PCP Calculator UK 2026

Calculate your Personal Contract Purchase monthly payment, balloon (GMFV), total cost, and see how PCP compares to HP on the same car.

Enter Your Details

Auto: £11,250 (45% of list)

PCP Monthly Payment
£377.60
per month for 48 months
Balloon (GMFV)
£11,250
Total if buying
£31,875
Total if returning
£20,625
Total interest (if buying)
£6,875
HP Comparison (same APR)
£569.58
/month HP
vs £377.60/month PCP — you save £191.98/month on PCP
HP Total Payable
£29,840
HP Total Interest
£4,840
Own at end?
Yes (automatic)

Your Options at the End of PCP

Buy the Car

Pay the GMFV of £11,250. If the car is worth more, you have positive equity.

Return the Car

Hand it back with nothing more to pay (subject to condition and mileage limits).

Part-Exchange

If market value > GMFV, use the difference as a deposit on your next PCP.

Mileage Excess Charges

Miles Over LimitAt 5p/mileAt 10p/mileAt 15p/mile
1,000 miles£50£100£150
2,500 miles£125£250£375
5,000 miles£250£500£750
10,000 miles£500£1,000£1,500
20,000 miles£1,000£2,000£3,000

UK PCP Average Rates by Credit Band (2026)

Credit ProfileTypical APRMonthly on £20k financed, 48mo
Excellent4% – 7%£357 – £376
Good7% – 12%£376 – £421
Fair12% – 20%£421 – £491
Poor20% – 35%£491 – £611

Note: PCP monthly payment on depreciation portion only (GMFV 40% of list, 48 months). Actual rates set by lender at time of application.

How PCP Car Finance Works — Step by Step

PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) is the UK's most popular car finance. You pay for the car's depreciation, not its full value — which keeps monthly payments low.

  1. 1
    The lender sets a GMFV (Guaranteed Minimum Future Value). This is the predicted value of the car at the end of the agreement — typically 35–50% of list price depending on make, model, and annual mileage. Lower mileage = higher GMFV.
  2. 2
    Calculate the amount being financed. Financed amount = (Car price − Deposit) − present value of GMFV. You only finance the depreciation gap, not the balloon payment.
  3. 3
    Apply the amortisation formula. Monthly = Financed × r(1+r)ⁿ / [(1+r)ⁿ − 1], where r = APR÷1200 and n = term in months.
  4. 4
    At the end of the agreement, you have 3 choices: (A) Hand back the car — nothing more to pay if within mileage. (B) Pay the balloon (GMFV) and own the car. (C) Use any equity to fund your next PCP deal.
  5. 5
    Watch out for excess mileage charges. Typically 5–10p per mile over the agreed annual limit. On a 3-year deal, 5,000 extra miles could cost £250–£500.

PCP Monthly Payment Examples — UK 2026

Based on 9.9% APR, 48-month term, 10% deposit, 10,000 miles/year (GMFV ≈ 40% of list price):

Car PriceDeposit (10%)GMFV (40%)Monthly (PCP)Monthly (HP equiv.)
£15,000£1,500£6,000£189/mo£289/mo
£20,000£2,000£8,000£252/mo£386/mo
£25,000£2,500£10,000£315/mo£482/mo
£30,000£3,000£12,000£378/mo£579/mo
£40,000£4,000£16,000£503/mo£771/mo

PCP saves £97–£268/month vs HP on equivalent terms — but you don't own the car at the end unless you pay the balloon.

PCP vs HP: Which Costs More Overall?

ScenarioPCP (hand back)PCP (buy at end)HP
£25,000 car example£17,620 total paid£27,620 total paid£25,136 total paid
You own the car?NoYesYes
Best forRegular upgradersKeeping the car long-termOwnership, simplicity

Frequently Asked Questions

Indicative estimates only. GMFV figures are representative averages — actual values are set by lenders and vary by car make, model, colour, and optional extras. APR and monthly payments are subject to credit approval. Car finance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Verify any lender at register.fca.org.uk. Last updated: March 2026.