The situation
Buying your first van on finance means lenders have no track record with you specifically for vehicle finance, even if you have other credit history. They'll typically weigh your overall credit file, income stability and the size of any deposit more heavily than they would for someone refinancing a second or third van.
What tends to help
- Bring proof of a stable address and income — payslips or, if self-employed, recent bank statements or SA302s.
- A modest deposit (even 10%) signals commitment and can improve the rate you're offered as a first-time buyer.
- Check whether the van you're financing is priced sensibly for your income — lenders assess affordability, not just credit score.
- Use the affordability calculator before you shop, so you're viewing vans within a realistic budget from the start.
Lenders worth checking
Based on published eligibility criteria and lender positioning — always check current terms directly, as criteria change.