Agricultural Finance

Tractor Finance with Bad Credit: Options & Lenders

A poor credit history does not automatically prevent you from obtaining tractor finance. Specialist lenders and an independent broker can find solutions that mainstream and captive finance providers decline.

What Counts as Adverse Credit?

County Court Judgements (CCJs) - satisfied or unsatisfied
Defaults on loans, credit cards or trade accounts
Missed or late payments
IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) - current or discharged
Previous bankruptcy - discharged
Limited credit history (thin file) - common for new farmers
Poor business credit score

Which Lenders Accept Adverse Credit?

Lender	CCJs	Defaults	Start-up	Rate impact
Aldermore	Yes	Yes	Yes	+0.5–2.0%
Shawbrook	Yes	Case by case	Limited	+0.3–1.5%
Close Brothers	Case by case	Case by case	Limited	+0.5–1.5%
Black Horse	Unlikely	Usually declined	No	N/A
BNP Paribas Leasing	No	No	No	N/A
Lombard	Unlikely	Usually declined	No	N/A

How to Improve Your Application

Larger deposit

Offering 20–25% deposit significantly improves acceptance rates with specialist lenders, reducing their exposure on the asset.

Satisfied CCJs

Satisfied (paid) CCJs are treated more favourably than unsatisfied ones. Where possible, clear outstanding judgements before applying.

Asset quality

Financing a well-maintained, lower-age tractor with a service history reduces lender risk and can offset a weaker credit profile.

Business trading record

Even with adverse personal credit, a strong business trading record (bank statements, farm accounts) significantly strengthens the application.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I get tractor finance with a CCJ?

Yes. Aldermore and Shawbrook both consider applications with County Court Judgements. A satisfied CCJ is treated more favourably. A larger deposit and good business accounts significantly improve the application. An independent broker will package your case appropriately.

Will a previous bankruptcy prevent me getting tractor finance?

A discharged bankruptcy is not automatically a barrier. Specialist lenders including Aldermore assess each case on its merits. The date of discharge, what has happened since, and the strength of your current business position all matter.

What deposit do I need for tractor finance with bad credit?

Specialist lenders typically require 15–25% deposit for adverse credit cases. A larger deposit reduces the lender's risk and improves both eligibility and rate. A broker can advise on the minimum deposit for your specific circumstances.

Can a sole trader get tractor finance with bad credit?

Yes. Aldermore and Close Brothers (case by case) consider sole traders with adverse credit history. Personal and business credit are both reviewed. Farm accounts and bank statements are important supporting evidence.

Will applying for tractor finance damage my credit further?

A hard credit search leaves a footprint on your file. A broker can perform a soft search first (which leaves no footprint) to identify suitable lenders before a formal application is submitted, minimising the impact on your credit score.

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Asset finance for business purposes is not regulated by the FCA. Rates shown are indicative as at October 2026 and depend on credit profile, term, asset and deposit. We act as a credit broker, not a lender. Your asset may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.