Joe Towner
Senior Content Manager
Joe has covered the world of credit and finance since 2013, writing useful articles and building useful tools. He joined the Zable team (part of Lendable) in 2026 to help provide consumers with clear content that informs their financial wellbeing.
"Access to clear and concise information is a crucial part of empowering people when it comes to credit and financial products - helping eliminate confusion and intimidation one article at a time."
Articles by this author
Do loans affect your credit score?
Loans can affect your credit score when you apply, borrow and repay. See how each stage works in the UK.
Joe Towner
Jul 31, 2026
4 min read
Cancelling a loan: your right to withdraw explained
Can you cancel a loan? You usually have a 14-day right to withdraw. Here's how to cancel, what it costs and the effect on your credit score.
Joe Towner
Jul 31, 2026
4 min read
Can you pay off a loan with a credit card?
You usually can't pay a loan directly with a credit card, but a money transfer card can. See how it works.
Joe Towner
Jul 31, 2026
5 min read
Personal loans vs credit cards
Personal loan or credit card? Compare how they work, interest, repayments and credit impact.
Joe Towner
Jul 30, 2026
5 min read
Overdraft vs personal loan: how do they compare?
An overdraft is flexible short-term borrowing; a personal loan is a fixed lump sum over a set term. Compare how they work and when they are used.
Joe Towner
Jul 30, 2026
5 min read
What are emergency loans?
An emergency loan is a fast personal loan for an urgent, unexpected cost.
Joe Towner
Jul 28, 2026
6 min read
Short term vs long term loans: what's the difference?
Compare short term and long term loans and see how changing the loan term impacts monthly repayments and total cost.
Joe Towner
Jul 28, 2026
5 min read
Repaying a loan early
Learn your rights when repaying a loan early, early repayment charges, the 58-day interest rule and settlement figures.
Joe Towner
Jul 17, 2026
5 min read
How to apply for a loan
Learn more about what’s involved in applying for a personal loan in the UK including what information and documents you need.
Joe Towner
Jul 16, 2026
5 min read
Do guaranteed loans exist in the UK?
Guaranteed loans don't exist in the UK. Learn how to spot the scams, and your real options with bad credit.
Joe Towner
Jul 16, 2026
6 min read
Credit union loans explained
Learn how credit union loans work, what they cost, who can apply and how they compare to bank loans.
Joe Towner
Jul 16, 2026
7 min read
What is a payday loan?
Learn more about how payday loans work, what the FCA price cap means for the cost, the risks and alternatives.
Joe Towner
Jul 16, 2026
6 min read
What is debt consolidation?
Debt consolidation combines several debts into one monthly payment. Learn more about how it works.
Joe Towner
Jul 2, 2026
9 min read
Can I get a loan if I'm self-employed?
Being self-employed doesn't disqualify you from getting a loan in the UK. Here's what lenders look for and the options available.
Joe Towner
Jun 9, 2026
6 min read
The Cost of Missed Payments: The impact of missing credit card payments
New data reveals how many Brits have missed a credit card payment in the last 12 months, and the financial consequences of doing so.
Joe Towner
Jun 8, 2026
6 min read
What is a secured loan?
Learn what a secured loan is, the risks involved and how it compares to other types of loan.
Joe Towner
May 14, 2026
6 min read