How to use a loan calculator — and what the numbers mean
Monthly repayment, total repayable, total interest, APR — what each figure means and how changing the term affects the real cost.
4 min read →£500 covers a lot — an unexpected car repair, a month’s council tax shortfall, a dental emergency. Cash Train gives you a fixed-cost loan over 1–6 months, so you know exactly what you’ll repay before you sign.
Apply now →Unregulated lender • 149.9% representative APR • Subject to status
Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk
£500 is a practical amount for the kind of costs that crop up without warning and can’t wait for payday. Here are common reasons our customers borrow this amount.
A new tyre, brake pads, or a failed MOT advisory item. Without the car, you can't get to work — the repair pays for itself.
NHS waiting lists can stretch months. A private emergency appointment, extraction, or temporary crown typically costs £150–£500.
A single missed council tax payment can quickly escalate to bailiff action. £500 clears most short-term arrears and stops enforcement.
A burst pipe, broken window, or seized door lock. Emergency callout and fix fees add up fast, especially on evenings or weekends.
A professional qualification, online course, or driving lesson block that unlocks better earnings — investment in yourself.
Unexpected costs around a new arrival: a secondhand pram, car seat, or nursery equipment that wasn't in the budget.
Cost ranges are approximate UK market estimates for illustrative purposes only. Actual costs will vary.
The table below shows illustrative monthly repayments on a £500 loan at the Cash Train Quick indicative rate of 149.9% APR. Choose the term that fits your budget — shorter terms mean less total interest paid.
| Term | Monthly repayment | Total interest | Total repayable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | £539.66 | £39.66 | £539.66 |
| 2 months | £280.12 | £60.24 | £560.24 |
| 3 months | £193.78 | £81.33 | £581.33 |
| 4 months | £150.73 | £102.92 | £602.92 |
| 5 months | £125.00 | £125.01 | £625.01 |
| 6 months | £107.93 | £147.59 | £647.59 |
Tell us you’re interested and how much you need. We collect your basic details — takes under 3 minutes. No obligation at this stage.
our system checks your income, outgoings, and credit profile. Most decisions arrive in under 2 minutes.
If approved, you’ll see your exact rate, monthly repayment, and total cost before signing. No surprises — read every line before you agree.
Once signed, we transfer £500 directly to your bank account. Most transfers arrive the same working day.
One fixed payment per month on a date that suits you. No penalty for early repayment — pay it off whenever you’re ready.
You’ll typically need to meet these minimum criteria:
We also look at (but are not limited to):
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval. All applications are subject to full credit and affordability assessment.
Not sure if you qualify? Applying does not affect your credit score and carries no obligation.
Check my eligibility →There are dozens of short-term lenders in the UK. Here’s what makes Cash Train different — and what you should hold us to.
Apply now →The rate you’re quoted is the rate you pay. No variable rates, no hidden administration charges.
Our automated affordability checks mean most applicants know if they’re approved in under 2 minutes — not days.
Paid off early? You only pay interest for the days you held the loan. Cash Train provides this right contractually — we are an unregulated lender and the Consumer Credit Act 1974 does not apply to your agreement.
Cash Train is a trading style of Credicorp Limited, not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Apply online today — get a fast decision. Fixed monthly payments, no hidden fees.
Apply now →Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk
149.9% representative APR. Indicative figures only — subject to status and individual affordability assessment. 18+ UK residents only. Cash Train is a trading style of Credicorp Limited (Company No. 16093826). Unregulated lender.
Not sure how much you need? Use our loan calculator to see repayments for any amount between £100 and £5,000.