Car Finance for dealers

Car Finance Dealers – Partner with First Response Finance

Specialist subprime and near‑prime finance support for UK car dealerships, designed to help approve more customers and get paid instantly

For over 20 years, First Response Finance has helped UK car dealers approve more customers, reduce admin, and get paid instantly. If you sell used cars and offer finance, we provide specialist subprime and near-prime solutions designed around real-world customers and real forecourts.

With our experience in specialist motor finance, we make finance simple, fast, and hassle-free, so your dealership can focus on selling more cars, not chasing approvals.

Built for car finance dealers

Selling used cars often means working with customers who don’t fit mainstream lending criteria. We know how frustrating it can be to lose sales because of slow approvals or rigid lenders.

That’s why First Response Finance exists: to give car finance dealers the flexibility, speed, and support needed to turn more applications into completed sales, without adding extra work for you or your team.

What car finance dealers get with First Response Finance

Instant decisions at the point of sale

Your customers get answers straight away, no waiting, no delays, and no lost sales.

Instant pay-outs via Faster Payments

As soon as documents are approved, funds hit your account. Cash flow stays fast and predictable.

Specialist subprime and near-prime underwriting

We help your customers even if they have:

  • Limited or thin credit histories

  • Previous credit issues

  • Non-standard employment

Every application is underwritten responsibly, with affordability always front of mind.

A simple dealer portal with real support

Our dealer portal works with you to:

  • Submit and manage applications

  • Upload documents and track progress

  • Edit vehicle details and pricing

  • Use DVLA licence-share codes and digital eSign

And when you need help, our experienced team are ready to help.

Who we work with: UK car finance dealers

We work with independent dealers of all sizes, including:

  • Independent used car dealerships

  • Small-to-medium forecourts

  • Dealers offering finance for the first time

  • Dealers whose customers are often declined by mainstream lenders

Whether you sell a handful of cars each month or run a busy forecourt, we tailor our support to your dealership. We work with car finance dealers, motorbike dealerships and Van dealerships across the UK.

How car finance dealers partner with us

Step 1 – Apply online

Fill in our short partner form and tell us about your dealership.

Step 2 – Eligibility checks

We confirm FCA permissions, stock type, and business details so you can offer finance compliantly.

Step 3 – Dealer portal setup

We’ll walk you through the dealer portal, so you’re ready to submit applications from day one.

Step 4 – Start offering finance

Submit applications instantly, get decisions on the spot, and receive pay-outs as soon as documents are approved.

Why car finance dealers choose First Response Finance

We’re not just a lender, we’re a finance partner who helps your dealership grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become a car finance dealer with First Response Finance?

We work with independent UK car dealers, small-to-medium forecourts, and dealerships offering finance for the first time. You’ll need the appropriate FCA permissions (or be in the process of applying).

How long does it take to get set up?

Once you complete the partner form and provide your business details, our team will guide you through setup so you can start submitting applications quickly, usually within a few days.

Do you only support subprime customers?

No, we specialise in both subprime and near-prime finance. We help customers who might be declined by mainstream lenders, always underwriting applications responsibly and with affordability in mind.

How do car finance dealers get paid?

Payments are made instantly via Faster Payments as soon as documents are approved. Your cash flow stays fast and predictable.

What support is available if I need help?

Our dealer partners get access to experienced, UK-based support from people who understand the motor trade.

How do I apply to become a car finance dealer?

Simply fill in the partner form on this page or give us a call, and our team will guide you through every step to get your dealership finance-ready.

Ready to become a car finance dealer?

Approve more customers. Sell more vehicles. Reduce admin. Get paid instantly.

Partner with us online or speak to our team today.

Partner with us Call us today