Compare Pepper Money Loans from FCA-Authorised Lenders

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  • Borrow £10,000 to £500,000
  • Longer repayment terms up to 30 years
  • Flexible criteria — bad credit considered
  • FCA authorised & regulated lender
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Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Free Price Compare is a credit broker, not a lender.

Important note (formerly Optimum Credit)

Pepper Money, which was once known as Optimum Credit, is now linked with the Pepper Group. If you had a loan with Optimum Credit, your loan will still be looked after, but in the Pepper Money name. The terms and rules you had before will not change.

Who are Pepper Money?

Pepper Money is a specialist lender that offers UK homeowners several home loan options. It is not the same as big banks or major banks. At Pepper Money, each home loan application is checked on its own. A responsible lending assessment is done to find the best financial product for you.

Pepper Money is part of the Pepper Group. It follows UK FCA rules. The company shares factual information about its credit policy, comparison rate, and any fees. This helps home buyers know what they need to make good choices. With Pepper Money, you get facts and clear details about your home loan options. Responsible lending means the loan you get will match what you need.

Pepper helps people who have complex credit history, unpaid defaults, or income that changes month to month. The team at Pepper does not use the same scorecard for everyone. Their credit assessment checks your property value. They look at your borrowing power and how steady your income is. They also try to get an understanding of my personal commitments. This includes things like childcare costs, tax, and how much I pay for mortgage repayments.

Pepper Money loan options at a glance

Loan type Typical loan amount Chosen loan term What it’s for Stand-out features
Secured homeowner loan (second charge) £10,000–£500,000 5–30 years Raise funds against equity in residential properties without changing your first mortgage Flexible home loan options, fixed or variable rates, clear rate card
Debt consolidation loan £10,000–£300,000 5–25 years Combine credit cards, personal loans and other unpaid debts into one payment Unlimited debt consolidation on eligible cases; simplified budgeting
Home loan for major purchases £10,000–£200,000 5–20 years Renovations, a new home extension, new car or family holiday Keep your standard mortgage; direct access to specialist underwriting
Full doc home loans £25,000–£500,000 5–30 years Borrowers with stable income who can provide full documentation Often access to lower comparison rate and true interest rates
Personal loans (via broker partners) £1,000–£25,000 1–7 years Short-term needs where a secured loan is not suitable Available through mortgage broker network and other different lenders

Eligibility criteria

Pepper makes its eligibility criteria flexible. At the same time, they follow responsible lending rules.

  • You need to be at least 21 years old when you apply. You also can't be older than 80 by the end of your chosen loan term.
  • You must own a home in the UK and have some equity in your house or flat. This is needed for a residential property application.
  • You should have a first mortgage on the home already. The Pepper loan will be set up as a second charge depending on how good the security is.
  • You have to give some documents for a credit assessment. This means your ID, your address, proof of your income, and a recent credit report.
  • You must pass some checks to show you can make all your mortgage repayments and pay other costs.
  • If you have unpaid defaults or not much credit history, your application can still be looked at under their credit policy.

Tip: Pepper always advises applicants to seek independent tax advice from a qualified tax adviser if they are unsure how interest, fees or a promotion period might affect their personal tax position.

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How Pepper Money calculates rates

Pepper Money gives a rate card that puts the comparison rate next to the actual interest rate for each of its products. This rate card also shows any normal fees so you can see them, too. The rates you get will be different based on your profile and the property value. You will know the application interest rate for your loan after you finish a full application and go through the loan application assessment. Pepper Money will give you this rate at the time of formal approval.

How Pepper Money calculates rates

What influences the APR and comparison rate?

  • The credit history you have and how full your credit report is.
  • The loan-to-value checks the value of your property and how much you still owe on your mortgage.
  • The chosen loan term you select and if the product gives you a promotion period.
  • Your income, how steady your job is, and all the personal circumstances the lender looks at in a responsible lending assessment.
  • If you are asking for the loan through a broker partner or using direct access for yourself.

Comparison rate vs true interest rates – a quick guide

When you see interest rates for loans, you also find something called the comparison rate. You might notice that the comparison rate and true interest rates are not the same. It is important to know what each one means, so you can get the best loan.

The interest rate shows you how much you pay to borrow money. The comparison rate shows more. It adds in extra costs, like fees and charges. The comparison rate helps you know what you will pay over time, not just the main interest rates.

This is useful when you want to look at several loans. A lower interest rate can look good at first, but some loans charge more in fees. A comparison rate points out which deal gives you the most for your money.

Term What it means Why it matters
Actual interest rate (APR) The annual percentage rate charged on the loan Used to compare different terms on the same lender
Comparison rate A single percentage that includes interest and representative fees Helps compare different lenders on a like-for-like basis
Comparison rates range The band of comparison rates you might see on the rate card Reflects that outcomes vary by individual circumstances

Fees and charges (transparent pricing)

Pepper Money gives you clear and factual information. You know what to expect when it comes to prices from them. This helps you feel sure about what you are paying. With Pepper Money, it be easy to plan your budget and get ready for the costs.

Possible cost What it covers When it applies
Broker fee Advice/intermediation by a mortgage broker If you choose a broker partner
Lender fee Arrangement/administration by Pepper Money Usually added to the loan or paid on completion
Legal fees Legal work to register the charge Payable on completion; varies by case
Risk fees / loan protection fee Covers specific lending risks and insurance-style costs Only on certain products under credit policy
Valuation fee Professional or automated method of valuation of the property Up-front or included in costs, depending on product
Early redemption charges Cost for repaying during a fixed period If you repay before the end of your fixed term

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Worked repayment examples (illustrative)

Use these examples to help you see how much you pay in capital and interest with different terms. The results of this calculator can be different from what you will get in your own case. These are not offers.

Loan amount Term Actual interest rate Estimated monthly repayment Total paid over entire term
£25,000 10 years 6.9% APR ~£287 ~£34,440
£50,000 15 years 7.5% APR ~£463 ~£83,340
£100,000 20 years 7.9% APR ~£823 ~£197,520

Monthly mortgage repayments are taken from your account by direct debit. This happens on the set business day each month. The numbers above do not show legal fees or broker fees. The figures also do not show discounts from a promotion period.

Calculator and product selector

Calculator and product selector

Before you apply, you can use a calculator or the Pepper Product Selector to get an idea of what your repayments will be. The results of this calculator are only a guide. You will see the actual interest rate, the fees, and the comparison rate when you get formal approval. Pepper or your mortgage broker can also give you a complete schedule of your loan payments and a statement if you ask for one.

Application process – step by step

  1. Initial enquiry – First, you look at the loan options to find the one that works for you. After that, you send in your contact details. You can choose to do this with direct access or with help from a mortgage broker.
  2. Documentation – Next, you give your ID, proof of address, your income details, and your bank statements. This information is for Pepper to run a credit assessment.
  3. Valuation – A valuation on your property takes place now. It might be done with an automated method or an in-person visit.
  4. Underwriting – Pepper will do a responsible lending assessment at this point. This means they look at what you can pay, consider their credit policy, and try to have an understanding of my personal commitments. They also make sure the security is good.
  5. Formal approval – You will receive your loan papers. In these, you will see the application interest rate, the comparison rate, all fees, and any needed conditions.
  6. Completion – Once you sign, the money gets sent by bank transfer. This process usually finishes in a few business days.

Repayment options

  • There is a standard plan that covers capital and interest for the full term.
  • You can make unlimited extra repayments on some products. Check your offer to know if this applies to you.
  • If you pay more than you need to, or finish paying off the loan before the fixed period is over, you might need to pay early redemption charges.
  • There are different terms to pick. This helps you find the best way to balance your monthly cost and total interest.

How Pepper Money compares with other UK secured lenders

Pepper Money is a specialist lender. It works in the second-charge market. In this market, it competes with different lenders.

Key benefits

  • There are flexible home loan options for people who the major banks have said no to.
  • All the paperwork is easy to read and uses simple words. You will not see confusing finance jargon. It gives you all the factual information you need.
  • They look at residential property applications even if you find it hard to show your income or if your credit history is not simple.
  • A rate card and a comparison rates range are shared with everyone. This helps make everything open and clear.

Things to weigh up

  • Interest rates can be higher than what you find at big banks. This is more common if you have a riskier profile.
  • Legal fees, risk fees, and broker charges add up fast. They can make the total cost go up a lot.
  • Formal approval can take more time than you first think. This can happen when it is a busy time.

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Use cases – when a Pepper loan can help

  • Improve or extend a home – you can get money to make your loft bigger or put in a new kitchen. You can do this without changing the time left on your current mortgage.
  • New home deposit top-up – if you need more money for the deposit on a new home, you can get some extra funds. You can keep your good mortgage rate on the first charge at the same time.
  • Debt consolidation – unlimited debt consolidation lets you put all your debts together in one payment. This can make it so much easier to manage and plan how you spend.
  • Self-employed cash-flow – full doc home loans help people who are self-employed. If you have the right paperwork, you can get support for your cash-flow needs.

Documents you’ll usually need

  • You need to bring your passport or your driving licence. Also, give a recent utility bill or a bank statement.
  • Bring your most recent payslips. If you work for yourself, bring SA302s or your accounts.
  • You have to show your mortgage statement for the first charge.
  • Give the details about your building insurance and the contact information for your solicitor.
  • If there is anything to say about your credit history, like any unpaid defaults, you should tell them.
Documents you’ll usually need

Customer experience and support

Borrowers feel good when big banks say no and Pepper gives them choices. You can get help from a mortgage broker, or you can work with Pepper on your own. Both options give you direct access to ask questions with the underwriters. All messages use easy words with not much finance jargon, so it is simple to read. You also find out about the business day timing at the very start.

Complaints and after-care

If you have a problem, get in touch with Pepper Money using your loan reference. You can call them, send an email, or write by post. The team will let you know they got your complaint within a set time. They will try to solve things quickly. If you are not happy with how they take care of it, you can take your problem to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Pepper Money also says that you should get your own tax advice from a tax adviser if you are not sure about the tax rules that apply to your fees or interest.

Example rate scenarios (illustrative only)

Borrower profile Equity & LTV Credit profile Product & promotion period APR (actual interest rate) Comparison rate Estimated monthly repayment
A: PAYE, clear history 70% LTV Strong 5-year fixed, no promotion period 6.49% 6.8% £389 on £35k/10y
B: Self-employed, minor blips 75% LTV Medium 2-year fixed, 6-month promotion period 7.29% 7.8% £522 on £45k/12y
C: Past unpaid defaults (settled) 80% LTV Complex Variable rate 8.59% 9.1% £686 on £55k/12y

These examples show that your own situation can change the comparison rate and application interest rate you see on the rate card. Your numbers will be different, because everyone has different needs and the way things are for them. These examples do not give an offer.

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Pepper Money vs other lenders – quick comparison

Feature Pepper Money (specialist lender) Major banks / big banks Other different lenders
Credit flexibility Considers complex credit history and unpaid defaults Strict scorecards Varies widely
Documentation Full doc home loans; alternative evidence considered Full documentation required Mixed
Speed to approval Fast once docs provided (often within a business day or two after valuation) Can be slower due to volume Mixed
Pricing disclosure Clear comparison rate and comparison rates range on rate card APR shown; comparison rate varies Mixed
Use cases Debt consolidation, renovations, borrowing power top-ups Purchase or remortgage focused Mixed

Tax and legal considerations

Pepper Money does not give tax advice. If you are not sure about rules for interest deductions or want to know how your benefits may be impacted, you should talk to a tax adviser. A tax adviser can help you with factual information about your questions on these topics. You will need to pay legal fees when you register the second charge. Your solicitor will tell you what to expect in the process. They will give you factual information about the legal papers that you have to sign.

Post-completion servicing

Post-completion servicing

After you finish, you can get help both over the phone and online. You can ask questions, talk about your statements, and get a redemption statement if you want to settle. If you need, you can also ask to change your payment date so it fits your business day cash flow. The company will let you know before they change any rates on products that have costs that go up or down.

Glossary (plain-English)

  • APR / actual interest rate – The annual percentage rate is what you pay in interest to the lender each year on your loan.
  • Comparison rate – This rate puts together the interest and main fees. It helps you look at what different lenders offer, so you can compare them in a fair way.
  • Amortization – This shows how your monthly payments are split. A part goes to the interest, and the rest goes to what you still owe.
  • Promotion period – A short period when you get a special offer, like a lower interest rate or fewer fees, for a set amount of time.
  • Formal approval – Pepper gives the final agreement for your loan rate, fees, and other details. They do this after they check everything about you and the loan.
  • Responsible lending assessment – This is when there are checks to see if the loan suits you. They want to make sure you can handle the payments and be okay. This puts responsible lending first.

FAQs about Pepper Money loans

No, Pepper Money is a specialist lender that is part of the Pepper Group. This company works with home loan products. It gets together with mortgage brokers and other firms to offer home loans. Pepper Money is called a specialist lender because it gives most of its attention to these loans. If you want to know more about the home loan products from Pepper Group, you can check with their partner brokers or firms.

It is possible. If an application has a credit history issue, a thin file, or any unpaid defaults, it will be checked on its own. Pepper will look at each case by using their credit policy. The review will also check if you can pay for it.

Your comparison rate and APR are set by several things. The property value matters. The amount of equity you have helps shape your rate. The chosen loan term you pick is important. A credit assessment also has an impact. Market conditions play a role. When you get a formal approval, you will see the actual interest rate that fits your case.

Simple cases often end in just a few business days after you get a valuation and formal approval. But, the time for each case can be different.

Yes. You can ask for a redemption statement at any time. You should look at your offer to see if the early redemption charges or the loan protection fee are listed. These are important for you to know about.

Sometimes, if you get a new mortgage from a big bank, you might get a lower interest rate. But you could have to pay some fees, and it might change how long your mortgage will last. A second charge can help you keep your good deal on your first-charge mortgage.

Important Notice: Please take some time to think before you use your home to get a loan or pay off other debts. If you do not pay back your mortgage or any other loan tied to your home, you could lose it. This is something you have to be sure about, as it is about your home.

Free Price Compare is allowed and watched by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We act as a credit broker. We are not a lender.

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Page last updated on: 01/09/2025

Page reviewed by: Andrea Troy

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