Bad credit narrows your options but does not eliminate them.
Know your actual position Pull your CCRIS report (free via eCCRIS) and CTOS report before applying anywhere. Lenders look at the last 12 months most closely — recent clean months carry real weight.
Options that work Licensed money lenders assess income and repayment ability case by case rather than relying purely on scores. Secured loans against property dramatically improve approval odds and lower your rate. A guarantor with clean credit can also strengthen an application.
What to avoid Stacking multiple applications in one month makes your file look desperate. Unlicensed lenders are never worth the risk — no legal protection, unlimited effective rates.
Rebuilding while borrowing Take only what you can comfortably repay, set standing instructions for repayments, and after 6–12 months of clean conduct your options widen significantly.
Be honest with lenders about existing commitments — experienced underwriters find them anyway, and transparency builds trust that can tip a borderline case to approval.