What is an APR?

APR is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and is used to describe the overall cost of money borrowed. It takes into account the interest rate, when it is charged (daily, weekly, monthly or annually), any fees charged when setting up the loan and any other costs applicable to the loan. The APR makes it easy to compare different loan products across the market.

The Representative APR is an APR at or below which an advertiser reasonably expects most people who apply for this product will get.

Will I receive the advertised APR?

The APR you receive may vary from the advertised rate. This is the representative rate which we expect most people who apply to get.

The rate you are offered will be a personalised rate based on your current individual circumstances including credit information held about you by the credit reference agencies, the loan amount you borrow and length of time you borrow for.

Can you tell me how much a loan will cost without impacting my credit score?

We offer a Fast Checker quotation tool which enables you to find out how likely you are to be accepted without impacting your credit score.  All you need to do is provide a few details. Find out more by clicking our Fast Checker tool

Where can i find the key information about Post Office  Loans?
Please read our leaflet borrowing money with a Post Office Loan for key information.

Can I check my eligibility before I apply?

Yes, you can use our Fast Checker tool

What is e-signature?

You may be offered the opportunity to sign your agreement form online, saving the need to post documents.

Will I need a credit check?

Yes. A credit check will be completed to help us make a decision on your loan application. Please read our decision explained leaflet for more information on how we assess your application.

What can I do if my Post Office Loan application is declined and I would like to appeal?

If you would like to appeal our decision you may do so by calling our Customer Service Team on 0800 169 2000. You may be asked to provide additional information to support your appeal, although there is no guarantee that our original decision will be changed.

Can I use this loan to pay off other debts?

Yes you can, however, before applying for a debt consolidation loan you should review your options to make sure that the loan which you are considering is right for you.

Can I change my mind about taking out a loan?

Yes. You’ll have 14 calendar days from the day after you receive your acceptance letter to withdraw from your Agreement. If you decide you no longer want a loan from us, just call 0800 169 2000 within this 14 day period.

How do I make my monthly repayments?

Monthly repayments are made by direct debit, unless we agree otherwise. Your direct debit will be set up from the bank / building society account you have chosen during your application.

If you want to change the bank account from which your repayments are paid please contact us on 0800 169 2000.

Can I choose the date to make my repayments?

Yes, of course. Just call us on 0800 169 2000, after you’ve made your first repayment, and let us know which day of the month is best for you. Repayment date changes are limited to one per calendar year.

When do I need to make my first loan repayment?

Your first loan repayment will be one calendar month from the date the loan is released to you. You’ll see the date on your welcome letter. If this day falls on a bank holiday or weekend, the repayment will be made on the next working day.

Can I take a payment break?

No. We’re sorry, but you can’t take a payment break with our loan.

If you are struggling to keep up with the repayments on your loan, we’re here to help. Please contact us on 0800 169 2000. Alternatively, there are lots of organisations that can provide confidential, impartial and free help and advice. More information can be found in our leaflet Are you in financial difficulties?

Can I pay my loan off early?

Yes, you can settle your agreement early in full or in part, at any time. Please be aware if you make an early settlement in full, we will charge up to 58 days' interest.

If you wish to pay off your loan in full you will firstly need to request a settlement quotation by calling us us on 

0800 169 2000. 

To make a partial settlement you can call us to make a debit card payment. As a result of any repayment we will reduce the term of your agreement unless you tell us otherwise.

How do I find out how much my outstanding loan balance is?

If you ever want to find out the outstanding balance of your loan account, simply call us on 

0800 169 2000.

What should I do if I need to change my personal details?

If you need to inform us of any changes to your personal details, please call us on

0800 169 2000.

What is an Early Settlement?

Your Post Office Loan is regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (CCA) which gives you certain protections and entitlements when entering into a credit agreement. One of these entitlements is that you can choose to repay your loan either partially or in full before the end of the term you originally signed up for.

What is the difference between a Partial and Full Early Settlement?

Partial Early Settlement – This is where you make a payment towards the sum you owe to us which is over and above your normal contractual monthly repayment amount. There is no limit to the number of early settlements you can make during the term of your loan and there is no minimum or maximum amount you can pay.

Full Early Settlement – This is where you pay the full amount you owe to us and clear your loan before the end of the original agreed term.

In both cases, you will be entitled to a rebate (further information on rebates can be found below).

How do I request an Early Settlement?

You can request a Partial or Full Early Settlement by either contacting us on 0800 169 2000 or writing to us at:

Customer Services Department
Post Office Loans Customer Service Team
PO Box 246
Sheffield
S98 1QD

You will have 28 days from the day after you contact us to make your payment. If you don’t make the payment within this timeframe you will need to contact us again so that we can provide you with up to date information - you then have a further 28 days from the day after this date to make your payment. Remember that if you change your mind you are under no obligation to proceed.

Some points to note:

If you want to make a Partial Early Settlement you can choose to either reduce the term of your loan or your monthly repayment amount. If you ask us, we can tell you how both options would affect you to help you decide what to do. If you don’t tell us which option you want to take, we will automatically reduce your term meaning your monthly repayment would stay the same.

If you want to make a Full Early Settlement we will tell you how much you need to pay us to clear your remaining balance completely and then confirm this to you in writing.

If you have any unpaid charges or arrears on your agreement, these will be cleared first and then the remaining amount will be used against the full or partial settlement to your loan.

How do I make a payment?

You can make a payment in either of the following ways:

By telephoning us and using your debit card.

By Bank Transfer using the following details (it is important that you include your agreement number as a reference on your payment so that we can apply the payment to your loan correctly).

What is a rebate?

Before you take out a loan with us we will calculate what interest charges you need to pay based on the applicable fixed rate, the amount borrowed and the original term of your agreement. The interest is added onto the amount you’re borrowing and the total is then divided by number of months over which you have chosen to repay your loan – this gives you your monthly repayment amount. If you make an Early Settlement you will be entitled to get some of this interest back and this is known as a rebate.

If you’re making a Partial Early Settlement we will deduct the rebate amount from your remaining balance. This will be taken into consideration when calculating what your new monthly repayment amount or new final payment date will be, as applicable*.
*The amount of your rebate will depend on which option you take.

If you’re making a Full Early Settlement, we will deduct the rebate from the amount you need to pay to clear off your loan balance.

How is the rebate calculated and do I have pay any charges or penalties?

When calculating your rebate we use a formula as prescribed by the Consumer Credit (Early Settlement) Regulations 2004 which takes into consideration information such as how much you are repaying each month, how long you still have to pay on your loan and the settlement date.

The settlement date determines how much the rebate will be and, if you’re making a Full Early Settlement, how much you owe us. The settlement date we use is as follows:

28 days from the date you notify us

Plus an additional deferment of 30 days

This means that when we calculate your rebate we will use a date which is 58 days from the date you notify us.

The regulations also entitle us to claim compensation from you in certain circumstances if you make an Early Settlement, however, we don’t do this or apply any other charges or penalties.

How long does it take for you to process an Early Settlement?

Partial Early Settlement:

If you choose to reduce your contractual repayment amount this will take effect 58 days from the date you notify us, so for example, if you notified us on 1st October and your normal monthly payment date is the 15th of each month, then your first reduced payment would be on 15th December.

If you choose to reduce the term of your loan we will tell you what the new end date for your loan will be when you notify us.

Full Early Settlement – We will close your loan agreement within 2 days of receipt of your payment. Once this has been completed we will provide confirmation to you in writing.

Do I need to cancel my Direct Debit when I make a Full Early Settlement?

We will automatically cancel your direct debit once your loan has been settled. If you want to cancel it with your bank you should wait until we have confirmed to you that your loan agreement with us has been closed. If we receive any payments after your loan has closed we will return these to your bank.

Questions

If you have any questions please contact us on 0800 169 2000.

Can I get help if I get into financial difficulty?

If you are struggling to keep up with the repayments on your loan for whatever reason, we’re here to help. It is important that you call us on 0800 169 2000 and we’ll talk you through the options available to you.

There are lots of organisations that can provide confidential, impartial and free help and advice. More information can be found in our leaflet Are you in financial difficulties?

If you are already in touch with an organisation that is giving you financial advice, please let us know and we can deal with them directly.