💸 Need a Loan? Here’s What You Should Know  

🏦 Where Can You Get a Loan? 

You can ask for a personal loan from: 

  • A bank 🏦 
  • A building society 
  • A finance company 💼 
  • Leeds Credit Union 🤝 

You don’t have to be a customer to apply! 

⚠️ Be Careful Before You BorrowIf you’re having money problems😟, try to get help before taking a loan. 

👉 Visit the Help with money problems section for support. 

📍 How to Apply 

You can apply for a loan: 

  • 🧍 In person at a branch 
  • 📞 By phone 
  • 📬 By post 
  • 💻 Online 

💬 Staff at the bank or credit union will talk to you and help you choose the right loan. 

📄 What You Need to Show 

When applying for a loan, you usually need:
✅ Proof of who you are (ID or passport)
✅ Proof of your address
✅ Details about your income 💷
✅ What you spend every month
✅ Your credit history (your record of borrowing) 

🌐 Want to know more about loans? Visit: Citizens Advice on Personal Loans 

 ⚠️ Warning: Only Borrow from Trusted Lenders 

🚫 Not all loans are safe. Be careful!  

✅ Legal Options: 
  • Banks, building societies, credit unions, trusted finance companies 
❗ Risky or Illegal Loans: 
  • Payday Loans
    These are legal, but they can become very expensive if not paid back quickly. 
  • Loan Sharks 🦈
    These are illegal lenders.
    They may seem friendly, but they often charge very high interest and can use threats or violence. 

🚨 Report a Loan Shark 

If someone is offering you a loan in a strange or unsafe way, report them: 

📞 0300 555 2222
📧 [email protected] 

 💬 If you’re not sure what to do, talk to someone at Citizens Advice Leeds or your local credit union. They’ll help you stay safe and make smart money choices 😊.


Last Updated: 10 June 2025