Ford Credit Car Finance Claim: Was Your PCP or Hire Purchase Mis-Sold?

Who Is Ford Credit?

Ford Credit is the financial services division of Ford Motor Company, providing vehicle finance to UK drivers through Ford's extensive franchised dealer network. Ford Credit has been operating in the UK since the 1960s, making it one of the most established captive lenders in the country.

Given Ford's position as one of the UK's best-selling car brands, Ford Credit processed a very high volume of car finance agreements during the DCA period. Millions of UK drivers who bought a Ford on finance through a franchised dealership during this period may have been affected by discretionary commission arrangements without ever being told.

Like other major captive lenders, Ford Credit was embedded in the DCA system that the FCA has identified as a widespread source of consumer harm across the UK motor finance industry.

How Ford Credit Agreements Worked

When you visited a franchised Ford dealership that offered Ford Credit finance, the process typically worked like this:

• You chose a car and the dealer offered to arrange finance on your behalf.
• The dealer applied to Ford Credit for a loan on your behalf.
• Ford Credit set a base interest rate — but crucially, gave the dealer the power to adjust this rate upward.
• The higher the interest rate the dealer set, the more commission Ford Credit paid to the dealer.
• You were typically not told that the dealer was receiving commission, or that it was linked to your interest rate.

This arrangement — known as a discretionary commission arrangement (DCA) — was banned by the FCA in January 2021 precisely because it created a direct financial incentive for dealers to overcharge customers.

Why Some Ford Credit Agreements May Have Been Mis-Sold

• Commission not disclosed: Most customers were never told the dealer received commission from Ford Credit.
• Inflated interest rates: Dealers had every incentive to set the highest rate you would accept rather than the lowest available.
• Conflict of interest: The dealer was acting as your credit broker while simultaneously being paid more by the lender the more they charged you.
• Lack of meaningful choice: Customers who didn't know about the commission structure couldn't meaningfully negotiate their rate.

Signs Your Ford Credit Agreement May Qualify

• Your car was bought through a franchised Ford dealership
• Finance was arranged at the point of sale, not independently sourced
• Your agreement was signed between January 2007 and January 2021
• The agreement was PCP, hire purchase, or a conditional sale agreement
• You were not explicitly told about the commission arrangement or given the option to shop around

How to Check Your Ford Credit Agreement

• Contact Ford Credit directly: You can request a copy of your original credit agreement under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
• Check your credit file: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion will show historical credit agreements including lender names and amounts.
• Review old paperwork: Look for the finance agreement signed at the dealership. The lender name, APR, and agreement number will be listed.

The Claim Process

1. Submit your details using the form below.
2. Case review: An FCA-authorised claims specialist will assess your agreement and determine whether you have a valid claim.
3. Claim submitted: If eligible, the specialist will handle all correspondence with Ford Credit and the Financial Ombudsman if required.
4. Compensation paid: If your claim succeeds, you receive your payout directly. Most claims management companies operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.