Cashflow Loans for UK Businesses: Compare Lenders & Check Eligibility Fast
Summary: If your company needs short-term working capital to bridge gaps in trading, cover payroll, or prepare for seasonal peaks, a cashflow loan can provide fast, flexible funding from £10,000 upwards. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we match your limited company with finance brokers and lenders who specialise in cashflow solutions so you can compare options quickly and with no obligation. Complete a Free Eligibility Check now to get matched in minutes: Free Eligibility Check.
How Fast Business Loans Helps You Secure Cashflow Finance
Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not provide loans. Our role is to connect your limited company with lenders and brokers who specialise in working capital and cashflow solutions. Our service is free and no obligation: submit a short enquiry and we’ll match you to partners who understand your sector.
Our simple 4-step process
- Complete a quick enquiry form (under 2 minutes).
- We match your profile with suitable lenders and brokers.
- Selected partners contact you with options and indicative terms.
- You compare offers and proceed when you choose — no pressure.
What Is a Cashflow Loan?
Cashflow loans (also called working capital loans) are short-term business loans designed to help companies manage day-to-day costs — for example payroll, supplier invoices, tax bills or seasonal stock purchases. They are typically arranged for relatively short terms (weeks to a few years) and intended to preserve operations rather than finance long-term investments.
How they compare with other products:
- Invoice finance unlocks cash tied up in unpaid invoices (we can introduce invoice finance specialists).
- Overdrafts provide revolving access to funds via your bank — usually linked to your account and subject to facilities limits.
- Asset finance funds equipment purchases, secured against the assets being financed.
Typical features at a glance
| Feature | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Loan size | From £10,000 upwards |
| Term | Short-term to 3 years (varies by product) |
| Security | Unsecured or secured (depends on lender & amount) |
| Decision speed | Hours to a few days after docs |
When Cashflow Loans Make Sense for UK SMEs
Cashflow loans are practical when you need working capital quickly and want to avoid selling equity or waiting on long bank processes. Common use cases include:
Bridging seasonal trading gaps
Retailers and hospitality businesses often need short-term finance to stock up ahead of busy periods.
Managing payroll & supplier costs
A timely loan can avoid late payments that harm supplier relationships or staff morale.
Funding growth without dilution
Use working capital to fulfil orders or expand sales capacity without issuing shares.
See If Your Business Qualifies →
Eligibility & Requirements: What Lenders Look For
Business profile basics
Lenders typically assess: limited company status, trading history (often minimum 6–12 months), turnover, cashflow stability, and the directors’ credit profile. Larger loans usually require longer trading history and more detailed financials.
Financial documentation checklist
- Recent management accounts (or business bank statements)
- Profit & loss and balance sheet (if available)
- Details of outstanding liabilities and monthly commitments
- Proof of ID and company documents for directors
If you’ve been refused elsewhere
Different lenders have different appetites. We work with specialist brokers who can approach alternative markets — completing our enquiry does not affect your credit score (initial matches use soft searches).
Types of Cashflow Finance We Can Introduce
Through our network you can be connected to providers offering a range of products. Below are common types and their typical uses.
- Unsecured term loans — fixed-term, lump-sum loans. Good for one-off cashflow shortfalls. Pros: no asset security in many cases. Cons: higher rates for unsecured lending.
- Revolving credit facilities — access a set limit to draw and repay. Good for ongoing cashflow swings.
- Merchant cash advances — repay from future card sales. Fast funding but can be costly if sales drop.
- Invoice finance — unlock cash from unpaid invoices. (See our invoice finance solutions.)
- VAT / tax funding — short-term loans to meet HMRC liabilities or deferred VAT payments.
For more detail on the mechanics and whether a cashflow loan suits your needs, read our detailed guide to cashflow loans: cashflow loans.
Cost Considerations & Responsible Borrowing
Costs include interest, arrangement fees, and potential early repayment charges. Lenders quote APR or flat rates — compare total cost over the loan term, not just headline rates. Faster funding often carries higher fees; balance speed against cost.
Before borrowing, consider:
- How the monthly repayments fit into projected cashflow
- Whether security or personal guarantees are required
- Exit plans: early repayment options or refinancing
Always review terms carefully and consider independent advice if unsure. If you want personalised illustrations, you can request them when you submit a Free Eligibility Check: Request Personalised Rate Illustrations →
The Fast Business Loans Matching Process (Step-by-Step)
Our matching process is designed to be quick and confidential:
- Complete the short enquiry with basic business details and funding need.
- We match your enquiry to a panel of lenders/brokers who specialise in your sector.
- Partners contact you with indicative options and next steps.
- You compare offers and proceed directly with the provider you choose.
Your initial enquiry uses soft checks and will not affect your business credit. Typical response times: often within a few business hours, sometimes minutes during busy hours.
Industries & Scenarios We Support
We connect businesses across many UK sectors including construction, hospitality, retail and manufacturing. Typical scenarios:
- Construction firm bridging supplier payments for a large contract.
- E‑commerce retailer buying stock ahead of peak season.
- Hospitality business funding refurbishment between trading seasons.
Case Snapshots: Cashflow Solutions in Action
Case 1 — Manufacturing supplier
Turnover: ~£1.2m. Challenge: delayed receivables disrupted production. Solution introduced: invoice finance facility. Outcome: immediate working capital unlocked, supplier relationships maintained, production continued as scheduled.
Case 2 — Hospitality group
Turnover: ~£750k. Challenge: seasonality created pre-peak stock shortfall. Solution introduced: short-term unsecured cashflow loan. Outcome: stock purchased, peak trading met, loan repaid from increased takings.
Results vary. Finance is subject to status and lender terms.
Step-by-Step: Getting Started Today
- Complete the short eligibility check — it takes under 2 minutes.
- We match you with lenders and brokers who understand your sector.
- Discuss options with partners and obtain personalised quotes.
- Choose an offer and proceed directly with the lender/broker.
FAQs About Cashflow Loans & Fast Business Loans
Are cashflow loans secured or unsecured?
Many cashflow loans can be unsecured for smaller sums, but larger facilities may require security or director guarantees. Brokers will explain security requirements before you commit.
How fast can funds be released?
Funding speed varies by lender. Some providers can release funds within 24–72 hours once documents are approved; others take longer. Our matched partners give accurate timelines for your case.
Will an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you choose to proceed with an application.
What loan sizes are available?
Our partners typically support funding from £10,000 upwards. Available amounts depend on turnover, trading history and affordability assessments.
Can I repay early?
Many lenders allow early repayment but may charge an early repayment fee. Check terms carefully and ask your broker to clarify any penalties.
How does Fast Business Loans earn money?
Fast Business Loans is free for businesses. We receive a commission from brokers or lenders when an arranged loan completes; there’s no charge to you to use our introduction service.
1) What is a cashflow loan and how does it work?
A cashflow loan is short-term business finance that provides working capital for day-to-day costs like payroll, suppliers, VAT or stock, typically arranged quickly to keep operations running.
2) How fast can I get a cashflow loan in the UK?
Many lenders can release funds within 24–72 hours once documents are approved, with initial matches arriving in hours or even minutes.
3) How much can I borrow and for how long?
Funding typically starts from £10,000 with terms from a few weeks up to around 3 years, subject to turnover, trading history and affordability.
4) Are cashflow loans secured or unsecured?
Smaller loans are often unsecured, while larger facilities may require security or a director’s personal guarantee depending on the lender.
5) What can I use a cashflow loan for?
Common uses include bridging seasonal gaps, buying stock, paying suppliers or payroll, and covering HMRC liabilities such as VAT or tax.
6) What are the costs or interest rates for cashflow loans?
Costs vary by product and lender, so compare the total cost (APR or flat rate plus any arrangement and early repayment fees) over the full term.
7) Am I eligible if my business is new or I’ve been declined elsewhere?
Many partners consider UK limited companies from around 6–12+ months’ trading, and we can match you to alternative lenders even after a decline.
8) What documents do lenders usually require?
Expect recent business bank statements or management accounts, P&L and balance sheet if available, details of liabilities, and director ID.
9) Will your enquiry affect my credit score or commit me to a loan?
No—our Free Eligibility Check is an enquiry (not a loan application), uses soft searches that don’t affect your credit score, and carries no obligation.
10) How does Fast Business Loans work and does it cost me anything?
We’re an introducer that matches your business with suitable UK lenders and brokers for free so you can compare options, and we’re paid a commission only if a loan completes.
