Who is Bamboo?
Bamboo is a direct lender of short-term personal loans, based in Southampton and London, UK.
Bamboo boasts an impressive history; it has 10 awards under its belt and is the five-time winner of the Best Loans Provider category at the Consumer Credit Awards between 2017 and 2022.
You can read Bamboo reviews on Trustpilot. As of August 2025, Bamboo is rated ‘excellent,’ with an average score of 4.9/5.
Is Bamboo authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)?
Yes – CashLady only works with lenders who are authorised and regulated by the FCA.
Information for Bamboo Limited can be found on the FCA register here.
How much money can I borrow with Bamboo?
With Bamboo, you can apply for a loan between £2,000 and £15,000, although with CashLady, you can only search for a loan up to £10,000.
Looking to borrow less than £2,000? Bamboo might not be the right lender for you this time, but there could still be other options to consider. Other lenders on the CashLady panel offer loans from £100.
Does Bamboo offer payday loans?
No, Bamboo does not offer payday loans.
Bamboo offers short-term loans with repayment terms between 12 and 60 months.
CashLady does not work with any lenders of payday loans. Terms start at 3 months and depend on the amount of money you apply to borrow.
Can I get a loan top-up with Bamboo?
Existing Bamboo customers who have a history of managing their Bamboo loan by making repayments on time could be considered for a top-up loan. Usually, you’ll need to have shown positive repayment habits on your existing loan for at least 10 months.
Please be aware that if you apply for a top-up loan, you’ll have to undergo a full creditworthiness assessment, including a hard search. Multiple hard searches in a short space of time will damage your credit score.
You should never apply to borrow more money than you need or can afford to repay.
Could I get a Bamboo loan if I have bad credit?
CashLady works with several lenders who specialise in loans for bad credit. However, Bamboo states that to apply for a loan with them, you will need to be in good credit standing.
Bamboo loans eligibility criteria
You could be considered for a Bamboo loan if you:
- Are at least 18 years old;
- Are a UK resident (excluding the Channel Islands and Isle of Man);
- Have a valid UK-issued debit card;
- Are employed on either a full-time or part-time basis, or are retired; and
- Can afford to make your monthly repayments.
When do Bamboo loans pay out?
If your application for a Bamboo loan is approved before 3pm, your money could be sent the same day, excluding weekends and bank holidays.
The time it takes for the money to become available in your account will depend on your bank’s policies and procedures.
What happens if I’m approved for a loan but fall into difficulty while repaying it?
If, during your repayment term, your financial circumstances change and you’re no longer able to afford to make your repayments, you should contact Bamboo as soon as you can.
Bamboo states the following on its website:
“If you are experiencing financial difficulties or find yourself affected by the rising cost of living, it is important that you get in touch with us in good time. We will work with you to provide support tailored to your individual circumstances.”
Free financial advice in the UK
If you’d like to talk to someone confidentially about money and/or debt concerns, you can do so through the following charities and organisations: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.
How to contact Bamboo
1. WhatsApp or SMS: +44 748 055 9920*
2. Email: contactus@bambooloans.com
3. Via the digital chatbot on the website.
For new applications or loan top-ups, please call: 0330 159 6010.*
*Please note that WhatsApp and SMS messages will be picked up during business hours. Bamboo’s regular opening hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, and Saturdays 9am – 2pm.
Bamboo loans summary
- Bamboo is a direct lender, offering short-term personal loans between £2,000 and £15,000.
- Depending on the amount of money you apply to borrow, you could repay your Bamboo loan across a term of between 12 and 60 months.
- Bamboo is authorised and regulated by the FCA.
- As of August 2025, Bamboo is rated ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot.
- Those with bad credit are unlikely to be considered for a loan with Bamboo; however, there are other lenders on the CashLady panel who specialise in loans for people with bad credit.
- Existing Bamboo customers could be eligible for a loan top-up - subject to a new creditworthiness assessment - usually after 10 months of positive repayment habits. You should never apply to borrow more money than you need or can afford to repay.
- If your Bamboo loan application is approved before 3pm on a weekday, your money could be sent the same day, though it’s important to remember that the time it takes for the funds to become available in your account will depend on your bank’s policies and procedures.
- Bamboo customers who are struggling to repay their loans should contact customer services as soon as possible.