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CCJ Loans in the UK


How County Court Judgments affect bad credit loan applications

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can make borrowing more difficult, but it does not automatically mean that all loan applications will be declined. What matters most is affordability, current circumstances, and responsible lending rules.

This page explains:

  • what a CCJ is and how it affects your credit file
  • how lenders assess applications where CCJs are present
  • when borrowing may not be suitable

For a full overview of eligibility, costs, credit checks, and safeguards, start with our main page on bad credit loans in the UK.

What is a CCJ?

A CCJ is a court order issued when a debt remains unpaid and a creditor takes legal action. Once registered, a CCJ usually stays on your credit file for six years, unless it is paid in full within one month of the judgment.

A CCJ indicates past repayment problems, which is why lenders treat applications involving CCJs with additional caution as part of a wider bad credit loan assessment.

Can you get a loan with a CCJ?

There is no guarantee of approval when a CCJ is present. However, a CCJ is only one part of a broader affordability and creditworthiness review.

When assessing applications involving CCJs, lenders may consider:

  • whether the CCJ is satisfied (paid) or unsatisfied
  • how recent the CCJ is
  • the number of CCJs on the credit file
  • your current income and essential outgoings
  • whether repayments would be affordable without causing financial strain

These factors are assessed as part of a responsible bad credit loans process.

What matters more than the CCJ itself

Under UK lending rules, lenders must focus on whether credit can be repaid without causing harm, not simply on past credit issues alone.

In practice, this means:

  • affordability is more important than the presence of a CCJ
  • stable income and manageable commitments carry significant weight
  • borrowing may still be declined if repayments would be unsustainable

We will not offer credit if we believe it would worsen a customer’s financial position, regardless of credit history.

FCA rules and responsible lending

The Financial Conduct Authority requires lenders to carry out a reasonable and proportionate creditworthiness and affordability assessment before offering credit. This is set out in the FCA Consumer Credit Sourcebook (CONC), particularly CONC 5.2A.

These rules require lenders to:

  • base decisions on sufficient information
  • consider the customer’s ability to repay sustainably
  • avoid lending that could cause financial harm

This applies to all bad credit loan applications, including those involving CCJs.

You can read the FCA guidance here: https://www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/CONC/5/2A.html

How we approach applications involving CCJs

As part of our bad credit loans process:

  • applications are assessed individually
  • CCJs are considered in context, not isolation
  • affordability always comes first

If we cannot offer a loan directly, we may offer the option to explore alternatives through trusted, FCA-authorised partners – but only with your consent and only where appropriate. This does not guarantee approval and does not bypass affordability checks.

When borrowing with a CCJ may not be suitable

A loan may not be the right option if:

  • repayments would leave you short for essential living costs
  • you are already behind on multiple commitments
  • borrowing would be used to repay existing problem debt

In these situations, free debt advice may be a safer and more effective first step.

Alternatives to consider

Depending on your circumstances, alternatives may include:

  • speaking with your existing creditors
  • seeking free, independent debt advice
  • exploring budgeting support
  • reviewing essential spending before taking on new credit

Your next step

If you have a CCJ and want to understand whether borrowing may be possible, the best place to start is our main page on bad credit loans in the UK. There, you’ll find clear information about eligibility, costs, credit checks, and risks so you can decide whether checking your eligibility is right for you.

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