Apply for your loan

All loans are subject to regulations and conditions. The legal information relating to these regulations and conditions can be viewed here. We advise you to read this information fully before applying for a loan.

Loans

Loans are provided by Bank of Scotland plc, Registered in Scotland No. SC327000.  Registered office: The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 1YZ.  Written quotations are available on request. All lending is subject to appraisal by the Bank of the applicant's financial status. To apply, you must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). APR and repayment details are correct at time of print. Certain purposes of loan may be excluded or have limited repayment periods; please ring for details.

Intelligent Finance is a division of Bank of Scotland plc.  Bank of Scotland plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  FSA registered number is 169628.

We charge interest in the period between the start of your loan and your first monthly repayment.

As security for your loan , we have a right of set off. This means that if you are in breach of your Intelligent Finance Loan agreement we may set-off any money you owe us against a credit balance on any other account you hold with us, including a joint account. We will only take money from a joint account if the conditions of that account allow and there are sufficient funds.

The rate you are offered will depend on credit assessment procedures, your personal circumstances and other related factors.

Products and offers are subject to conditions and can be withdrawn without notice.

Data Protection Act

By submitting this document

• I confirm that I have read the information sheet "Uses of Data" and agree that the information I have provided in this application, and any other information relating to my account(s), may be processed and disclosed in the ways described.
• I agree that my personal data may be shared with any company from time to time forming part of the same Group as Halifax plc together with the Introducer and any associated Companies (if applicable) and Insurers (if applicable) who may also use it in the ways described in the Uses of Data section below.
• I agree that information on the performance of my account(s) may be shared with Credit Reference Agencies and may be used by other lenders for credit assessment.
• I agree that any sensitive information obtained will only be processed in order to provide the service requested.
• I am entitled to disclose information about any co-applicant or guarantor and/or anyone else referred to by me, and to authorise you to search and/or record information at Credit Reference Agencies about each of us. I understand that an "association" will be created at the Credit Reference Agencies, which will link our financial records.

24-hour delivery is only available if you opt for our courier service and arrange your loan by 3.30pm. Delivery may take longer at weekends or in outlying areas. If you choose the optional courier service an additional fee, which is currently £50 will be payable one month before your first monthly repayment. This additional fee is subject to change at any time and the up to date fee will be notified upon application.

Uses of Data

A Service of Quality

We place paramount importance on customer service and aim to meet your expectations on every occasion.

To achieve this aim we need accurate personal information about you. Please help us take prompt and efficient action by informing us of any changes to your personal circumstances by writing to us.

We have a legal obligation under the Data Protection Act to ensure that all information held and processed about you complies with the principles of the Act.

The Act requires all personal information to be treated in the strictest confidence and to be used only for purposes of which you are aware.

Confidentiality

We will treat all your personal information as private and confidential (even when you are no longer a customer). Nothing about your accounts or your name and address will be disclosed to anyone, other than in four exceptional cases permitted by law.

These are:

• when we are legally compelled to do so;
• where there is a duty to the public to disclose;
• where disclosure is required to protect our interest; (This will not be used as a reason for disclosing information about you or your accounts, including your name and address, to anyone else for marketing purposes.)
• where disclosure is made at your request or with your consent. (This can be either as a result of an application for a product or service or by signing an explicit declaration as part of the application. Consent does not need to be in writing if the service is provided over the telephone)

From time to time we will employ agents and sub-contractors to process your information on our behalf. The same duty of confidentiality and security will apply to our agents and sub-contractors and all processing will only be carried out under our instruction and will be supported by written contract.

If we cannot offer you a loan, we will pass your application details to a selected third party (Approvalls (Broker-Support)) who will contact you if they can potentially source your application with an alternative lender. If you do not wish for your application details to be transferred in this way, please contact 0845 600 4610, so we can ensure that your details are excluded or alternatively tick the opt out box on the application review page.

Using Your Personal Information

Providing the service for which you have applied

Your details will be used in providing the service you applied for and for the ongoing administration of the service. If you are taking out insurance, your details will be passed to the insurers for this purpose. If you make a claim, any information you provide to the insurers may be put onto a register of claims through which insurers share such information to prevent fraudulent claims. A list of the participants and the address of the operator are available from the insurers.

Keeping You Informed

There may be times when we feel that a service or product offered by us or a selected third party may benefit you. We may use information we obtain from your account transactions in this decision-making process. To make you aware of the service or product we may contact you by mail, telephone, fax, e-mail or other reasonable method to give you further details so that you can make an informed choice.

You are, of course, under no obligation to apply for any of the services or products offered. If you prefer not to receive any of this information, please write to us at Data Unit, Intelligent Finance, Freepost NWW15306, City House, City Road, Chester CH88 3YZ. We will only contact you by fax where you have given us your explicit consent.

Research & Statistical Analysis

We will use your details to assist us in understanding individual needs and business trends in order to improve the products and services we offer.

Cookies and how we use them

A cookie is a small piece of information, which web sites that you visit place into your Internet browser, and can retrieve later. Cookies cannot be read by any website other than that which originally placed the cookie.

We do not store any personal or traceable customer information in the cookies that we use. Additionally, all our cookie data is encrypted to prevent third parties from accessing the information they contain.

Some cookies last only as long as you are browsing a particular web site and are deleted when you move on to another web site. Other cookies are stored by your browser and are retrieved by the web site when you visit it again. Typically, this type of cookie could deliver a personalised welcome message to a customer.

Our Web Sites use cookies for tracking purposes. Cookies allow us to track which banner advertisements on external sites have led customers to our service. They also help to manage the rotation of advertisements that appear on your browser, preventing you from getting the same advert more than once. It is possible to disable the cookies when using this web site, as this should cause no degradation of the content you can access or functionality you can use.

If you want to delete any Cookies that are already on your computer, please refer to the instructions for your file management software to find the file or directory that stores cookies. If you want to stop cookies being stored on your computer in future, please refer to your browser manufacturer's instructions by clicking 'Help' in your browser menu. Further information on deleting or controlling cookies is available at www.aboutcookies.org

Cookies and how we use them on our service

Our service uses Microsoft Active Service Pages (ASP), which need cookies to operate properly. It is important that your Internet browser is set to accept cookies when using our online service, otherwise you will not be able to use the site to the full.

Cookies help you navigate around the site and fill in forms. Cookies also enable us to provide you with informative messages and to ensure your transactions are secure.

Protecting our customers

We always try to protect you from entering into any agreement that may not be in your best interest. When you apply for credit we may use a process known as Credit Scoring. This will help us to assess your application and verify your identity to ensure that you are able to re-pay the borrowing comfortably and fulfil our duty to you as a responsible lender. Declined applications based on this automated technique can be reviewed manually on request.

In considering an application we will search your record at Credit Reference Agencies. The agency also gives us other details and information from the Electoral Register to verify your identity. The agency will keep a record of the search type (credit or identification), whether or not your application proceeds. They will add to your credit file details of our search and your application and this will be seen by other organisations that make searches. We will also add to your record with the Credit Reference Agencies details of your agreement with us, the payments you make under it, any default or failure to keep to its terms and any change of address you fail to tell us about where a payment is overdue. It is important that you give us accurate information. We will check your details with fraud prevention agencies. If false or inaccurate information is provided and fraud is identified, details will be passed to fraud prevention agencies to prevent fraud and money laundering.  Further details explaining how the information held by fraud prevention agencies may be used, can be obtained by calling 08456 032 157.

If you have experienced problems obtaining credit we recommend you request a copy of your credit file from the Credit Reference Agencies. They will charge for this service. Their addresses are shown below.

Anti-Money laundering and statutory obligations

To comply with money laundering regulations, and to help stop criminals using financial products or services to launder money, there are times when we need to confirm (or reconfirm) the name and address of our customers. We may need to do this whether you are applying to be a new customer or have been one for some time. This information may be shared with other HBOS Group companies.

Some Acts of Parliament oblige us to disclose information about our customers to certain bodies with statutory powers. For example, we must give information to authorised benefit fraud investigators where fraudulent benefit claims are suspected.

In addition, the Inland Revenue has the statutory authority to audit our customers accounts from time to time.

E-mail

If you e-mail us, or give us your e-mail address, we will keep a record of it. We will not give your e-mail address to any unauthorised third parties.

When e-mailing us, always use the e-mail facility on our websites to make sure that the content of your e-mail is secure. If you send us e-mail in other ways, remember that it will be insecure and could be intercepted. If you do send us insecure e-mail, please keep the amount of confidential information you include to a minimum. We will do likewise when we reply.

Crime Prevention and Detection

We have systems that protect our customers and ourselves against fraud and other crime. Customer information can be used to prevent crime and trace those responsible. We may check your details with fraud prevention agencies. If false or inaccurate information is provided and fraud is identified, details will be passed to fraud prevention agencies. Law enforcement agencies may access and use this information. We and other organisations may also access and use this information to prevent fraud and money laundering, for example, when:

• Checking details on applications for credit and credit related or other facilities;
• Managing credit and credit related accounts or facilities;
• Recovering debt;
• Checking details on proposals and claims for all types of insurance;
• Checking details of job applicants and employees.

Please telephone us on 08456 032 157 if you want details of those credit reference agencies and fraud prevention agencies from whom we obtain and with whom we record information about you. We and other organisations may access and use from other countries the information recorded by fraud prevention agencies. You have a legal right to these details.

Introducers

Where your business has been introduced to us from a third party, we will pass back information about you and your agreement that may be necessary for the purpose of administration, payment or settlement. The person who introduces you to us may use this information for marketing purposes, but only with your consent.

Sensitive Data

Certain information collected may be classified as sensitive and we can only use such data where we have your explicit consent. This data relates to racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership, physical or mental health, sexual life, criminal proceedings and offences and will only be processed in order to provide the service requested.

The Details We Hold

These uses of your personal information are covered by our notification under the Data Protection Act. Under the terms of the Act, you have the right to obtain a copy of the information we hold about you upon payment of the appropriate fee.

We hope that you have found this information of interest. Please be assured that the Intelligent Finance will actively review your personal information on a regular basis to ensure it is accurate.

If you have any questions or concerns on the use of your personal information, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Credit Reference Agencies' Addresses

If you would like a copy of your credit file, please write to the following, enclosing a cheque or postal order for £2. You will need to tell them your full name and address(es) for the last six years.

Payment Protection

Creditcare

Creditcare is available to you if at the start date of the term of cover you are in employment or self-employed, over the age of 18 and will not have reached the age of 65 by the repayment date of your finance agreement and are a UK resident. If you suffer from a pre-existing medical condition this may affect your ability to claim under certain sections of the policy. If you are self-employed or working on a fixed term contract certain conditions will apply. It is, therefore, particularly important that you consider the full policy terms to see whether the remaining cover meets your needs.

You will receive a policy booklet, which shows what is and isn't covered please read this carefully.

Please note that you are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all answers given and that if you do not disclose all relevant information, or if the information is inaccurate, claims may be affected or we may cancel your policy.

With Creditcare, your monthly loan repayments (up to a maximum of £1,500 per month) could be covered should you be unable to work due to involuntary unemployment or accident and sickness*. Your outstanding balance (up to a maximum of £50,000) could also be cleared if you die.

*In each case, for up to 12 months or until you return to work, whichever is sooner.

A full list of exclusions appear in the policies, but the main exclusions are:

Life Claims
We will not pay life cover if:

• Your life claim directly relates to any pre-existing condition

Disability Claims
We will not pay you disability benefits resulting from:

• Any pre-existing or chronic medical condition;
• Psychotic or psychoneurotic illness, mental or nervous disorder or stress or stress-related condition unless you are under the care of and receiving treatment from a Consultant;
• Backache and related spinal conditions are not covered unless there is radiological evidence;
• Alcohol or drugs not taken under the advice or supervision of a doctor;
• Cosmetic or beauty treatments;
• Episodes of self harm

Unemployment Claims
We will not pay unemployment benefits:

• Where you aware of impending unemployment at the start date;
• Where unemployment occurs or you are notified of unemployment within 30 days of the start date;
• As a result of voluntary unemployment;
• If unemployment is a regular feature of your work;
• Unemployment which is as a result of Your own acts, omissions or negligence;
• Unemployment due to the end of a fixed term contract, unless You have been employed for at least 12 months and Your contract has been renewed at least once; You have been in employment for a total unbroken period of 24 months or more with the same employer; or You have been employed with the same employer on a permanent basis but were transferred to a fixed term contract without a break in employment;
• Where unemployment results from a strike;
• If you refuse any offer or reasonable alternative employment by your employer;
• If you are self-employed we will only pay benefit if you are without work due to the business in which you are self-employed totally and permanently ceasing to trade as a direct result of it being unable to pay its debts as and when they fell due.
• At the time of unemployment you must have been in continuous employment or self-employment for the preceding six months.

Critical Illness
We will not pay benefits if the critical illness:

• Is suffered by you within 3 months of the start date;
• Results directly from:
• Intentionally self-inflicted bodily injury; or
• Alcohol or drugs not taken under the advice or supervision of a doctor;

The information above is only a brief outline of the detailed policy terms, which are available on request.

Your Rights To Cancel
You can cancel your cover within 30 days of receiving your policy. You will receive a full refund of any premium you have paid provided that you have not made a claim.  If you have made a claim then we will be entitled to retain an amount of premium, which represents the amount of time that you have been covered by the Policy.  If you were to cancel your cover at any point after 30 days, you may be entitled to a refund of premiums provided you have not made a successful claim under your policy.  Your refund will not be calculated on a strict pro-rata basis.  This is to take into account the cost of insurance during the early part of the loan whilst the balance is highest and the risk of an extended claim is greatest.  For an illustrated example, please refer to the General Provisions section of your policy conditions.   If you want to cancel your cover, please write to the Customer Services Department, Premier House, City Road, Chester CH88 3AN.

Intelligent Finance, is a division of Bank of Scotland plc.  Bank of Scotland is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  FSA registered number is 169628

Our permitted business is advising on, arranging and administering general insurance policies. You can check this on the FSA’s register by visiting the FSA’s website www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606134.

Creditcare is underwritten by St Andrew's Life Assurance plc (Registered No 3104670) (England) and St Andrew's Insurance plc (Registered No 3104671) (England) St Andrew's House, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SA. St Andrew's Life Assurance plc and St Andrew's Insurance plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

If your loan is regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974, you can settle your loan agreement at any time by giving us written notice and paying us the amount you owe under the loan which may be reduced by a rebate.  Bank of Scotland plc,  St Andrew's Life Assurance plc and St Andrew's Insurance plc are all HBOS plc group companies.

Telephone calls to St Andrew's may be monitored or recorded to assist with staff training and for quality control purposes.

For Our Business Customers

The Data Protection Act does not apply to companies in themselves but it does extend to sole traders and partnerships. When an application is received from a business, in addition to the above information, information may be sought from credit reference agencies on the company directors and/or partners as individuals.

You can obtain a list of all of the companies in the HBOS Group by writing to us.

Intelligent Finance complaint handling procedures meet the standards required by the Financial Services Authority. A copy of these procedures are available on request.

Security

Your application form will be sent to us through a 'secure session' using banking standards encryption. This is achieved with 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), that encrypts your data which is then transmitted securely over the Internet.

Other Information

Bank of Scotland plc subscribes to the Banking Code. Copies are available on request.

Bank of Scotland plc is a member of the British Bankers' Association and subscribes to the Bankers' Code. A list of members and the Banking Code can be viewed on www.bba.org.uk

If you have a Personal Loan with no early settlement fee, there are no charges for early repayment.  If you have our standard Personal Loan and want to repay your loan in full before the end of the loan term, we will charge you an early repayment fee.  This fee is usually equal to two months interest and will not be any more than this.

You may contact us using Typetalk.

Information is available in large print, audio and Braille on request. Please call for details

If you apply by any other method, the rate and other details of the loans available may differ from those shown.

Telephone calls may be recorded for security purposes and monitored under our quality control procedures. Your application will not be considered without your home phone number.