Finding the best van finance rate in October 2026 depends on your credit profile, the age of the van, your deposit and how long you have been trading. This guide compares all major lenders and explains what you need to qualify for the most competitive terms.
All Lenders Compared - October 2026
| Lender | APR Range | Min Loan | Max Term | Adverse Credit | Used Vans | New Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lombard (NatWest) | 3.9–9% | £10,000 | 7 years | No | Yes (under 5 yrs) | No |
| Novuna Business Finance | 4.5–12.5% | £5,000 | 5 years | Limited | Yes (under 7 yrs) | Limited |
| Close Brothers | 4.5–12% | £5,000 | 7 years | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aldermore | 5.5–14% | £5,000 | 7 years | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Haydock Finance | 6–16% | £5,000 | 5 years | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1pm Finance | 7–19% | £1,000 | 5 years | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reward Funding | 7–20% | £1,000 | 5 years | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rates indicative for October 2026. Actual rate depends on individual credit profile and asset details.
Qualification Factors
Time in Business
Lenders tier their appetite by trading history. Over 2 years: access to all lenders. 12–24 months: Close Brothers, Aldermore and Haydock will consider with standard documentation. Under 12 months: deposit of 20–30% typically required; 1pm Finance and Reward Funding are most accessible.
Credit History
Clean credit (no CCJs, defaults or missed payments in the past 3 years) unlocks the lowest rates. CCJs under £500 or over 24 months old are treated more leniently. Active IVAs or recent bankruptcies narrow the field significantly - Reward Funding and 1pm Finance remain options.
Asset Age
New vans attract the broadest lender appetite and lowest rates. Vans 3–7 years old are accepted by most lenders. Over 7 years: Close Brothers, Aldermore and Haydock are your primary options. Over 10 years: specialist assessment required; higher deposit likely.
Deposit
Most lenders will finance up to 100% LTV for strong credit profiles. Adverse credit or older assets typically require 20–30% deposit. A 10% deposit can improve rates by 1–2% even when not required.
How to Get the Best Van Finance Rate - 5 Tips
- 1Use a broker to submit to multiple lenders simultaneously. A single application to Doulton Bridging Finance is assessed across our panel - you receive the best offer, not just the first offer.
- 2Put down a deposit if you can. Even 10% can move you into a lower rate band with several lenders.
- 3Consider a slightly shorter term. A 3-year term versus 5 years often carries a lower APR, and you pay significantly less total interest.
- 4Get your paperwork ready. Latest 3 months' bank statements, most recent accounts and proof of the asset (invoice or auction lot details) speed decisions and demonstrate financial confidence.
- 5Check manufacturer promotional rates first. For new Ford, VW or Mercedes vans, the captive finance arm occasionally runs sub-5% or even 0% promotions that independent lenders cannot match.