Hi Benny99

Platinum Loans is a brand that is exclusive to Moneysupermarket.com customers and was launched through our website in September. The Platinum Loan is through Central Capital, one of the UK's largest secured loan brokers. The exclusive rate of 7.5% APR is only available if you apply via MS.com and is currently the cheapest secured loan in the UK.

As is the case with the majority of loans, Platinum have criteria relating to Loan to Value (the amount of equity in your property), credit score, income etc.

As Central Capital are a broker, if you falloutside the criteria for Platinum, they have other lenders on their panel who may be able to offer you a loan. The benefit of this is that they can find a loan that is suited to your personal circumstances.

As you are looking for a loan of £16,000 over 5 years, you have the option of applying for a Personal Loan, that isn't secured against your property. Although acceptance rates are currently low due to the credit crunch and rates can be higher.

To see which lender best fits your circumstances you can use the Smart Search tool on MS.com. This will allow you to input some of your details and will bring up the lenders that best fit your circumstances.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Hello

I am currently looking to try and consolidate my debts and was comparing loans on your site. I am looking at borrowing £16000 over no more than 5 years max. The search results came back with Platinum loan been the best result. I can afford the monthly repayments on this platinum loans offer, but i am a bit anxious as I have never heard of the company. At this rocky time within the credit system I was a bit anxious about taking out a loan with a company i have not heard of. Can you tell me if Platinum loans is linked to a large bank or if they are in your knowledge safe to lend from?

many thanks

Benny99