What is a cashflow loan?

A cashflow loan is short-term funding designed to bridge timing gaps between when costs fall due and when money comes in. Businesses commonly use cashflow finance to cover payroll, supplier invoices, VAT payments, seasonal stock purchases, or an unexpected shortfall.

Cashflow loans may be unsecured (based on company performance and credit profile) or secured against business assets. Other working-capital products — such as invoice finance or a revolving credit facility — can achieve similar aims. Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer: we don’t provide loans or regulated advice, but we will match your business with lenders and brokers who can discuss suitable options.

How cashflow loans work

At a high level, the steps are:

1. Submit a short enquiry describing your funding need.
2. We match you with lenders or brokers suited to your sector and circumstances.
3. Matched providers review the details and may request supporting documents.
4. If you choose to proceed, lenders carry out credit checks, agree terms and drawdown.

Typical features to expect (varies by provider):

• Loan amounts from around £10,000 upwards.
• Terms ranging from a few weeks to several years for working-capital loans.
• Repayment by fixed instalments, interest-only periods, or flexible redraws on revolving lines.
• Speed: some lenders can progress quickly once documents are supplied — others take longer depending on underwriting.

Free Eligibility Check — takes under two minutes and won’t affect your credit rating.

Is a cashflow loan right for your business?

Cashflow finance suits many limited companies and growing SMEs that need to smooth short-term gaps rather than raise long-term capital. Consider cashflow loans if your business:

• Has predictable revenue or invoices due soon but needs funds now.
• Needs to meet payroll, supplier obligations or VAT deadlines.
• Operates seasonally and requires short-term stock finance.

Alternatives may be better in some cases: invoice finance for unpaid invoices, asset finance to buy equipment, or a refinance to restructure costly existing debt. Our matching service will pair you with brokers and lenders who specialise in your sector so you can compare the best route.

Key benefits of cashflow loans

• Speed: many facilities are designed for quick decision-making.
• Flexibility: short or medium-term options to suit working-capital needs.
• Protect supplier relationships and payroll during temporary gaps.
• Support growth by smoothing cashflow while you fulfil larger contracts.

Cashflow challenges we commonly solve

Seasonal and retail businesses

Retailers and seasonal traders often need stock ahead of peak trading. Matched lenders can offer short-term lines or seasonal loans so you buy stock and sell through the season.

Construction & trades

Contractors might wait weeks for interim payments. Cashflow loans and tailored facilities (including invoice finance) help meet payroll and material costs between client payments.

Professional services waiting for invoices

Firms awaiting large client invoices can use short-term funding to cover operating costs. Some lenders offer invoice discounting or bridging facilities to smooth this gap.

Hospitality & leisure

Hospitality businesses face seasonal demand and spikes in costs. Short-term working capital can fund refurbishments, seasonal staff or stock without tying up long-term borrowing.

Why apply through Fast Business Loans?

We simplify finding a suitable finance partner by matching your needs to lenders and brokers who understand your sector. Benefits of using our service:

• Save time — one short enquiry connects you to multiple potential providers.
• Sector-aware matches — lenders who specialise in construction, retail, hospitality and more.
• No obligation — you decide whether to proceed after receiving quotes.
• No hard search at enquiry stage — lenders typically only run credit checks if you progress.

Compare Cashflow Loan Options — quick, free and no-obligation.

Our 4-step matching process

1. Enquiry: Complete a short form with basic business details and the amount you need.
2. Smart matching: We connect you to lenders and brokers suited to your sector and requirement.
3. Rapid response: Expect contact from matched providers to discuss your options.
4. Compare and choose: Review offers, ask questions and proceed directly with the lender you prefer.

Submitting an enquiry is not a loan application. We only share your details with selected partners who have the capacity to help. Government guidance on cashflow management may help you prepare before applying.

Cashflow loan options available through our panel

For a plain-English guide to one common option, see our pillar page on cashflow loans.

Cost considerations & responsible borrowing

Costs vary significantly by lender and product. Expect to see:

• Interest rates (fixed or variable) — these depend on lender risk assessment.
• Arrangement, origination or facility fees.
• Early repayment charges on some products.

Tips for assessing affordability:

• Prepare a short cashflow forecast showing how the loan will be repaid.
• Run a simple stress test: what if revenue dips by 10–20%?
• Compare total cost of borrowing across offers, not just headline rate.

Application requirements & eligibility checklist

Typical documents lenders may request include:

• Recent company accounts and management accounts.
• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months).
• VAT returns or evidence of invoices for invoice finance.
• Proof of trading history and details of the funding purpose.
• Director ID and personal guarantees may be requested depending on the lender and product.

Start-ups and newer companies may still be eligible with the right broker, but expectations and terms differ from established businesses. Our panel includes partners with a range of appetites for risk and sector specialisms.

Real-world outcomes (anonymous illustrations)

SME retail: bridging a VAT bill

Situation: Retailer faced a large VAT payment during a slow season. Solution: Invoice-friendly lender provided a short-term cashflow loan of £30,000. Time to funding: 4 business days after documentation. Outcome: Stock bought for the upcoming season and supplier relationships maintained.

Construction firm: meeting payroll after delayed payment

Situation: Contractor awaiting a stage payment from a client. Solution: Short-term unsecured facility of £50,000 arranged via a specialist broker. Time to funding: 3–5 business days. Outcome: Payroll met without pausing work on site; additional contract completed on schedule.

Frequently asked questions about cashflow loans

What loan amounts are typically available?

Our panel handles loans from around £10,000 upwards, with many partners able to place facilities from £10k to several million, depending on the product and the business’s circumstances.

How fast could funding be arranged?

Timelines vary. Some lenders can progress within 24–72 hours once they have full documentation; others require longer underwriting. The speed often depends on the product, the sector and the completeness of paperwork.

Do I need to provide security or personal guarantees?

Some facilities are unsecured; others require business assets as security or director guarantees. Requirements depend on the lender and the assessed risk profile.

Can businesses with historical credit issues apply?

Yes — because we work with a wide panel, there may be providers with appetite for businesses that have had past arrears. That said, terms will reflect perceived risk and may include higher costs or additional security requirements.

Will submitting an enquiry affect our credit score?

No. Completing the Fast Business Loans enquiry form is a soft initial step and does not leave a footprint on your business credit file. Lenders perform formal credit checks only if you decide to progress to an application.

What’s the difference between a cashflow loan and an overdraft?

An overdraft is a flexible short-term borrowing attached to your business bank account. Cashflow loans include term loans, invoice finance or merchant advances and can be structured differently. The right product depends on your funding purpose and repayment capability.

Ready to steady your cashflow?

If you need funding from £10,000 upwards, start with a quick, free and no-obligation eligibility check. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who may be able to help — typically you’ll hear from matched partners during business hours.

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