Do Lenders Perform Hard Credit Checks and When to Expect One

Get Your Free Business Loan Match

Quick summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and small-to-medium enterprises find suitable business finance from our network of lenders and brokers. We’re an introducer — not a lender — and we use a short enquiry form to match you with providers that best fit your needs. Typical funding we can help source starts at £10,000 and goes up to multi‑million amounts. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to get matched quickly — no obligation and no upfront fees.

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

Business Loans for UK SMEs – Match with Trusted Lenders Fast

Cashflow, growth or investment plans require the right finance at the right time. Fast Business Loans connects UK companies with lenders and brokers who specialise in business loans and commercial finance. We don’t lend or give regulated financial advice — we introduce you to providers who will.

Get a free, no‑obligation match today: Free Eligibility Check – Get Started

Trust signals: Secure data handling • No obligation to proceed • Initial enquiries use soft checks only

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

How Fast Business Loans Helps You Secure the Right Funding

We make finding business finance faster and simpler by matching your company with lenders and brokers that specialise in your industry and funding needs.

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

A simple 4‑step process

  1. Complete a short enquiry form (under 2 minutes).
  2. We match your business to suitable lenders or brokers in our panel.
  3. A provider will contact you to discuss options and provide quotes.
  4. Compare offers, decide and complete any formal application with the lender.

Benefits of our matching service

  • Save time — one form connects you to multiple relevant providers.
  • Sector expertise — matches consider your industry and funding purpose.
  • No upfront fees for business owners to use our service.
  • Quick responses — many partners will contact you within hours.

Get Quote Now — we’ll match you to brokers/lenders who can help.

Types of Business Loans We Can Introduce You To

Through our network you can access a wide range of commercial finance products. Availability and terms depend on the lender’s assessment.

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

Unsecured Business Loans

Quick to arrange for eligible companies; typically used for working capital, expansion or short‑term projects. Typical amounts from £10,000 upwards.

Secured Business Loans

Lower interest for businesses able to offer security (property, assets). Used for larger projects or refinancing.

Short‑Term & Cashflow Loans

Bridging seasonal shortfalls or urgent working capital needs — fast turnaround products designed for short durations.

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

Asset & Equipment Finance

Finance to buy or lease machinery, vehicles or specialist equipment with structured repayment terms.

Invoice Finance

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices to improve liquidity and smooth operations.

Commercial Mortgages & Property Finance

Funding for premises purchase, refinance or development projects, including bridging facilities.

Specialist Loans

Sector or purpose-specific lending such as construction project finance, sustainability/energy upgrades and trade finance.

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

For a detailed overview of standard business loans see our guide to business loans. If you’re ready to compare options now, Free Eligibility Check.

Who We Work With

Our partners include brokers and lenders experienced across UK industries. We commonly help businesses in:

  • Construction & building services
  • Hospitality, restaurants and pubs
  • Manufacturing, engineering and logistics
  • Healthcare, care providers and clinics
  • Agriculture and food production
  • Retail and e‑commerce

Business stages supported

We assist established SMEs, scale‑ups, franchises and family businesses seeking £10,000 and up for growth, working capital, asset purchase or refinancing.

“Fast Business Loans matched us to a lender who understood seasonal hospitality cashflow. Offer received within 48 hours.” — Hospitality business (anonymised)

Eligibility & What Lenders Typically Look For

Each lender has its own criteria but many will consider the following:

  • Trading history and company structure — lenders often require established businesses, but some partners support younger companies.
  • Annual turnover and profitability — suitability depends on funding size and product.
  • Bank statements and management accounts — recent financial information is commonly requested.
  • Credit history — initial enquiries use soft checks; lenders may perform credit checks later if you proceed.
  • Security & collateral — optional depending on product and loan size.

Providing clear, accurate information in your enquiry speeds matching and gives partners the detail they need to give an indicative offer.

Check Eligibility in 2 Minutes

How Much Can You Borrow and What Will It Cost?

Typical funding amounts via our partners range from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on product and security offered. Cost depends on:

  • Loan amount and term
  • Whether the loan is secured or unsecured
  • Your business credit and financial profile
  • Type of lender (specialist broker, challenger lender or high‑street provider)

Example scenarios:

  • Lower risk (secured, established borrower): competitive rates, larger sums and longer terms.
  • Medium risk (short trading history, partial security): moderate rates, flexible terms.
  • Higher risk (poor credit, limited history): specialist lenders or brokers can offer solutions at higher rates or with restrictions.

All costs and interest rates are provided directly by lenders or their brokers after assessment. Always review full terms, APR and total cost before proceeding.

Responsible Borrowing & Compliance

We aim to make information clear, fair and not misleading. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we connect you with finance providers who will present their own terms. Key points:

  • We do not charge business owners to use our matching service.
  • Initial enquiries are designed to avoid hard credit searches; lenders may perform them later.
  • Read lender disclosures and seek independent professional advice if uncertain.
  • Your personal and company data is handled securely and only shared with relevant partners for matching.

Success Stories from UK Businesses

Construction contractor: smoothing cashflow

Challenge: seasonal material costs and delayed client payments. Matched to a lender offering invoice and short-term working capital. Outcome: consistent cashflow, awarded two new contracts.

Manufacturer: equipment upgrade

Challenge: outdated machinery limiting output. Matched to an asset finance broker who structured a multi-year lease. Outcome: increased capacity and revenue growth.

All case studies are anonymised for privacy. Want similar results? Speak to a specialist today.

How to Start Your Business Loan Enquiry

Starting is simple — here’s what we’ll ask and what to expect:

  1. Basic company details and contact information.
  2. Amount required and purpose of finance (equipment, cashflow, refinance, property).
  3. Recent turnover and trading history (estimated figures are fine to begin).
  4. Preferred contact time and channel.

Once you submit the enquiry, we match you and a provider typically contacts you within business hours. The enquiry is not an application — it helps us match you to the right lenders/brokers.

Get Started Free Eligibility Check

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fast Business Loans a broker or lender?

We are an introducer that connects businesses to lenders and brokers. Providers contacted via our matching process supply the finance directly.

Will completing the form affect my credit score?

No — initial enquiries use soft checks only. Lenders may perform a hard credit check if you proceed with an application.

How quickly can funding be released?

Timescales vary. Some providers can give indicative offers within 24–48 hours and release funds shortly after full approval and paperwork.

Do you support startups?

Yes — many of our partners provide products suitable for growing businesses. Funding availability depends on the provider and amount required.

Are there fees for using your service?

Our matching service is free for business owners. Any fees charged by a lender or broker will be disclosed by them during your discussions.

What if my application is declined?

Declines can happen. We may be able to match you to alternative providers better suited to your situation — that’s the value of using a panel.

Still have questions? Get Quote Now and our team will help match you to the right providers.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Fast Business Loans simplifies the search for business finance by matching your needs to lenders and brokers who can help. Whether you need £10,000 or several million, start with a quick enquiry and get matched fast.

Get Your Free Business Loan Match

By submitting an enquiry you are not applying for credit — you are providing information we use to match your business with suitable lenders or brokers. All finance decisions and final terms are made by the provider you choose to proceed with.


business loans

– Is Fast Business Loans a lender or a broker? — We’re an introducer that matches UK businesses with trusted lenders and brokers who provide the finance directly.

– Will completing the Free Eligibility Check affect my credit score? — No, initial enquiries use soft checks only, though a lender may run a hard search if you proceed with an application.

– How quickly can I get funding? — Many partners provide indicative offers within 24–48 hours and release funds shortly after full approval and paperwork.

– What loan amounts are available through your partners? — Typical funding starts from around £10,000 and can extend to multi‑million amounts, subject to assessment and security.

– What types of business finance can you match me with? — We introduce unsecured and secured business loans, short‑term/cashflow loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, and commercial mortgages/bridging.

– Is the enquiry form a loan application? — No, it’s simply information used to match your business with suitable lenders/brokers; any formal application is completed directly with the provider.

– Who is eligible to enquire? — UK limited companies and SMEs at various stages (including some younger firms) can enquire, with suitability based on trading history, turnover, credit profile and funding purpose.

– How are rates and costs decided? — Pricing depends on loan size and term, security offered, your financial profile, and the specific lender, with full APR and costs provided by the lender or broker after assessment.

– What information or documents might lenders request? — Expect basic company details, loan purpose and amount, recent bank statements and management accounts, and information on any available security.

– Can you help if I have poor credit or limited trading history? — Yes, specialist lenders in our panel may still offer solutions, though terms may be tighter or rates higher.

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