Cashflow Loans: Fast Working Capital Solutions for UK Businesses

Summary: Cashflow loans provide short-term working capital to bridge gaps between payments, cover seasonal spikes, or fund urgent supplier and payroll costs. Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and established SMEs with lenders and brokers who specialise in working capital — quickly, securely and with no obligation. Complete a short enquiry (no impact on your credit score) and get matched to suitable finance partners who can offer options from around £10,000 upwards.

What is a cashflow loan?

In plain terms, a cashflow loan is short-term finance designed to cover everyday business costs when timing mismatches occur between outgoing payments and incoming receipts. These facilities preserve operations — paying staff, suppliers or urgent bills — until normal cashflow resumes.

Cashflow finance can take several shapes: unsecured term loans, revolving credit lines, invoice finance (factoring or discounting), merchant cash advances and short-term asset-backed facilities. Each product has a different cost, speed and security profile — which is why matching the right lender matters.

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend money or provide regulated advice. Your enquiry helps us match your business with the most suitable lenders or brokers.

When cashflow finance makes sense for UK SMEs

Cashflow finance is useful whenever a short-term squeeze threatens daily operations or growth. Below are common scenarios where it can help.

Trading spikes and seasonal demand

Retailers, hospitality and seasonal services often need upfront stock and staff costs before revenue peaks. A short-term facility covers those costs and is repaid from peak-season income.

Delayed customer payments

If large invoices take weeks or months to clear, invoice finance or a bridging loan can unlock working capital so you don’t stall supplier payments or payroll.

Rapid growth requiring upfront costs

Scaling fast often means paying suppliers or hiring ahead of invoices. Cashflow loans smooth the gap so growth isn’t strangled by liquidity problems.

Ready to see if cashflow funding is right for you? Get a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match your case to experienced lenders and brokers.

Eligibility snapshot: who can apply?

Each lender has its own criteria. The table below summarises common requirements so you can quickly check whether your business is likely to be considered.

Check Your Eligibility in Minutes – Get a Fast Quote

How Fast Business Loans matches you with cashflow lenders

Step-by-step

1. Quick enquiry: Submit a short form with business details and funding need (takes under 2 minutes). This is an enquiry, not an application — it does not affect your credit score.
2. Smart matching: We compare your case to our panel of lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and product type.
3. Introductions: Relevant partners contact you — typically by phone or email — often within hours to discuss options and next steps.
4. Compare and decide: Review offers, compare total cost and terms, and proceed only if you choose to.

We don’t provide regulated advice; our role is to make introductions so you can discuss bespoke terms with lenders or brokers who can help. Get Matched to Cashflow Lenders Now.

Finance products commonly used for cashflow support

Here are the most common products businesses use to manage short-term liquidity.

Unsecured term loans

Fixed amount and term, quick to arrange for smaller sums. Pros: predictable repayments. Cons: higher rates than secured options for some profiles.

Revolving credit facilities & overdraft alternatives

Access funds as needed up to an agreed limit. Good for variable cashflow needs; interest only on the amount drawn.

Invoice finance (factoring & discounting)

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Particularly useful when customer payment terms are long.

Merchant cash advances

Repayment via a percentage of card takings—fast access but often higher effective costs.

Short-term asset-based lending

Use stock or receivables as collateral to secure larger short-term facilities.

For a deeper guide to cashflow funding choices, learn more about cashflow loans at our dedicated resource: cashflow loans.

Benefits of using Fast Business Loans for cashflow lending

• Speed: Enquiry to introduction often within hours.
• Time-saving: One short form instead of contacting many lenders.
• Sector expertise: Matches to partners who understand your industry.
• Free and no obligation: Our matching service costs you nothing.
• Improved chances: Targeted matches increase the likelihood of receiving relevant offers.

Free Eligibility Check – See Your Cashflow Options

Costs, terms and considerations

Costs vary significantly by product, lender and credit profile. Typical considerations include:

• Interest rates (may be fixed or variable) — ranges depend on product and risk.
• Arrangement fees and set-up costs.
• Broker fees if you choose to work with a broker — these should be disclosed up front.
• Early repayment charges and default interest.

Always check final terms with the lender/broker and ensure repayments are affordable given your forecasts.

How to strengthen your cashflow loan application

Presenting clear, up-to-date information speeds up decisions and improves outcomes. Use this checklist:

• Latest management accounts (ideally 6–12 months).
• Bank statements for the last 3–6 months.
• Cashflow forecast showing how funds will be used and repaid.
• Evidenced invoices, purchase orders or contracts where relevant.
• Explanation of any adverse credit or historic issues.

When ready, start your enquiry and one of our partners will be in touch.

Sector spotlights: cashflow support across UK industries

We match businesses across many sectors. A few typical use cases:

• Construction: Bridge payments between stages, fund materials and labour.
• Hospitality & retail: Seasonal stock and fit-out costs.
• Manufacturing & logistics: Fund supply chain lead times and fleet costs.
• Professional services: Cover fees and payroll while invoices clear.

Our matching takes industry nuances into account so you’re introduced to partners who understand your trading cycle.

Responsible finance & compliance commitment

We aim to be clear, fair and helpful. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender or financial adviser. We help you find lenders and brokers and make introductions so you can discuss suitability and affordability directly with them. We also take data security seriously and share your enquiry only with relevant finance partners.

If you’re unsure about a product’s long-term impact, consider independent financial advice before proceeding.

Success snapshot: realistic outcomes

“Within 24 hours we were speaking to a broker who understood our seasonal cashflow and arranged a short-term facility that covered our peak stock purchases.” — anonymised client vignette

Timelines vary, but many businesses receive introductions within hours and funding within 24–72 hours where documentation and approvals are straightforward. Outcomes depend on eligibility and lender criteria.

Getting started: quick checklist

• Decide the amount you need and purpose (minimums typically around £10,000).
• Gather last 3–6 months bank statements and recent accounts.
• Prepare a short cashflow forecast showing how funds will be repaid.
• Complete the short enquiry so we can match you to lenders/brokers.

Get Quote Now — free, secure and no obligation. Responses typically within hours.

Cashflow loan FAQs

What information do I need to provide in the enquiry form?

Basic business details, company registration, turnover band, how much you need and what it’s for, plus contact details. It’s a short enquiry — not a full application.

How quickly can I receive funds?

Introductions are often within hours; funding depends on lender processes and documentation. Many short-term facilities can be arranged within 24–72 hours when paperwork is complete.

Will applying affect my credit score?

No. Completing our enquiry form does not impact your credit file. Lenders or brokers may run credit checks only after discussing options with you and with your consent.

What loan amounts are available?

Our partners consider facilities from around £10,000 upwards. Larger amounts are available depending on product and lender capacity.

Are cashflow loans secured or unsecured?

Both. Some products are typically unsecured (e.g., smaller term loans), while larger facilities may require security or director guarantees depending on risk and loan size.

Does Fast Business Loans charge a fee?

No. Using Fast Business Loans to be matched is free for business owners. Any broker or lender fees will be clearly explained by them before you proceed.

If you still have questions, submit an enquiry and request a call-back: Start your enquiry.

Fast Business Loans: Your partner for cashflow confidence

We make finding working capital simpler. Tell us your need in a short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can help — quickly and without obligation.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. Finance is subject to status and affordability. Terms, rates and availability vary by provider. Independent financial advice is recommended if you are unsure.

1) What is a cashflow loan?
A cashflow loan is short-term business finance that provides working capital to cover payroll, suppliers, and urgent bills when there’s a timing gap between outgoings and customer payments.

2) How quickly can I get funded?
After you submit a quick enquiry, we typically introduce you to lenders within hours, and many facilities fund in 24–72 hours once documents are approved.

3) Does the Fast Business Loans enquiry affect my credit score?
No—it’s an enquiry, not a full application, and any credit checks are only done later by lenders/brokers with your consent.

4) What loan amounts are available?
Our partners consider cashflow facilities from around £10,000 upwards, with larger limits depending on product and eligibility.

5) Who is eligible for cashflow finance?
UK limited companies and established SMEs are commonly considered—often with 12–24 months’ trading and around £100k+ turnover—though some lenders accept newer businesses via invoice or merchant finance and can consider adverse credit.

6) Are cashflow loans secured or unsecured?
Many options are unsecured for smaller sums, while larger facilities may require security or director guarantees.

7) What types of finance can help with cash flow?
Common options include unsecured term loans, revolving credit facilities, invoice finance (factoring/discounting), merchant cash advances, and short-term asset-based lending.

8) What documents do I need to speed up a decision?
Recent management accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, a cashflow forecast, and relevant invoices, purchase orders, or contracts help lenders assess and approve quickly.

9) What are the typical costs and fees?
Costs vary by lender and risk but can include interest, arrangement and broker fees, and potential early repayment or default charges—so compare the total cost, not just the rate.

10) Is Fast Business Loans a lender, and do you charge a fee?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK businesses to lenders and brokers, and our service is free with no obligation to proceed.