We make all assessments of eligibility for lending on the basis of the credit history of the individual, business owners or directors. Credit Scoring is part of the process used by banks and other lenders to help assess the risk involved in a specific loan and to determine whether they will lend to you.

Hopefully we can approve the loan for you. However, we have strict lending criteria, so sometimes we have to decline.

How to appeal a lending decision

If you're an existing customer, it’s really important that your personal and business details are close matches to what we have on your file. If they're different, it will be worth updating them before you apply.

If in doubt, please check what is on file at Companies House and update any out of date information before you apply.

Please be accurate with your income declaration. If we believe you can't afford the repayments on the amount you apply, you may be declined.

For instance, if you declare an income of £250,000 and we see £180,000 going through your NatWest account, your application may be referred or declined.

When you apply for a loan, we’ll look at your credit score. Our Business Credit Scoring Guide can help you manage your application. 

See our guide to credit scoring (PDF, 1.61 MB)