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

What is a self-employed loan?

A self-employed loan is a type of personal loan you use to help with costs when you work for yourself. Choose how much you need to borrow. Then repay it in fixed monthly amounts, with a fixed interest rate, over an agreed term so you can stay in control of your budget.

You can use a self-employed loan for almost anything. Covering a quiet month or a surprise tax bill. Getting new kit. Even buying a car. It’s support for your business, your home and everything in between.

Who might a self-employed loan suit? 

Taking out a self-employed loan might help if you’re:

  • Working for yourself as a freelancer, contractor or sole trader, so don’t get a set monthly income from a salary
  • Looking for quick access to funds to help with a goal, project or passion
  • Spreading the cost of big expenses like research trips or well-earned breaks
  • Paying for essentials like products, materials, technology or training

Why take out a self-employed loan?

Whether you're investing in your future or smoothing out your monthly budget, a self-employed loan can help keep your plans on track

  • Move your ideas forward: Invest in new technology, a vehicle or a home project. Borrow what you need now and repay in a way that fits your unique monthly income

  • Pay bit by bit: Cover the cost of essential tools, professional fees or project milestones upfront. Then pay the money back later over a fixed period

  • One monthly payment: Bring all costs together into a single fixed repayment. Simpler than juggling different costs through the year

  • Keep your savings intact: A loan lets you cover big expenses without having to dip into your hard-earned safety net

Why choose a Post Office self-employed loan? 

We’re a trusted UK brand working with Lendable to offer straightforward, transparent loans. We can help you move your goals closer

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

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

  • Get the money quickly: 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 clear your loan sooner, which could save you money compared with repaying over the full term

How our self-employed loans work

Applying for a Post Office self-employed loan is simple

  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

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

  2. 2

    Apply online

    Choose the amount you want to borrow and pick a repayment term

  3. 3

    Get the money today

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

Is a self-employed loan right for you?

Before you borrow, think about:

  • Your income: Make sure you can afford the loan repayments and fit in with your income budget, even in the quieter months. If you think you may struggle, missed payments 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 payments, but you’ll pay more interest in the end

  • Using savings: If the expense isn’t urgent, try saving up instead of borrowing. Using some savings can lower how much you need to borrow

  • Other ways to pay: You could use a credit card or even consider business finance. Each works differently, so consider the pros, cons and which option suits you best

  • Future commitments: If you’re applying for a mortgage or other large credit soon, taking out a new loan too might affect how those lenders treat your application

  • Tax responsibilities: Check how borrowing fits with your upcoming tax payments

Common questions about self-employed loans 

  • Yes. While not everyone will be eligible, it’s possible to get a loan with a fluctuating income. What matters most is that you can afford the repayments.

  • You don’t need traditional payslips, but you may need to share details about your earnings. This could include bank statements or tax information.

  • Yes. If you complete the full loan application and accept the loan agreement, we’ll run a hard credit search that may change your credit score.

    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 needs, a 0% purchase credit card, saving up for the amount you need or looking at specialist business finance could work.

    Make sure you weigh up the pros and cons of different options and choose the one that best suits the expenses you need to pay.

  • 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

More help for businesses

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