Every month, over 50,000 people in the UK Google one question:
“What is V12 Finance — and why is it on my bank statement?”
If you’ve ever spotted “V12 Retail Finance” and panicked for a second, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: it’s not a scam. It’s a legitimate retail finance service, backed by one of the UK’s trusted banks — Secure Trust Bank PLC.
Let’s break down what it actually does, how it works, and how to make sure everything tied to it is secure and transparent.
What Exactly Is V12 Finance?
This is a UK-based lending company that helps customers buy products or services on an instalment plan.
Think of them as the bridge between you and your purchase — whether that’s a new laptop, a watch, or a car.
You shop at a participating retailer → choose V12 Finance at checkout → get approved for monthly payments instead of paying upfront.
Simple. No messy paperwork. No waiting weeks for approval.
Quick Facts About V12 Finance
| Feature | Details |
| Company Name | V12 Retail Finance (Trading name of Secure Trust Bank PLC) |
| Parent Company | Secure Trust Bank PLC |
| Regulated By | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) & Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) |
| Headquarters | Yorke House, Arleston Way, Solihull, B90 4LH, UK |
| Commonly Seen As | “V12 Finance” or “V12 Retail Finance” on bank statements |
| Website | v12retailfinance.com |
How V12 Finance Works (In Plain English)
Here’s the short version:
- You shop – online or in-store with a participating retailer.
- At checkout, select “Pay with V12 Finance.”
- Credit check – a soft or full credit assessment is performed.
- Approval – if eligible, you get instant confirmation.
- Monthly payments – it sets up a clear, manageable instalment plan.
You can manage your finances anytime via their online portal:
selfservice.v12finance.com
Where You’ll See V12 Finance Used
It powers finance for hundreds of UK retailers, covering almost every sector:
- Luxury watches and jewellery – Goldsmiths, Hublot, Watches of Switzerland
- Electronics and tech – online gadget stores and gaming retailers
- Furniture and home goods – sofas, beds, home improvement stores
- Musical instruments – guitars, DJ gear, studio equipment
- Vehicles – under their dedicated V12 Vehicle Finance branch
So if you financed something through one of these shops, that “V12 Retail Finance” entry on your bank statement is completely legit.
V12 Vehicle Finance: Not Just Retail
Beyond retail, V12 also operates in the automotive space as V12 Vehicle Finance.
It helps UK dealerships offer instant car finance options to buyers — quick approvals, flexible terms, and transparent APRs.
It’s part of the same Secure Trust Bank family, meaning your data, payments, and credit agreement are still fully regulated under UK law.
Is V12 Finance Safe and Legit?
Absolutely.
Here’s why you can trust it:
- ✅ FCA & PRA regulated — meaning it operates under strict UK financial laws.
- ✅ Data protection compliant — customer data is encrypted and handled securely.
- ✅ Financial Ombudsman access — if you ever have a dispute, you’re protected.
- ✅ Owned by a public bank — Secure Trust Bank PLC, a well-established institution.
So yes, if you see this term on your statement, it’s not fraud — it’s just the financing arm managing your purchase.
Understanding “V12 Retail Finance” on Your Bank Statement
You’ll typically see:
“V12 Retail Finance” or “V12 Finance” followed by your agreement or payment reference number.
That simply indicates your monthly repayment being collected for a financed product.
If you don’t remember authorizing a payment:
- Double-check any big-ticket purchases made recently (watches, furniture, etc.)
- Log in to your V12 account
- If it’s still unfamiliar, contact V12 customer support or your bank’s fraud department
Managing Your V12 Account Securely
It offers a simple self-service portal where you can:
- View payment schedules
- Download your credit agreement
- Update personal details
- Make additional payments
Visit selfservice.v12finance.com
And always ensure you:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Avoid accessing your account via public Wi-Fi
Pros and Cons of Using V12 Finance
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick online approval | Interest may apply depending on credit |
| FCA-regulated and secure | Missed payments can impact credit score |
| Works with top UK retailers | Only available through partnered stores |
| Manage everything online | Some users report customer service delays |
Real-Life Example
Let’s say you bought a £1,200 laptop.
Instead of paying in one go, you select “V12 Finance – 12-month plan.”
You might pay £100 a month, sometimes with 0% interest, depending on the retailer.
You get your laptop immediately, and it handles the credit arrangement behind the scenes.
That’s all it is — smart, flexible purchasing.
FAQs
Q. What is V12 Retail Finance?
V12 Retail Finance is part of Secure Trust Bank PLC in the UK. It helps shoppers spread the cost of purchases through simple monthly payment plans, both online and in-store.
Q. Why do I see V12 Finance on my bank statement?
If you’ve used a retailer’s finance option, your payments may be managed by V12. That’s why their name appears on your statement — they handle your credit agreement.
Q. Is V12 Finance a real company or a scam?
It’s a legitimate and regulated financial service under Secure Trust Bank PLC, ensuring all transactions and customer data are protected.
Q. What companies use V12 Finance?
Many well-known retailers, including Goldsmiths, Watches of Switzerland, and Hublot, use V12 to offer finance plans for their customers.
Q. How do I contact V12 Finance customer service?
For account or payment help, visit their official website or call their support line. Always use verified links to avoid scams or phishing attempts.
Final Thoughts: Finance Made Simpler, Smarter, Safer
Retail finance has changed how we shop — and it is one of the key players leading that shift.
It’s flexible, regulated, and built for convenience — giving customers breathing room when buying high-value items.
Just remember:
- Borrow responsibly.
- Track your payments.
- Always verify before you panic about a statement entry.
Because at the end of the day, finance should empower you — not confuse you.
Visit: Pure Magazine
