pixel

About Us

FCA-regulated lending with a responsible approach to bad credit

Payday Bad Credit exists to help people who may struggle to access credit through mainstream lenders, without compromising on responsible lending standards.

We understand that bad credit often reflects past circumstances rather than current reality.
Our role is to assess applications fairly, transparently, and in line with UK regulation.

Who we are

Payday Bad Credit is a trading style of Western Circle Limited, a UK-based lender authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Western Circle Limited has been providing regulated credit solutions in the UK for over 10 years, with a focus on customers who may have experienced credit difficulties and are not well served by mainstream lenders.

Throughout this time, our approach has remained consistent: to assess applications responsibly, apply affordability checks carefully, and lend only where it is appropriate to do so.

We specialise in bad credit loans, offering regulated credit options where affordability and customer protection come first.

You can learn more about how our loans work on our main page explaining bad credit loans in the UK.

Our regulatory status

Western Circle Limited is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

  • FCA Firm Reference Number: 714479
  • ICO Registration Number: Z3305234

Being FCA-regulated means we are required to:

  • assess affordability before lending
  • treat customers fairly
  • provide clear information about costs and risks
  • support customers who may be vulnerable

We are subject to ongoing supervision and regulatory standards under UK consumer credit law.

Our approach to responsible lending

Responsible lending is not a slogan. It is a regulatory obligation and a practical necessity.

Our assessments focus on:

  • whether repayments are affordable over the full loan term
  • whether borrowing would cause financial harm
  • whether the loan is suitable for the customer’s circumstances

If we believe a loan would not be appropriate, we will not offer it.

Why bad credit requires a different approach

People with bad credit are often declined automatically by high-street banks. This does not always reflect their current ability to repay.

Our process is designed to:

  • look beyond credit scores alone
  • consider income, outgoings, and stability
  • apply proportional credit checks in line with FCA rules

This approach is explained in more detail on our bad credit loans page.

Working with trusted partners

In some cases, we may not be able to offer a loan directly. Where appropriate, and only with a customer’s consent, we may offer the option to explore alternatives through carefully selected, FCA-authorised partners.

These partners:

  • are subject to regulatory oversight
  • operate under their own affordability assessments
  • do not guarantee approval

This model exists to widen access responsibly, not to bypass checks.

Supporting customers in difficulty

We recognise that borrowing is not always the right solution. If a customer is experiencing financial difficulty, we:

  • encourage consideration of alternatives
  • provide clear information about risks
  • signpost free, independent support where appropriate

For free help with money problems, visit moneyhelper.org.uk.

Transparency and accountability

We aim to be clear about:

  • who we are
  • how decisions are made
  • what customers can expect

If something goes wrong, customers have access to our complaints procedure and, if unresolved, the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Learn more

If you’d like to understand our lending approach in detail, including eligibility, credit checks, costs, and risks, please visit our main page on bad credit loans in the UK.

Important reminder: Late repayment can cause serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk.