AA Small Loans
Good:
Excellent customer service throughout your application
Bad:
They may quote you one APR and then put a different one on the loan agreement
Verdict:
Ensure you know you have a perfect credit history as people who think they have good credit have been declined - money is actually provided by The Co-Operative Bank
AA Loans are provided by The Co-Operative Bank and they offer loans for £2,000-£7,450 payable over 1 -7 years. Their rates are similar to other banks and high street lenders. When you click apply from their website, you will be redirected to the The Co-Operative Bank loan application.
You can apply online or over the phone. After filling out their online application form, they will check your details and credit history to make sure you are eligible. They will then contact you with their preliminary decision and arrange for the relevant papers to be sent to your home address. If you use their courier service you will get their paperwork quickly, but it will take up to two working days if you don't. After you have signed and sent back the relevant documents, (you may also need to send additional identification), and everything is confirmed, the money will be in your account within 7 days. An optional CHAPs fee is payable if you want the money within 48 hours.
They only offer loans to people who have good credit so if you have late payments, CCJs or defaults on your credit file, don't apply because you'll get turned down. Even if you have good credit, this doesn't necessarily mean you are going to get accepted. Their application is similar to other high street lenders, but it can take a bit longer to get your money as you have to send documents to them. The AA run quite strict credit checks so it might be difficult to be accepted if your credit history is not in order. If you are successful though, you will receive a fantastic, fast and reliable service. The phone service is also good so if you have any queries you can phone on them on their free number.
Firstly I work in the financial industry. I am in full time employment, my address is 'clean' my credit score (and file) is excellent. I have no other debt other than a loan at 8.4% APR with AA. Called to increase by a small amount (to repay a bond investment) was quoted a rate of 7.7% APR. After the application they offer me a rate of 10.7% APR!! There is no reason for such an increase. Trust me I know. Avoid AA loans at all costs 'footprints' on your credit file are not good.
I can afford the loan EASILY and I have an excellent credit report but was refused instantly on the AA loans website. Not sure if they are going for people who can only afford minimum repayments or something but now I have to wait 6 months before applying for a new loan :(
The customer service is excellent. If you want to call them, you don't have to hang around on hold, I got through within seconds on the 3 occasions I called. I paid a little extra for the courier service but it was worth it as I had my cheque the next day. Highly recommended in these early stages
Loans up to £7,450 - 7 years
48 hours - £50 courier fee and £30 CHAPS fee
- You need: proof of ID, proof of address
- You must have a good credit history
- You must have a bank account with direct debit facilities
- Your income must be at least £833 per month
- You must have lived in the UK for 3 years or longer
- You must be between 23 and 69 years of age
- Receive your documents by courier quicker - £50.00
- Receive your documents quicker by CHAPS - £25.00
- Interest owed on the instalment from when it is due until the date it is actually paid
- One month's interest calculated on the balance outstanding








