As many financial experts will tell you, an installment loan can form part of a long-term plan to improve both your financial situation and your credit score. Having a higher score will make you more appealing to a wider range of lenders and give you greater peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken control of your finances and have more financial options.

However, it can be difficult to get accepted for a loan – however small – when you have a history of late repayments. Perversely, if you’ve never needed to borrow money before, you will need to raise your credit score to show that you are responsible enough to be able to borrow money and pay it back.

Unbeknown to many, the internet can be a good place to apply for a personal loan. While you can ask your bank to lend you money, if you have a tarnished borrowing history they are unlikely to accept your application. You may also face problems when it comes to increasing your overdraft or applying for other methods of borrowing.

When it comes to applying online, look for a platform that will connect you with a trusted network of direct lenders, including bad credit personal lenders that may be able to help you improve your personal circumstances. The right one will be selected for you according to your unique situation.

Like any other application to borrow money, you will need to be ready before you start. Work out exactly how much you need to borrow – this is easier if you are intending to use the money for a specific purpose, like buying a car or moving house – but don’t be tempted to borrow more than you can afford to pay back.

Remember that you will need to pay back added interest as well as the amount you wish to borrow. The annual percentage rate (APR) will show how much this will be – look out for APRs between 5.99% and 35.99% as these are typically low interest rates that won’t render you in an impossible situation when it comes to repaying your loan.

Although a good credit score can open many doors for financial borrowers, there are plenty of online lenders will take an array of factors into consideration when deciding whether to approve your application, so having a low score does not automatically mean you will be rejected.

However, your lender may still run a credit check on your file. You should also be prepared to give other information, such as employment details, proof of income and a list of references. Some lenders will want to contact people who know you personally to get an indication of how reliable you are when it comes to meeting your financial obligations.

Once you’re accepted for a personal loan, work out how much you will need to set aside each month to meet your repayment obligations. This may involve drawing up a household budget (and sticking to it!) to make sure you don’t fall short.

It’s important to remember that missing scheduled repayments will have a negative impact on your financial profile, thus worsening your situation and making it more difficult for you to borrow the future. So bear this in mind when you’re making your application, and only borrow what you absolutely need to tide you over.