Loans Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply?

Apply online now and get an instant decision, or you can call 0800 169 8503*. Once you've applied and have been approved, we'll send you an agreement to read, sign and return to us.

How much can I borrow?

Any amount between £1,000 and £25,000

What does APR stand for?

APR typical (Annual Percentage rate), is the interest rate we give to the majority of customers for a particular amount. On occasions we may offer a different APR, based on your personal circumstances.

How do you work out if you can have a loan?

Like most lenders, we assess your application by using credit scoring. Credit scoring works by awarding points based on:

• Information you provide on your application form
• Existing information we already have about you, based on existing accounts you have with us and
• Information held on your credit reports (which you can check with Credit Reference Agencies)

We then add up these points to decide whether you are eligible for the loan requested. Additionally to meet our responsible lending obligations, we will also use the information obtained to carry out further checks to ensure that the new loan commitment is affordable.

What is a credit search?

This involves a search on your credit report to assess your credit history. It's based on your name and address and is provided by Credit Reference Agencies. Our searches will be noted against your name to make other lenders aware we have requested information about you.

What is a credit reference agency?

These are agencies which collate and store factual information about individuals in the UK. Their information is sourced from lenders such as credit card companies, banks and from other publicly available records. They then use this information to compile an individual's credit report.

What can I do if my application is declined?

If you're unhappy with our decision, you can write to us at the address below. We'll provide you with an explanation as to how your application has been assessed. Underwriters (CLS Appeals)
6th Floor
1 Lovell Park Road
Leeds
LS1 1NS
You can also get a copy of your credit report from the following companies:

• Send a cheque for £2 to Experian Ltd, Consumer Help Service, PO Box 8000, Nottingham, NG1 5GX
• Equifax (UK) Ltd, Credit File Advice Centre, PO Box 1140, Bradford, BD1 5US
• Consumer Services, Callcredit Limited, PO Box 491, LEEDS, LS3 1WZ

Can I apply again if I am declined the first time?

We will be happy to consider another application after a period of 6 months.

How can I improve my credit rating?

• Make regular payments, on time, for all your financial commitments: Missed or late credit payments (even to your mobile phone operator), are likely to be registered on your credit report and may harm your chances of getting credit in the future. Setting up a Direct Debit can help you avoid late payments.
• Check you are registered on the Electoral Roll at your current address: Lenders use this to confirm your name and address. You can check with your local council to see whether you are on the Electoral Roll.
• Check the information on your credit report is accurate and up to date: Dispute anything you don’t agree with. If you have financial links to people on your credit report which are no longer correct, ask for them to be removed (For example, if you are divorced or separated, but your former partner is still shown as a financial associate to you).
• Avoid applying for lots of cards, loans, or other credit products, at the same time: It can damage your credit rating. Instead, try to spread out your credit applications and investigate any credit refusal before applying elsewhere.

When do I get the money?

Once we have approved your application, we'll send your agreement out by our courier service for a fee, or by first class post. You will need to check all the details and sign the agreement as well as the Direct Debit mandate. Once we have received your signed documents, your money will be transferred directly in to your bank account. The transfer will take between three and five working days. If you choose the optional courier service the fee for this will be payable one month before your first payment.

What can I use the loan for?

Your Sainsbury's personal loan can be used for virtually any legal purpose like a new car, holiday, home improvements, or debt consolidation. However, we don't give loans for businesses, speculative purposes and timeshares.

What if I want to borrow more?

Just give us a call on 0800 096 0543* and we'll be happy to discuss it with you.

Can I change my mind?

Yes. You have 14 days to change your mind about your personal loan. If you do decide you no longer want it, call us on 0800 096 0543*. We're available Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm, Saturdays 8.30am to 6pm and Sundays 9.30am to 5.30pm. If, after 14 days you haven't contacted us, you'll be bound by the terms of your loan.

Will my monthly repayments change?

No. Our rates are fixed for the term of the loan. This means once you've arranged it, your repayments will stay the same regardless of interest rates, making it easy to plan ahead.

Can I defer payment?

Yes. We give you the opportunity to take a repayment holiday of three months at the beginning of your loan. **

How do I make repayments?

We will take your payments, from your nominated account, by Direct Debit and pay them into your loan account.

Can I change my Direct Debit Details?

You can change the date of your Direct Debit after you have made your first repayment. To give us time to make this change, please call us a minimum of 10 business days before your next payment is due. Call us on 0800 096 0543. We're available Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm, Saturday 8.30am to 6pm and Sunday 9.30am to 5.30pm and will be happy to help you.

How can I find out how much I still have to pay?

If you ever want to find out the outstanding balance of your loan account, simply call us on 0800 096 0543.*

Can I make overpayments?

Yes, overpayments are where you pay more than your required monthly repayment. If you inform us in advance of making an overpayment we will apply this to your loan and this will reduce the total amount of interest you pay over the term of your loan and may reduce your loan term. Any overpayment without notice will only change the period over which you repay the loan and will not affect the rate of interest payable or the total amount repayable. If you want to make a lump sum payment, please send a cheque payable to 'Sainsbury's Bank' with your name and loan agreement number written on the back of the cheque to:- Sainsbury's Loans, Customer Services, Premier House, City Road, Chester CH88 3AN.

Or, if you wish to make a payment electronically please use sort code: 126000, account number: 08110052 and quote your agreement number as the reference.

Can I repay my loan early?

Yes, this is when you repay your loan in full or part before the end of the loan term. When you take out your loan, the amount you agree to repay includes interest that is charged to the end of the loan term. If you make an early settlement in full or part, you might be entitled to a rebate, which means you wouldn’t have to pay all of the interest.

What will my loan agreement look like?

You can view a copy of an illustrative customer agreement here.

How do I get a Nectar card?

You can visit your local Sainsbury's store to pick up a pack, fill in the registration form and send it to the address provided. A Nectar card is included in the pack, so you can start using it almost immediately. However, you will need to activate your card online at the  Nectar website.

You can also apply online at the Nectar website. Registering only takes a few minutes and Nectar will send a card to you straightaway.

Can I make a complaint regarding PPI?

How do I make a claim on my Payment Protection Insurance?