Competitive APRs starting at 3.9% and terms up to 84 months, ideal for various budgets and lifestyles.
With RBS personal loans, you can buy your car from dealers or private sellers across the UK.
Fixed monthly payments help you budget effectively and steadily enhance your credit score.
Get started with deposits as low as 10%, and manage your finance online or through the RBS app.
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What types of car finance does Royal Bank of Scotland offer?+
Royal Bank of Scotland mainly provides personal loans for car purchases, allowing you to buy from dealers or private sellers. They do not directly offer PCP, HP, or leasing options.
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Can I buy a car from a private seller using RBS financing?+
Yes, you can. RBS personal loans enable you to purchase vehicles from private sellers, giving you greater flexibility compared to dealership-only options.
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What’s the minimum credit score needed for RBS car finance?+
RBS generally recommends a credit score of around 600 or higher. However, final approval depends on individual financial circumstances and affordability checks.
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How much deposit do I need for RBS car finance?+
Typically, you can start with a deposit as low as 10% of the vehicle price. A higher deposit can often improve your approval odds and reduce your monthly payments.
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Can self-employed individuals get car finance from RBS?+
Yes, self-employed individuals can secure car finance from RBS. You’ll usually need to provide proof of stable income, such as tax returns (SA302), bank statements, or accounting records.
Buying a car outright isn’t always practical. That’s why financing is the go-to route for millions of Brits — and Royal Bank of Scotland is among the most trusted banks in the country for making that goal achievable.
Owning a car in the UK goes beyond just getting from point A to B. Whether you’re commuting across Glasgow, dropping kids at school in Edinburgh, or taking weekend trips through the Highlands, a personal vehicle brings freedom, comfort and autonomy.
Why Choose Car Finance Instead of Paying Upfront?
Car financing offers several strategic advantages:
- Flexibility: Choose a term and structure that fits your income
- Lower upfront costs: Start driving with deposits as low as 10%
- Credit profile building: On-time payments improve your credit score
- Budgeting: Fixed monthly instalments help you plan
- Immediate ownership access: Enjoy your car while you pay
Royal Bank of Scotland enables you to spread the cost of your car over months or years — with regulated, transparent agreements designed to protect consumers.
Types of Car Finance Available in the UK
Below is a simplified table of the most common options and their characteristics:
- Personal Loan: unsecured loan used to buy the car outright; best for those with good credit.
- Hire Purchase (HP): monthly payments with full ownership at the end; ideal for buyers who want to own the vehicle.
- PCP (Personal Contract Plan): low monthly payments with a large final (balloon) payment; suited for drivers who change cars often.
- Leasing (PCH): long-term rental with no ownership option; great for those who prefer short-term commitment.
- Refinancing: replaces your current loan with better terms; ideal for lowering monthly payments.
- Private Party Auto Loan: financing to buy from a private seller; rare in the UK and usually not offered by banks.
Note: Royal Bank of Scotland mainly offers personal loans for car purchases, not HP or PCP directly.
Real Comparison: Royal Bank vs. Competitors
Royal Bank of Scotland | Zuto Finance | Lloyds Bank | |
Type | Direct bank lender | Broker | Direct bank lender |
Representative APR | 3.9% – 9.9% | 9.9% – 27.9% | 4.9% – 12.9% |
Loan Amount Range | £1,000 – £50,000 | £2,000 – £40,000 | £1,000 – £50,000 |
Term Length | 12 to 84 months | 12 to 72 months | 12 to 84 months |
Credit Score Requirements | 600+ recommended | Poor credit accepted | 620+ recommended |
Can Buy from Private Seller? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Data based on 2024 public sources. Always check with each lender for current offers.
Real-World Simulation Example with Royal Bank
Let’s say you’re buying a used car from an independent seller for £14,000. Here’s what financing with RBS could look like:
- Down Payment: £2,800 (20%)
- Loan Amount: £11,200
- APR: 4.9% (fixed)
- Term: 48 months
- Monthly Payment: ~£257
- Total Repayment: £12,336
This fixed-term agreement gives you ownership, no balloon payment, and a predictable monthly cost.
Final Thoughts (Before We Dive Deeper)
The Royal Bank of Scotland offers competitive interest rates, consumer protections, and easy online management through the RBS app or branch network. But there’s more to getting approved than just choosing the right bank.
👉 Want to know the exact steps to get approved and boost your chances — even with bad credit or self-employment? Continue to Page 2 now. We’ll cover everything you need to apply smartly and securely.
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