If you have bad credit, lenders may offer you a higher interest rate because they consider you more likely to miss repayments, although your rate depends on your circumstances and their criteria. Use an eligibility checker or soft-search comparison service where possible, as this can show potential offers without usually affecting your credit file; check the representative APR, total amount repayable and fees. Only borrow what you can afford to repay, and avoid applying repeatedly because multiple hard searches may affect your credit record. Check that any lender is FCA-authorised, and consider free debt advice if borrowing would stretch your budget.