you’ve been refused a loan previously, our guide offers practical tips for improving your chances.
Understanding the Costs of Quick Loans
Being upfront about costs is fundamental to how we operate. Before you commit to anything, you’ll see exactly what you’ll pay in total, broken down clearly so there are no surprises.
Key cost information:
- Representative APR: 49.9% (the rate at least 51% of successful applicants receive)
- APR range: 9.3% to maximum 1721%
- Loan amounts: £50 to £5,000
- Repayment terms: 3 to 36 months
- Fees from New Horizons: None, ever
The wide APR range reflects the variety of lenders we work with, from those offering lower rates to applicants with good credit, to specialist lenders who help people with more challenging credit histories.
Representative example: Amount of credit: £1,200 for 18 months at £95.44 per month. Total amount repayable: £1,717.83. Interest: £517.83. Interest rate: 49% pa (fixed). Representative 49.9% APR.
New Horizons
New Horizons never charges any fees to customers. Our service is completely free to use. We’re paid by lenders when we successfully match customers with loans, but this commission never affects the rates you’re offered or adds any cost to your borrowing.

Why Choose New Horizons for Quick Loans?
The short-term lending market has a troubled history. Stories of aggressive sales tactics, hidden fees, and data selling have understandably made people cautious. New Horizons was built in 2017 specifically to do things differently.
Our founding principle is simple: do the right thing for customers, and the business will take care of itself. This isn’t just a slogan. It shapes every decision we make, from the lenders we partner with to how we communicate with you.
Here is what makes us different:
- We search over 50 FCA-authorised lenders with one simple application
- Our Soft Credit Match protects your credit score during the eligibility check
- We never charge you any fees for using our service
- You are under no obligation to accept any offer
- Our Feefo Gold rating reflects genuine customer satisfaction
- Decisions are instant, and funding can be within 15 minutes if approved
We also make three promises that set us apart from many competitors:
- We will never sell your personal data
- We will never contact you to sell other products
- We will never give consent to other companies to contact you
These commitments mean no spam emails, no unsolicited calls, and no finding your details passed around to companies you have never heard of. Your privacy matters to us.
If you need funds urgently, our same day loans or emergency loans pages explain how quickly you could access money once approved.
It's quick & easy
Apply for a loanComparing Quick Loans to Other Options
Quick loans aren’t the right solution for everyone or every situation. Before borrowing, it’s worth considering whether other options might work better for your circumstances.
Alternatives to consider:
- Savings: Using savings first avoids paying interest entirely.
- 0% credit cards: May cost less if you can repay within the promotional period.
- Authorised overdrafts: Could be cheaper for bridging short-term gaps of a few days.
- Credit unions: Often offer lower rates to members.
- Payment plans: Some creditors will agree to spread costs directly.
- Free debt advice: If you are struggling financially, free confidential support is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange, and National Debtline.
Different Types of Quick Loans
How Quickly Can I Receive Funds?
Speed is often the priority when you’re facing an urgent expense. The good news is that quick loans can genuinely live up to their name when everything goes smoothly.
Typical timeline:
- Application: Around 3 minutes to complete the form
- Soft search results: Within minutes of submitting
- Lender decision: Often instant once you proceed
- Funds transfer: Same day, with many lenders sending within 15 minutes of approval
Many lenders can transfer money within 15 minutes of approval, though the time it takes to reach your account depends on your bank’s processing speeds.
Applications submitted during business hours typically process faster. If you apply late in the evening or at weekends, there may be a slight delay before funds arrive, though our service and many lenders operate 24/7.
Having accurate information ready before you start speeds up the process. You’ll need your bank details, employment information, and income figures. Providing correct information first time avoids delays from verification issues.
What Happens If I Can’t Repay?
We understand that circumstances can change unexpectedly. If you’re struggling to make a repayment, the most important thing is to contact your lender as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only make things worse.
Most lenders have dedicated teams to help customers experiencing financial difficulty. They may be able to offer solutions like payment holidays, reduced payments, or extended terms. The earlier you reach out, the more options will typically be available.
Consequences of missing payments can include:
- Late payment fees (typically £1 to £100 depending on the lender)
- Negative impact on your credit file
- Difficulty obtaining credit in future
- Account passed to a collections agency
Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk
Free debt advice is available from organisations like StepChange and Citizens Advice. They can help you understand your options and create a plan to get back on track, all completely confidentially and without judgement.

The Application Process Step by Step
Knowing exactly what to expect can make the application process less stressful. Here’s what happens at each stage when you apply through New Horizons.
Step 1: Choose your loan amount and term
Our loans range from £50 to £5,000, with repayment terms from 3 to 36 months. The calculator on our site helps you see estimated monthly repayments for different amounts and terms.
Step 2: Provide your personal details
You’ll share your name, address, date of birth, and contact information. This is standard information any lender needs to verify your identity and comply with regulations.
Step 3: Share employment and income information
Lenders need this to assess affordability, ensuring any loan wouldn’t put you under financial strain. Details about your monthly outgoings help build a complete picture.
Step 4: Review your matched offers
Our Soft Credit Match runs within minutes. You can review offers, compare rates, and decide whether to proceed, all without any commitment or impact on your credit score.
Step 5: Complete your application with the lender
If you choose an offer, you’ll be directed to the lender’s site. They’ll conduct a hard credit check. If approved, you’ll sign a credit agreement and funds will be sent to your account.
It's quick & easy
Apply for a loanResponsible Borrowing Guidance
Borrowing money is a serious financial decision that deserves careful thought. Quick loans can be genuinely helpful in the right circumstances, but they’re not suitable for everyone or every situation.
Before applying, ask yourself:
- Is borrowing truly necessary, or could I delay the expense?
- Can I genuinely afford the repayments alongside my essential outgoings?
- Am I borrowing only what I need, not rounding up?
- Could I still afford repayments if my circumstances changed?
- Am I already struggling with debt?
If you’re already struggling with debt, borrowing more is rarely the answer. Free debt advice from organisations like StepChange can help you find a sustainable way forward without adding to what you owe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Loans
What is a quick loan?
A quick loan is a type of short-term borrowing designed to provide funds rapidly when you need them. At New Horizons, you can borrow from £50 to £5,000 and receive an instant decision through our Soft Credit Match technology. If approved by a lender, funds can often be sent the same day.
How fast can I get money with a quick loan?
The application process takes around three minutes. You’ll see matched offers within minutes of completing the form. If you proceed and are approved, many lenders can transfer funds within 15 minutes, though this depends on your bank’s processing times and when you apply.
Will applying affect my credit score?
Our initial eligibility check uses a soft search, which is invisible to other lenders and won’t affect your credit score. Only if you choose to proceed with a specific lender will a hard credit check be conducted. This means you can compare options safely before committing.
Can I get a quick loan with bad credit?
Yes. We work with lenders who specialise in helping people with less than perfect credit histories. Past problems like defaults, CCJs, or missed payments don’t automatically disqualify you. Lenders focus on your current circumstances and ability to repay. You can learn more on our bad credit loans page.
How much can I borrow?
Through New Horizons, you can apply for loans from £50 to £5,000. The amount you’re offered depends on your individual circumstances, including your income, credit history, and affordability assessment. For smaller amounts, see our £500 loan or £1,000 loan pages.
What are the repayment terms?
Our loans can be repaid over 3 to 36 months. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less interest overall. Longer terms spread the cost but increase the total amount you repay. Choose a term that makes repayments comfortable within your monthly budget.
Are there any fees to use New Horizons?
No. New Horizons never charges customers any fees. Our service is completely free to use. We’re paid by lenders when we successfully match customers, but this never adds any cost to your borrowing or affects the rates you’re offered.
Is New Horizons a lender?
No, we’re a credit broker, not a lender. We search over 50 FCA-authorised lenders to find you the best match for your circumstances. This means you get access to more options than applying to individual lenders, all through one simple application.
What do I need to apply?
You’ll need to be at least 18, a UK resident, with a regular income and a UK bank account. Have your bank details, employment information, and income figures ready. Providing accurate information helps speed up the process and avoids delays.
What is Soft Credit Match?
Soft Credit Match is our technology that searches multiple lenders without affecting your credit score. It performs a soft search that only you can see on your credit file. This lets you compare offers safely before deciding whether to proceed with a full application.
Can I repay my loan early?
Most lenders allow early repayment, and many don’t charge fees for doing so. Repaying early can save you money on interest. Check the specific terms of any loan offer for details about early repayment, as policies vary between lenders.
What happens after I’m approved?
Once approved, you’ll receive a credit agreement from the lender detailing all terms and conditions. Read this carefully before signing. After signing, funds are typically sent to your bank account the same day, with some lenders transferring money within 15 minutes.
How do I improve my chances of approval?
Provide accurate, complete information on your application. Ensure your bank statements show regular income and responsible money management. Check your credit report for errors before applying. If you’ve been declined before, our guide on improving your credit score offers practical advice.
Is my information secure?
Yes. We use the latest security measures to protect your data. Your information is encrypted and handled in accordance with data protection regulations. We never sell your data to third parties or use it for anything other than finding you loan options.
I need advice on my debts. What should I do?
If you are struggling with your debts and require assistance, you can speak to the companies below, free of charge.
moneyhelper.org.uk
stepchange.org
nationaldebtline.org
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