When your credit record has a few bumps and you need a car, deciding how to apply for finance can feel like its own hurdle. Should you go through a broker, arrange funding at the dealership, or apply directly with a lender?
To find out what really tipped the balance, we surveyed more than one hundred applicants between February and April 2025, asking a single question:
“Why did you choose to apply with us instead of using a broker or car dealership?”
Their answers reveal clear, practical reasons for choosing a direct lender, and plenty of insight for anyone still weighing up the options.
Snapshot of the Survey
| Reason for applying directly | % of responses |
|---|---|
| It felt easier | 23% |
| I have bad or poor credit | 20% |
| You had good reviews | 17% |
| I was recommended by someone | 11% |
| You seemed flexible or understanding | 8% |
| Better experience than previous broker | 6% |
| Didn’t trust brokers | 5% |
| Faster or simpler process | 4% |
| Lower chance of rejection | 3% |
| Other | 3% |
The following sections unpack each theme, show how it affects real-world decisions, and offer guidance for anyone considering an application today.
1. “It Felt Easier to Apply Directly”
What applicants told us
- “I just wanted a straightforward form and a quick decision without being passed around.”
- “Too many stages with brokers. You made it simple.”
Why ease matters
- Fewer hand-offs – No middle layer of data sharing or repeated questions.
- Clear point of contact – No confusion between broker, lender, and dealer.
- Less paperwork – Only the essential documents are requested.
What to look for if ease is your priority
| Feature | Broker | Direct lender |
|---|---|---|
| Single online form | Sometimes | Usually |
| Decision made by same firm | No | Yes |
| Ability to track progress online | Varies | Usually |
Tip: If a lender offers a short pre-check that doesn’t affect your credit score, you can gauge your chances in minutes before deciding whether to complete a full application.
2. “I Have Bad or Poor Credit and Thought You’d Understand”
What applicants told us
- “I’ve been turned down before. Your site said you specialise in poor credit.”
- “Brokers often filter you out if you don’t tick certain boxes.”
Why specialism matters
- Tailored underwriting – CCJs, defaults, or short work histories may still be considered.
- Credit-rebuilding products – Some agreements report repayments to credit reference agencies.
- Clear eligibility messages – Transparency around part-time work or benefits income.
Practical steps before you apply
- Check your credit file using free services.
- Gather proof of income (payslips, benefit letters, or SA302s).
- Work out your budget using a simple income-and-expenditure form.
3. “Good Reviews Made Me Trust You”
What applicants told us
- “Your Trustpilot score gave me confidence.”
- “I read reviews from people in the same situation as me and felt reassured.”
Why social proof converts cautious shoppers
- Peer validation reduces fear of rejection.
- Consistency across platforms signals reliability.
- Specificity in reviews builds credibility.
How to judge reviews critically
| Red flag | What it might mean |
|---|---|
| Lots of one-word reviews posted on the same day | Potentially inauthentic |
| No reviews mentioning poor credit or approval speed | May not specialise in your situation |
| Responses that blame customers for issues | Poor customer-care culture |
4. “A Friend or Family Member Recommended You”
Personal recommendations cut through the noise of adverts, comparison tables, and conflicting advice.
- “My sister arranged finance with you last year and said it was hassle-free even with her CCJ.”
- “A colleague suggested applying direct rather than risking multiple refusals elsewhere.”
Referral insights
- Shared experience demonstrates inclusivity.
- Expectation setting reduces uncertainty.
- Community reassurance builds local credibility.
5. “You Seemed Flexible or Understanding”
Some applicants said messaging on the site made them feel less judged.
- “I’m on part-time hours and Universal Credit. You seemed to get that.”
- “Other places made me feel like a number. You sounded human.”
Features that signal flexibility
- Clear acceptance criteria for benefits or zero deposit.
- Human language rather than jargon.
- Support channels like WhatsApp or live chat.
6. Broker Doubts: Trust and Previous Bad Experiences
While only a minority (11%) chose this category, the comments are telling:
- “I was charged a fee by a broker who couldn’t find a lender.”
- “A broker passed my details on and I got marketing calls for weeks.”
Considerations if you still prefer a broker
- Ask how many lenders they work with and about any fees.
- Check FCA permissions and online reputation.
- Confirm how your data will be used and search type (soft/hard).
Direct Lender vs Broker: Quick Reference
| Aspect | Broker | Direct lender |
|---|---|---|
| Number of potential lenders | Several | One (themselves) |
| Who makes the lending decision | End lender | Same company |
| Additional fees | Sometimes | Generally none |
| Application steps | Broker form → lender form | Single form |
| Control over underwriting | Limited | Full |
| Who you repay | End lender | Same company |
Neither approach is inherently “better” in every case; it depends on your credit profile, fee tolerance, and need for speed. Our survey tells us that drivers with poor credit tend to favour direct routes that feel transparent and judgement-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will applying directly hurt my credit score?
Most direct lenders start with a soft search, which leaves no mark. A hard search is only carried out once you proceed with a full application and give consent.
Do direct lenders always approve more poor-credit cases?
Not always. Approval depends on income, affordability, and recent payment history. However, a specialist lender may have criteria that mainstream lenders don’t cater for.
Can I still use a broker if I prefer?
Yes, but check fees, hard-search policies, and data-sharing practices first.
Could a broker offer a lower rate?
Possibly, especially if your credit has improved recently, it can be worth comparing quotes, but ensure you understand any broker charges that apply on top of the loan.
Key Takeaways for Drivers with Poor Credit
- Simplicity converts – fewer forms, fewer hand-offs, and faster answers reduce application anxiety.
- Specialisation reassures – lenders who openly help poor-credit customers inspire confidence.
- Social proof matters – detailed, genuine reviews influence decision-making more than the rate alone.
- Empathy builds trust – clear language and human support combat the fear of rejection.
Many applicants told us they felt listened to and understood when applying directly, qualities that often matter more than headline APR when your credit history isn’t perfect.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re considering car finance with a challenging credit record, you’re not alone. Thousands of applicants each year decide that dealing directly with a specialist lender could save time, reduce stress, and improve their chances of approval.
You can check your eligibility in minutes without affecting your credit score.
