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

 What is a small loan?

A small loan is a type of personal loan designed to help you cover essential costs or a purchase you would like to make now. You borrow what you need and repay in fixed monthly payments over a set term so you can make it work with your budget. You can use a small loan to help raise funds for things like unexpected bills, home repairs, a car upgrade, a special holiday, a milestone birthday celebration or even towards the cost of a wedding.

 Who might a small loan suit? 

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

  • Covering an unexpected bill like a car repair or broken home appliance
  • Paying for a wedding, dream holiday destination or a milestone celebration
  • Avoiding high‑cost short‑term credit plans, payday loans and using savings
  • Keeping your borrowing simple, manageable and predictable

Why take out a small loan?

A small loan can help you finance the unexpected or treat yourself to a purchase with manageable monthly costs

  • Bring your plans to life: Buy a car or book a holiday. Borrow what you need now and repay in a way that fits your monthly budget

  • Spread the cost over time: Pay the money back over 1-5 years, choosing a loan term that suits you best

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

  • Keep your savings intact: If you’d rather not dip into savings, a loan can help you keep that buffer in place while still buying what you need

Why choose a Post Office small loan? 

We’re a trusted UK brand working with Lendable to offer straightforward, transparent loans. We can help you get your plans moving forward

  • 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 small loans work

Applying for a Post Office small 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

    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 small loan right for you?

Before you borrow, think about:

  • Is the loan essential: Small loans should be used for essentials and planned costs. Make sure you can afford the loan repayments. If you’re unsure, 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

  • Saving up: Consider saving up instead of borrowing. Using some savings can lower how much you need to borrow. Especially if it’s for something that has smaller costs

  • 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 plans: 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

Common questions about small loans 

  • You can use a small loan for a mixture of things including emergency bills, repairs, home essentials, holidays, car costs or other personal needs.

  • It is worth noting that interest rates for smaller loans can sometimes be higher because the borrowing amount is lower. It’s always best to check what each lender offers.

  • 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. Making repayments on time every month can improve your score over time.

  • No, payday loans are repaid in full on your next payday and often have very high interest. A Post Office Personal Loan lets you repay over a longer term with fixed monthly payments.
  • 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