UK, 15 September, 2021: The latest insights from Experian suggest that consumers have a better chance of finding a pre-approved credit card or loan than they did at the start of this year.
Following the lifting of lockdown restrictions in July, lenders have continued to bring new products to market. 61%1 of customers using Experian’s Marketplace saw a credit card that they were pre-approved for in August 2021, a 30% increase on January’s figures. Further, 44% of customers saw a loan that they were pre-approved for in August 2021, a 33% increase over the same period.
Being pre-approved for a product means that you are guaranteed to be accepted for it if you apply, subject to identity and fraud checks.
Customers with a poor credit score (561 – 720) were 49% more likely to see a credit card that they were pre-approved for in August 2021, compared to January 20211, and 32% more likely to see a loan that they were pre-approved for. Those with a very poor credit score (0 – 560) were 94% more likely to see a pre-approved credit card offer and 18% more likely to see a pre-approved loan offer over the same period1.
Sebastian Worbs, MD Products at Experian Consumer Services said: “Eligibility ratings give people an indication of their chances of being approved for a specific credit deal. As lenders continue to bring competitive products to market consumers have a better chance of being pre-approved for a product that meets their needs.
“People looking for credit should regularly check their credit score and use comparison services to shop around until they find the one that’s going to work best for them. This will give them the knowledge to apply with confidence when the moment is right and help protect their credit score.”
Alongside the improvement in credit eligibility, Experian found an 18% increase in the number of people searching for credit in the two weeks following Covid-19 restrictions ending in England.2
Sebastian Worbs continued: “With the economy still in uncertain shape it can be reassuring for people to know that there are credit options available to them if they need it. Many brands are improving their offers at the moment, whether that’s a lower APR, or an increase in 0% balance transfers. A better deal on existing credit can free up essential funds for other things, which could be a real help if your finances are temporarily stretched. Of course, if you you’re experiencing serious, prolonged financial difficulties, we’d urge you seek guidance as soon as possible.”
To help people who can’t see a loan offer via mainstream providers, customers with 30% or less eligibility on Experian Marketplace can explore further options via Affordable Lending Ltd.’s platform. The initiative aims to provide financially excluded consumers with access to credit at affordable rates.
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Notes to editors:
1 Stats taken from Experian Marketplace in August 2021 and compared to those in January 2021.
2 Stats from Experian’s Marketplace were analysed from w/c 19th July 2021 to w/c 2nd August 2021.
Media contact
Rajan Lakhani, Head of PR, Consumer, UK&I, Experian
Tel: (+44) 07976 634 484 | E: rajan.lakhani@experian.com
About Experian
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