NATIONWIDE MOTOR CO · BUY WITH UNDERSTANDING
What happens before a lender makes a decision?
Understand car finance credit checks, affordability assessments and the documents a lender may request.
A conversation about a car is different from a credit application. Asking our team a general question does not itself provide a lender decision. Before proceeding with an application, check who will receive your information and what type of credit search will be made.
Credit searches and affordability
A soft search and a hard application search are not the same. A hard search can be visible to other lenders and may affect your credit score. Do not assume a process is soft-search only: ask at the point of application. Lenders also assess affordability, taking account of information such as income, spending and existing commitments.
Information to have ready
- Your correct name, contact details and address history.
- Valid identification and proof of address where requested.
- Accurate employment and income details, with supporting evidence if required.
- The car, deposit and agreement you are considering.
Requirements differ by lender and circumstances. Preparing documents does not guarantee acceptance, and you should never alter information to make an application appear stronger.
Keep sensitive documents secure
Our general contact form is for questions and callbacks, not identity documents or bank statements. Ask the team for the appropriate secure route before providing them. Read the privacy notice and ask how your information will be used.
Further reading: Experian: car finance checks ↗.