Award-Winning Bad Credit Specialist · FCA No. 301173
Online Mortgage Platform vs Specialist Bad Credit Broker
Darryl Dhoffer
CeMAP · CeRER · FCA 301173 · ⭐ 52 Reviews
"I specialise in exactly this. Free assessment — no credit search, no obligation. I respond within 2 hours."
Which suits your credit file? A fair comparison, with five checks to make before you share any details.
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Award-Winning
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FCA No. 301173
01234 237321
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Online Platform or Specialist Broker for a Bad Credit Mortgage?
Quick answer — Should I use an online mortgage platform or a specialist bad credit broker? It depends on how complicated your credit file is. Online platforms can be convenient for simple cases. If you have CCJs, defaults, an IVA, bankruptcy or recent missed payments, many people prefer a named specialist adviser who picks the lender before any application and explains the options. Whichever you choose, confirm the firm and the adviser on the FCA Register.
Updated 21 October 2026
Search for a bad credit mortgage and you will find two kinds of service: online platforms that gather your details through a form and match you to lenders, and individual specialist advisers you can speak to directly. Both can arrange a mortgage. The difference is mostly in who looks at your case, how early in the process a credit search happens, and how much explanation you get along the way.
How They Differ in Practice
| Question | Online platform (typical) | Specialist adviser (The Mortgage Geezer) |
|---|
| Who deals with you | Form first, then a team member or adviser | Darryl Dhoffer personally, no call centre |
| Speed | Often fast for simple cases | Replies within 2 hours; assessment before any application |
| Credit search | Varies; ask before you submit | Free assessment with no credit search |
| Complex files (CCJs, IVA, bankruptcy) | Depends on the firm and its lender panel | Case-by-case advice across 65+ lenders |
| Fees | Varies; ask what and when | Free assessment; fee only once a mortgage is agreed and offered |
| Regulation | Check the FCA Register for the firm | FCA No. 301173 |
The left column describes what to ask, not any one company. Services vary, so check the details of whichever you consider.
When an Online Service Can Make Sense
- Your credit file is clean or has only minor marks.
- You are comfortable handling the process yourself and want to move quickly.
- You have checked that the firm is regulated and that you know who is giving you advice.
When a Specialist Adviser Usually Helps More
Five Checks Before You Hand Over Your Details
- Search the firm on the FCA Register; confirm it is authorised or an appointed representative.
- Ask whether a hard credit search is run before you get advice.
- Ask who the named adviser is and how to reach them.
- Ask what the fee is and when it is payable. Ours is on the fees page.
- Read independent reviews. Ours are on the reviews page. There are also 52 Google reviews.
Our guide to choosing a bad credit mortgage broker goes through these in more detail.
Darryl Dhoffer — The Mortgage Geezer
20+ years in mortgages. Featured in the Daily Express, FT Adviser, The Intermediary and Daily Mirror. When you contact me you speak to me directly, and I review every case personally. Read more about Darryl.
CeMAPCeRERFCA 301173INDEPENDENT
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online mortgage platform better than a bad credit mortgage broker? ›
Neither is better for everyone. Online platforms can be quick and convenient for straightforward cases. If your file has a CCJ, default, IVA, bankruptcy or several missed payments, many people prefer a named specialist adviser who can talk through the detail and choose the lender before any application is made. Check that whichever you use is on the FCA Register.
Are online mortgage platforms regulated? ›
Some are FCA-authorised brokers or appointed representatives of one, and some are introducers that pass your details on. Search the firm on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk before sharing documents. The Mortgage Geezer is FCA No. 301173.
What should I ask before using an online mortgage service with bad credit? ›
Ask who the regulated adviser is, whether a hard credit search is run before advice, how many lenders they can access, what the fee is and when it is payable, and whether you can speak to a named person. Written answers are worth keeping.
Does a specialist broker run a credit search on me? ›
Darryl Dhoffer starts with a free assessment that does not involve a credit search. The specialist lender is chosen before any formal application, so you avoid unnecessary hard searches on your file.
How much does The Mortgage Geezer charge? ›
The assessment is free. A fee is only payable once a mortgage has been agreed and offered. The current figures are on the
fees page.
Can I use both an online service and a broker? ›
You can, but multiple applications to different lenders can each leave a search on your credit file. If you have already applied somewhere and been declined, tell your adviser so they can plan around it.
Get Your Free Assessment Today
No credit search. No obligation. Darryl personally reviews every enquiry and responds within 2 hours.
01234 237321
contact@themortgagegeezer.co.uk
FCA No. 301173
52 Five-Star Reviews
Back to The Mortgage Geezer
Lender criteria, rates and deposit requirements quoted on this page are indicative and subject to change without notice. Individual circumstances vary. This page provides general information only and does not constitute regulated financial advice. The Mortgage Geezer is a trading style of Access Financial Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Services Register number is 301173. Registered in England No. 04427489. Registered office address Access Financial Services Ltd, Unit 1 Furtho Court, Towcester Road, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK19 6AN. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED AGAINST IT.