Post Office Personal Loans are provided by Lendable. Post Office Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.

What is a car loan?

A car loan is a type of personal loan you use to help pay for a used or new vehicle. You borrow the amount you need and repay it in fixed monthly amounts over a set term. This gives you known repayments and helps you spread the cost rather than paying for the car upfront. You can use a car loan to buy a car privately or from a car dealership, depending on what you’re looking for.

Who might a car loan suit? 

Taking out a car loan might help if you’re:

  • Buying your first car and want fixed monthly payments
  • Upgrading to a newer, more reliable or bigger vehicle for growing family
  • Looking for a used or new car as a second car in the household
  • Wanting to avoid car dealership finance options like HP or PCP

Why take out a car loan?

A car loan can help you get the vehicle you want or need faster without having to wait to save up and helps keep the cost manageable

  • Buy your dream car: Treat yourself to the car you want. Borrow what you need now and repay in a way that fits your monthly budget

  • Spread the cost over time: Buy the car upfront but have the flexibility to pay back the loan over a chosen term that works for you

  • One monthly payment: A clear repayment plan over a period that suits you with one easy to manage monthly payment

  • Compare your options: If you’d rather not dip into savings or apply for car dealer finance, a loan could work out better than car dealership finance, depending on the rate

Why choose a Post Office car loan? 

We’re a trusted UK brand working with Lendable to offer straightforward, transparent loans. We can help your get your first, second or dream car

  • Flexible loans: Borrow from £1,000 to £25,000 over a 1- to 5-year term

  • Easy to apply: The online application process is simple and quick to complete

  • Get the money fast: If approved, you’ll usually get the funds the same day

  • Fixed rate for the full term: You’ll know exactly what you need to repay each month

  • Option to repay early: You can pay off your car loan of sooner, which could save you money compared with repaying over the full term

How our car loans work

Applying for a Post Office car loan is simple

  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

    It’s quick and won’t affect your credit score. You’ll get a fast decision

  2. 2

    Apply online

    Decide how much you want to borrow and choose a repayment term

  3. 3

    Get the money today

    If approved, the funds for your car should be in your account the same day

Is a car loan right for you?

Before you borrow, think about:

  • Your budget: Make sure you can afford the repayments. If you’re unsure, your budget could be tight leading to missed payments, which can harm your credit score

  • The total cost of borrowing: Check the interest and fees so you know how much you’ll repay overall. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments, but you’ll pay more interest in the end

  • Using savings: If you have some time before you need the car, consider saving for it instead of borrowing. Or using some savings for some of the cost can lower how much you need to borrow

  • Other ways to pay: You could use a credit card or a payment plan from your car dealership. Each works differently, so consider the pros, cons and which option suit you best

  • Your future plans: If you’re applying for a mortgage or other large credit soon, taking out a new car loan too might affect how those lenders decide on your application

Common questions about car loans 

  • Yes, you can use a personal car loan to buy a vehicle privately or through a car dealership. It will depend on the car you’re looking for.

  • It depends. A car dealership may offer incentives and discounts, but a loan could give you more flexibility or a better rate. It’s best to compare the total cost of both.

  • If you’re just checking your eligibility, we’ll run a soft check that doesn’t affect your credit score. But if you complete the full loan application and accept the loan agreement, we’ll run a hard credit search that may affect it. The health of your credit score can affect your ability to obtain credit in the future.

  • Yes, you can repay your loan early without penalty. Settling early could save you money on interest compared with paying over the full loan term.

  • Read more
  • A secured loan is ‘secured' against something of value that you own, like your house or car.

    An unsecured loan isn’t linked to your property or assets. All Post Office Personal Loans are unsecured loans.

    Read more about secured and unsecured loans

  • Depending on your plans, a 0% purchase credit card, saving up or a car dealership’s finance plan could work.

    Make sure you weigh up the pros and cons of different options and choose the one that best suits your budget.

  • If you miss a loan repayment, get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to find a way forward.

    What to do if having difficulty making repayments

  • To keep your credit score in good health, make sure you make repayments on time. Missing them could harm your score for future applications.

    Read our guide to credit scores

Need some help?

Personal loans help and support 

Find out the answers to common personal loans questions and how to reach us or make a complaint:

Visit our personal loans support page

Tick off your car checklist

  • Vehicle tax

    Buy or review your vehicle tax at your nearest participating Post Office. There are plenty of payment options to suit you

  • Car insurance

    Find cover to help protect you while driving. Optional extras can be added at an extra cost to create a tailored insurance package

  • Driving licences

    Order or renew your driver's licence. Your application is sent off electronically and you should have your new licence in three weeks