'Check my chances' is a soft search that estimates how likely a credit union is to approve you, without leaving a mark on your credit file. You'll get one of three results: Too Low, Fair, or Good. Each one tells you something different about what happens next.

Before you complete a full application, we run a soft check against your credit file. This looks at similar information to a full application, but as a quotation search only, so it doesn't affect your credit score. Every credit union weighs these factors slightly differently, and looks at them in combination, so it's entirely normal to get different results from different credit unions on the same details. That's what this stage is designed to show you before you commit to anything.

A result of Too Low means this particular credit union is unlikely to be able to lend to you right now, based on what's currently in your credit file. It doesn't mean you've done something wrong - it means the credit union has assessed that they can't take this on at the moment.

To protect your credit file, we don't let a full application go ahead in this case, since a full credit search here is unlikely to lead to approval. It's worth checking your chances with the other credit unions and products in your results, as a different one may be a better fit.

Fair means there's a reasonable chance of approval, but some factors mean the credit union might not be able to say yes to everything you've asked for. A decline isn't more likely than not - it just means there's a genuine possibility either way. If you go ahead, the credit union will also look at your recent spending through Open Banking to build a fuller picture. They may offer a smaller amount, or the same amount over a different term, so the loan works for both of you.

Good means your credit file suggests a strong chance of approval for the amount you've asked for. It isn't a guarantee - the credit union still needs to check the loan is affordable once you apply - but the chances of a decline are low. Credit unions won't lend based on your credit file alone; they'll confirm you have enough room in your budget for unexpected costs, and most will open a small savings account alongside your loan for that reason.