Bad Credit Car Finance Calculator

Updated November 2026 by the Get A Better Car finance team (FCA No 713342)

Work out your monthly car finance payments for any credit rating, from good to very bad. Choose the car price (£3,000 to £15,000), your deposit and how many months you’d like to pay over. The calculator shows what you could pay each month, plus the full cost, so there are no surprises.

How the calculator works

Your monthly payment depends on four things: how much you borrow (the car price minus any deposit), how long you pay over, and the APR, which depends mostly on your credit history. The calculator uses these typical rates from the lenders we work with:

• Good credit – 12.9% APR: no missed payments in recent years.
• Average credit – 19.9% APR: the odd late payment, or not much credit history.
• Bad credit – 29.9% APR: missed payments, defaults or CCJs in the last few years.
• Very bad credit – 39.9% APR: recent or serious credit problems, such as an IVA or several recent defaults.

These are illustrations. The rate you’re actually offered depends on your circumstances and the lender, and finance is subject to status and affordability.

How to lower your monthly payment

• Pay over longer. Borrowing £7,000 at 29.9% APR costs £283.70 a month over 36 months, £237.78 over 48 months, or £211.44 over 60 months. Longer terms mean lower payments but more interest overall: £3,213.20 over 36 months against £5,686.40 over 60 months.
• Put down a deposit. A £1,000 deposit on a £7,000 car at 29.9% APR over 48 months brings the payment down from £237.78 to £203.81 a month and saves £630.56 in interest. Part-exchanging your current car counts too.
• Improve your credit before you apply. Register to vote, catch up any arrears and stay within your credit limits. Even a few months of clean history can move you into a better rate.
• Choose a car that fits your budget. Use the calculator to find the price that gives a payment you’re comfortable with, then browse our cars in that range.

Car finance calculator: frequently asked questions

Does using the calculator affect my credit score?

No. The calculator doesn’t check your credit at all. If you then check your eligibility with us, that’s a soft search, which doesn’t affect your credit score either.

Is the payment shown guaranteed?

No. The figures are illustrations based on typical rates. Your actual APR and payment depend on your credit history, your income and outgoings, and the lender’s decision.

What’s the least I can borrow?

The calculator works from £2,000 of borrowing, for cars priced from £3,000 to £15,000. If you have a bigger deposit or budget, call us on 0115 736 5900 and we’ll work it out with you.

Can I get car finance with no deposit?

Often, yes. Many of our lenders offer no deposit options, subject to status. Read more about no deposit car finance with bad credit.

Can I get car finance on benefits?

Some lenders accept benefits as income. See our guide to car finance on benefits.

Get A Better Car is a trading name of Twiggco Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 713342). We are a credit broker, not a lender. Finance is subject to status and affordability; applicants must be 18 or over.