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
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1-star

Replied to 90% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent experience

Excellent experience. Steve is great trustworthy and friendly man. I would defo recommend!

31 March 2026
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

Simple process, very friendly people.

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 rescue. Friendly, empathetic staff and an easy process, we are in possession of our new vehicle, all within a week or so. Thank you.

20 March 2026
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Reply from First Response Finance

We’re happy that we could help you! 😊

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I think you’re management or through…

I think you’re management or through your guys in the office are disgraceful. They haven’t got a clue what they’re talking about or what they’re doing but I did experience satisfaction with two young ladies and well done for the girls but all the bad guys the changing is not a decent one amongst them terrible service I received.

28 March 2026
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Reply from First Response Finance

Hi,
I'm really sorry to hear this!
If you get in contact with our Customer Experience team they'll be able to discuss this further with you and let you know the options available - their phone number is 0115 946 6368 and their email address is complaints@frfl.co.uk.
Take care,
First Response Finance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I can’t rate this company high enough

I can’t rate this company high enough. Fantastic from beginning to end. I applied in the evening, had a call the following day and drove home in my new car the day after. So many companies turned me down and this company did everything they could. 5* all the way. Thanks a million

26 March 2026
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Always friendly

Always friendly, helpful,polite and a very quick service.
Couldn't be happier with how I was treated

27 March 2026
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

What an amazing company yo deal with

What an amazing company yo deal with, the staff are friendly and helpful and the whole process from start to finish was stress free.

26 March 2026
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

customer service was impeccable

customer service was impeccable! quick decision, after being rejected litteraly everywhere else these gave me a chance... yes a 42% interest rate.... but at the end of the day, still the cheapest for me and same day approval!

31 March 2026
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Reply from First Response Finance

That's great to hear, thank you! 💚

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Allways there to help the staff are…

Allways there to help the staff are amazing helped me out big time with getting my cars can’t thank them enough with how first response are amazing thank you to all the team at first response

6 March 2026
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 1 out of 5 stars

Absolute jokers

Absolute jokers, they have allowed a Car Dealership to gain finance against cars they don't even own. Now they are sending letters to the Genuine owners basically threatening them with repossession or the police if they don't respond to this letter. Would definately no recommend!

30 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bad Credit but Still Treated Like a Valued Customer

I had a really positive experience with First Response Finance. Despite having a bad credit score, the whole process of getting approved was surprisingly quick and straightforward. They made everything feel easy and stress-free, which I honestly didn’t expect.

Their team was very professional both over the phone and through emails. Every time I had a question, they responded clearly and promptly, making sure I understood everything before moving forward. The communication was spot on from start to finish.

What I really liked is that they also have an extra layer of protection for customers. If you haven’t seen the car at the dealer yet, they can hold the money that would normally be transferred to the dealer after approval. This gives you real peace of mind because you know they are there for you and you’re not just another person they want to give a loan to and forget about.

Overall, very good experience, professional service, and I would definitely recommend them.

26 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from First Response Finance

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

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I can’t give a minus star rating…

I can’t give a minus star rating unfortunately. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!! I’ve had van that has needed a new engine, new turbo, New DPF, new Ad Blu and again needs a new turbo. This company has just fobbed me off to the Financial ombudsman service. Takes no responsibility and fobs you off hoping that you will just give up because you can’t be bothered with the hassle.

26 March 2026
Unprompted review
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

Hi Andy,

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear you feel this way.

From the details provided, we cannot identify your specific case, but we can confirm that our team is highly knowledgeable about the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and always provides customers with clear, fair guidance on the appropriate next steps based on the circumstances presented.

Where a customer remains dissatisfied after we’ve completed our internal review, we explain all available options - including the right to escalate concerns to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This is not us “fobbing off” responsibility, but simply part of the formal and impartial complaint‑handling process available to every consumer.

We take all concerns seriously and always aim to resolve them constructively. If there is any additional information you wish to provide, we are happy to review it.

Take care,
First Response Finance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Finance for my GLE

My experience has been perfect with the help from the start and so far so good with payments being down on the correct dates with no issues so far

25 March 2026
Unprompted review
First Response Finance logo

Reply from First Response Finance

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

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