The challenge
Self-employed applicants are assessed on declared income (SA302s/tax year overviews and bank statements) rather than a payslip, and lenders typically want to see at least 12 months of trading history — though this varies by lender.
What tends to help
- Read our full guide: Van Finance for the Self-Employed: What Lenders Ask For.
- Keep SA302s/tax year overviews and 3-6 months of business bank statements ready before applying.
- File your tax return early each year so your most recent income evidence is available when you need it.
- Newly self-employed (under 12 months trading)? A larger deposit or guarantor widens your options considerably.
Lenders that tend to work well for self-employed & sole traders
Based on published eligibility criteria and lender positioning — always check current terms directly, as criteria change.
SL
Startline Motor Finance
Self-employed tradespeople are a core part of their customer base, with affordability-first underwriting.
ZU
Zuto
Broker panel includes lenders comfortable with self-employed income assessment.
MB
Moneybarn
Considers self-employed applicants with 12+ months trading history, including those with credit challenges.