First Response Finance Reviews 1,267

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 406 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently highlight the excellent service and the helpful, friendly staff who guide them through the process. Many appreciate the quick response times and the smooth, stress-free user experience, often noting that the company goes above and beyond to assist them. However, some customers also noted issues with loan approval, experiencing last-minute withdrawals or rejections without clear reasons. A few other people also felt that communication was not always clear, leading to confusion or dissatisfaction with the process.

What people talk about most

Service

Customers had positive experiences with service, often highlighting the helpfulness and efficiency of the... See more

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff, frequently highlighting their helpfulness, friendliness, and... See more

Customer service

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of customer service, with many praising the helpfulness and... See more

Response time

Users describe positive interactions with response times. Many customers praise the quick and clear... See more

User experience

People report positive experiences with the user experience. Many customers found the application process... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I'm on a debt management plan and find it very difficult to obtain finance. Unfortunately our car was written off in an accident, meaning we needed to buy a new vehicle. First Response came to our res... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Even with being messed around by one dealer so changed to another, First Response just took everything in their stride and even suggested a courser of action as a result that I didn't ask as I thoug... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have some health problems which have suddenly caused me to require medical time off work, at greatly reduced pay. I spoke with Max at First Response who was calm, kind and extremely informative pf... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bought a car in September and had massive problems with the turbo, timing chain and the DPF. Dealer I bought it from ignored all my calls, emails and basically scammed me. First response could not of... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Car Finance and Loan Company
  2. Non-Bank Financial Service

Written by the company

Founded in 1998, First Response Finance is a leading vehicle finance company in the UK, with offices in Nottingham, Leigh, and Glasgow. With a strong team of over 300 employees, we believe everything starts with our own people, sharing the same values so we can deliver the best possible service to our customers. 💚 Here at First Response Finance, we offer Hire Purchase (HP) finance on three types of vehicles – cars, vans, and motorbikes – without charging our customers any extra fees. Putting customers at the heart of everything we do, our main purpose is to provide great credit solutions for non-prime customers, while creating an extremely positive and trust-based working environment. Our unique way of thinking and excellent customer service has helped us win “Sub-prime Finance Provider of the Year” five years running and has seen us rated as the UK’s number one motor finance lender on Review Centre.


Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

1K reviews

5-star
4-star
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1-star

Replied to 90% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The company didn’t remove my hpi clear…

The company didn’t remove my hpi clear marker once the loan had been settled - cost me hpi check to find out and cause loss of sale. When contacted offered £50 compensation even though hpi cost to find out and new form to prove it’s clear cost what the offer absolute joke

March 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I applied for financing to buy a…

I applied for financing to buy a motorcycle after mine was written off a few months earlier. I got a message from First Response saying they could help with the financing. I’ve worked with First Response before, and the first experience felt a bit like an integration, so I was a bit hesitant to pick up the phone again. However, I’m glad I reached out again, as this time it was a pleasant surprise. The call handler was very polite and took the time to go over my credit history in detail, giving me a chance to clarify any inaccurate or incomplete information promptly. After a brief hold, my financing was approved at an acceptable interest rate considering my credit profile. The dealer received payment the next day, and I picked up the bike three days later. I can’t recommend this company enough.

December 19, 2025
Unprompted review
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you Ash, we’re happy that we could help you! 😊

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They call themselves a finance company…

They call themselves a finance company they offer me finance and then call me and refuse me.they don't deserve custom .they are a disgrace.

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from First Response Finance

Hi Ian,

Thank you for sharing your feedback — we’re sorry to hear you’ve been left feeling disappointed.

When we give an initial decision, it is always an in‑principle approval, meaning it is based on the information we have at that early stage. This is not a final offer of finance. Once we receive the remaining details, we carry out full affordability and verification checks to make sure any agreement would be responsible, sustainable, and in your best interests.

Sometimes, after reviewing the full information, we are unable to proceed — even if the in‑principle decision looked positive. We understand this can be frustrating, and it’s never our intention to mislead or cause inconvenience.

Thank you again for your feedback — it helps us continually improve the service we provide.

First Response Finance

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Would be 5 stars but for the watts app…

Would be 5 stars but for the watts app experence you mite wait a licetime for a responce you dont know if theres anyone still there Not Good
But when ive phoned there super friendly great to dsal with and do there best too help Great Service..BUT....
Avoid watts app service is Crap nd a waste off my time waiting on a responce lol mind the pun

March 12, 2026
Unprompted review
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you, we'll be sure to let our team know that you’re happy with their service! 💚

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best finance ever

Very prompt professional and experienced team knowing what they do and has been very helpful.
Thank you first response finance

February 28, 2026
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

That's great to hear, thank you Adelina! 💚

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Useless do not use them

Useless do not use them

March 3, 2026
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Reply from First Response Finance

Hi Roy,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re really sorry to hear that we did not meet your expectations.

Unfortunately, we can’t see the details behind your review from the information provided.

If you could please provide us with further information we can then look into the matter further.

Best Wishes

First Response Finance

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Got finance want to refinance but was…

Got finance want to refinance but was rejected by these jokers not once but twice. Offered a large deposit and to increase monthly payments and without a call got a decision of declined. No am stuck with a car that has cost me more to keep running than the original price

March 6, 2026
Unprompted review
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Hi Neil,

Thanks for your review. We’re sorry your refinance application outcome wasn’t what you wanted. When we assess any new lending, we must consider several factors — including affordability and your current level of indebtedness — to ensure responsible lending. Unfortunately, we cannot approve every application. Please accept our apologies on this occasion.

Kind regards,
First Response Finance

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Underwriter called me directly to…

The Underwriter called me directly to go through my credit file which really helped as most companies make their decisions based on your credit score which does not accurately reflect how you manage money. The staff were very polite and it was a very smooth process, no stress or anxiety which was great and I picked up my car a few days later. Thank you again!!

February 25, 2026
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Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you Patrick, we'll be sure to let our team know that you’re happy with their service! 💚

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very Poor Customer Service No Support.

Very Poor Customer Service, Zero support
This companies customer service is very poor, and their customer support is non existent. They continuly try to take monthly payments before the scheduled date, than when payments fails they chase you constantly with threats of repossession of your vehicle. If you ask them to change something i.e. pay date or spread the cost of any arrears they never do it, despite them sending emails to give options. The customer account page always states your payment is due each month ( suggesting your in arrears even though your agreed payment date is 31 of the month. The vehicle I purchased broke down costing me a large sum to repair, when I first signed up with FRF they approved my loan, so I put a deposit of £500 on a vehicle that I wanted purchase with the approved loan, a few days later FRF refused to use the dealer as they did not match their criteria, Dealer refused to give my £500 deposit back so out of pocket, I complained to FRF znd they did nothing, said not there problem. This is despite FRF never telling me or advising that they fo not use any dealer, although there website adverts and marketing at the time suggested differently (Find the vehicle you want from any dealer we will provide the finance). I do not recommend this company and will be making a complaint to the financial ombudsman regarding there actions and behaviour to me.

March 2, 2026
Unprompted review
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Hi SK,

Thank you for your review. We're sorry to hear about your experience and the issues you've described. This isn’t the service we aim to provide, and we’d like to look into this properly for you.

As we can’t identify your account from this review, please get in touch with us directly with your details so we can investigate the payment concerns, dealer situation and any communication problems as a priority.

Kind regards,
First Response Finance

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This company is amazing

This company is amazing. The staff go above and beyond to help.
Everything was sorted after a few hiccups, not First Responses I should add.
Would 100% use again if needed
Thank you

March 4, 2026
Unprompted review
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you for the five-star review! 💚

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The level of care

The level of care, and helpfulness was totally reassuring!

March 3, 2026
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Reply from First Response Finance

We’re happy that we could help you Andrew! 😊

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast response

Fast response, helpful team, great communication and excellent service

February 26, 2026
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Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you Doina, we'll be sure to let our team know that you’re happy with their service! 💚

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very helpful & understanding staff…

Very helpful & understanding staff listened to my requirements & did not disappoint.Happy with the service

February 27, 2026
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you Jane! We hope you're happy with your new vehicle. 💚

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very helpful

They were very helpful and gave me loads of advice of what cars I could pick and also gave me a very good Apr rating

February 27, 2026
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you for the five-star review! 💚

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant job

Excellent service took 3 hrs from application to conclusion lady was excellent very transparent with answers

February 27, 2026
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Thank you Andy, we'll be sure to let our team know that you’re happy with their service! 💚

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