Free credit reports are available online. Before applying for any form of credit it is always a good idea to take a look at your credit report so you have a good idea of your credit score. Any defaults that appear on your credit report will damage your chances of getting credit from a bank. It is also possible that your credit report may have errors. If this is the case you should get these errors removed as soon as possible because these errors could also stop you getting credit.

If your credit report is below average then in the present financial climate it is unlikely that the banks will offer you credit. If this is the case then simply apply to a lender that specialising in offering credit to those with damaged or poor credit scores.