A British startup has launched what it claims is the world's first 'dynamic' loan that rewards borrowers with better rates as they improve their credit score.
The LiveLend reward loan uses technology to monitor customers' credit scores and then delivers rate cuts every three months. Two per cent is shaved off the rate for every 25 points of improvement in credit score.
If a customer's credit score goes down, their rate will not increase.
Using ClearScore data, LiveLend estimates that one in four borrowers will unlock a reward within the first three months and almost half can expect to have their rate slashed after a year. Those with lower credit scores will benefit the most.
LiveLend rates vary from 9.9% to 36.7%, and the firm has committed to never charging fees - not for taking out the loan, closing it early or even missing payments.
Julia McColl, head of customer, LiveLend, says: "Many ordinary borrowers don’t qualify for the headline rates that are plastered in bank windows. You’ll either be offered a far worse rate or be rejected outright. And when you’re accepted for a loan you’re viewed as the same person for the entire term, often over many years.
"Our tech changes this, improving your rate as you improve your score, across the lifetime of your loan. This is not only a fairer product, but is designed to help people further improve their financial position through positive nudges and clear incentives.”
LiveLend is part of Chetwood Financial, a new UK challenger outfit founded by the former deputy head of HSBC's UK retail bank Andy Mielczarek and tech vendor veteran Mark Jenkinson.
In February the firm secured its banking licence and a significant investment of £150 million in debt and equity from Elliott Advisors to help it grow.