Autolend Car Finance – Reviews, How it Works and Eligibility Checker

Autolend is a UK car finance lender that works exclusively through approved credit brokers. You cannot apply to Autolend directly – instead, you need to go through a broker that has Autolend on their panel. If you meet Autolend’s eligibility criteria, you may be offered pre-approval to help finance your vehicle purchase.

We have partnered with Creditec Limited, a credit broker authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 1023899), to give Mintify users access to Creditec’s panel of lenders. This panel includes Autolend alongside a wide range of other UK lenders. When you check your eligibility through Creditec, they will carry out a soft search that will not affect your credit score. If you are eligible, Autolend may appear in your personalised results.

This guide explains how Autolend works, what to expect if you are matched with them, and how our partnership with Creditec allows you to check your eligibility with Autolend and similar lenders without affecting your credit score.

Mintify is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited and is not itself a lender or broker. Any finance you take out will be subject to the lender’s own terms, conditions and approval process.

What is Autolend?

Autolend is a trading name of Lendable Ltd, a UK-based online lending platform established in 2014. Lendable is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA reference number: 720719) and registered in England and Wales (Company number: 08828186). Autolend is a direct lender that offers car finance through approved intermediaries, also known as brokers. Customers cannot apply directly to Autolend. If you are matched with Autolend via a broker, the loan funds are paid directly to the vehicle retailer once your agreement is completed.

How Autolend works: Key things to know

• Apply through a broker that includes Autolend in its lender panel.
• The broker runs a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score.
• If eligible, you receive a conditional offer from Autolend.
• Once signed, Autolend sends the funds directly to the car dealer.
• Repayments are made monthly, with the option to settle early without penalty.

How Autolend car finance works: step-by-step guide

Autolend is a direct lender that works exclusively through approved brokers. If you take a free eligibility check and meet their criteria, your broker may match you with Autolend for your car finance.

Here is what happens from start to finish:

• Take a free eligibility check: See if you qualify for a loan with Autolend and compare offers from other lenders. If your chosen broker does not work with Autolend, their offers will not be shown.
• Submit your details: provide employment, income, and any other requested information.
• Soft credit check: a soft search is done to assess your eligibility. This does not affect your credit score.
• Loan match: if you fit Autolend’s profile, you may receive a conditional offer.
• Review your offer: check the interest rate, term length, total repayable, and any fees, such as loan or option to purchase fees.
• Sign and verify: complete ID checks and provide any required deposit. Usually a minimum of 5% of the vehicle price, with part exchange counting towards this.
• Funds sent to dealer: Autolend transfers the money directly to the retailer, typically within two hours of approval. It can take longer at weekends, evenings, or bank holidays.
• First repayment: usually due 30 days after the dealer is paid, with the option to choose a different payment date.

Autolend reviews

Autolend reviews on Trustpilot show over 1,400 verified reviews, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 at the time of writing. Trustpilot is a recognised and independent platform for customer feedback. The majority of reviews describe a positive experience, highlighting quick application processes, clear communication, and competitive rates for eligible borrowers. Some reviews reflect less favourable experiences, often linked to individual circumstances or eligibility outcomes. As with any financial product, results will vary depending on the applicant’s profile.

Autolend loan eligibility criteria

To be considered for an Autolend car finance agreement through a broker, you will generally need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• be a UK resident for at least the past three years
• receive a regular income of at least £800 per month
• be aged 18 or over
• pass any affordability and credit checks

Autolend reviews hundreds of data points from your credit file to assess affordability and risk. At the quote stage, they only carry out a soft credit search, so checking your eligibility will not affect your credit score.

You can check your eligibility for Autolend by taking a free eligibility check. You may be matched with Autolend or other lenders that better suit your personal circumstances.

Does autolend charge any fees?

Autolend applies certain fees as part of its car finance agreements. These are included in your monthly repayments and will be shown in your personalised quote before you sign.

Loan fee

When you take out a loan with Autolend, a non-refundable loan fee is added to the loan amount. This fee is refundable only if you use your 14 day right to cancel. You do not pay this fee upfront, it is included in your monthly repayments. The loan fee, and the interest due on it, are factored into the annual percentage rate (APR). Your quote will confirm the exact amount.

Option to purchase fee

If you keep the vehicle at the end of your agreement, a £25 option to purchase fee is added to your final payment. Ownership usually transfers to you once all amounts due under the agreement, including the £25 fee, have been paid. Always check the terms and conditions in your contract.

There are no hidden charges, and no money is requested upfront before you receive your loan.