What is a cashflow loan and when is it used?

Cashflow loans provide short-term working capital so a business can meet day-to-day costs while awaiting income. They are typically used to bridge gaps caused by:

• Delayed customer payments or long invoice terms
• Seasonal dips in trading
• Staff or supplier payroll commitments
• One-off stock purchases or project cashflow needs
• Short-term gaps while waiting for larger funding or refinance

Cashflow facilities vary from unsecured working capital loans to revolving lines of credit and merchant cash advances. Fast Business Loans does not lend directly — we connect your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in the right product for your situation.

Why partner with Fast Business Loans for cashflow finance?

Searching multiple lenders takes time. We cut through the noise and introduce you to providers likely to consider your application favourably. Key benefits:

• Tailored matches, not generic lists: We match based on sector, turnover and borrowing purpose so you speak to relevant specialists.
• Save time: A short enquiry (under two minutes) replaces dozens of cold approaches.
• No obligation: You’re under no pressure to accept any offer after being introduced.
• Fast responses: Many partners respond within hours; some lenders can issue decisions in 24–72 hours once full docs are provided.
• Confidential and secure: We share your details only with partners who can genuinely help your request.

Free Eligibility Check – Get Quote Now

How our cashflow loan matching process works

1. Quick enquiry: You complete a short form with basic business details and the amount required.
2. Smart matching: Our team selects the lenders and brokers best suited to your profile.
3. Rapid contact: A chosen partner will contact you to discuss options and request supporting documents if needed.
4. Compare and decide: Review proposals and accept the option that meets your needs. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Note: your initial enquiry does not trigger a formal credit search. Lenders may carry out credit checks only if you decide to proceed with an application.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Cashflow funding options we can introduce you to

Our panel includes lenders and brokers offering a range of working capital solutions. Examples include:

• Unsecured working capital loans — quick, flexible short-term loans (typical from £10,000 upwards) with fixed repayments.
• Revolving credit facilities / overdrafts — access funds as needed up to an agreed limit.
• Invoice finance — unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices (factoring or invoice discounting).
• Merchant cash advances — advance against future card sales; repayment varies with turnover.
• Short-term bridging and refinance — temporary cover while arranging longer-term funding.

Each option has different costs, eligibility and speed. If you’re unsure which suits you, complete a short enquiry and we’ll connect you with a broker who can explain the trade-offs.

For more background on working capital products, see our specialist cashflow loans resource: cashflow loans.

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders consider

Criteria vary by lender, but common factors include:

• Trading history: Many lenders prefer businesses trading for 6+ months, though some specialist partners will consider newer SMEs.
• Turnover and sector: Lenders assess turnover, margins and sector risk.
• Bank statements & accounts: Recent business bank statements and management accounts are often required.
• Credit profile: Credit history matters, but some lenders specialise in applicants with past difficulties.
• Security and guarantees: Smaller facilities often unsecured; larger amounts may require security or personal guarantees.

If you’d like a quick indication, try our short form for a Free Eligibility Check. It helps us match you to the right partners without affecting your credit file.

Costs, terms and responsible borrowing

Costs depend on the product and the lender. Interest may be fixed, variable or charged as a factor fee (in invoice finance). Merchant cash advances often use a single factor fee rather than an APR. Before accepting any offer you should:

• Compare total cost of credit and repayment profiles.
• Check whether penalties apply for early repayment.
• Ensure repayments are affordable for your business cashflow.

Fast Business Loans does not provide financial advice. We introduce you to lenders and brokers who can provide product details and representative examples. Always read the lender’s terms and consider independent advice where appropriate.

UK sectors we commonly support with cashflow finance

Our partners have experience across many industries, including:

• Construction & trades
• Hospitality, restaurants and catering
• Retail and e-commerce
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Healthcare and care providers
• Transport, logistics and fleet
• Agriculture and food production

If your sector has seasonal peaks or long payment terms, mention this in your enquiry so we can prioritise lenders who specialise in your market.

Real-world snapshot: cashflow loan success story

An anonymised example: a regional manufacturer faced a seasonal working capital gap ahead of a large order. After completing a short enquiry, Fast Business Loans introduced the business to a specialist broker who secured an unsecured working capital facility of £75,000. Funds were agreed and released within three working days, allowing the firm to buy materials and meet payroll. The business fulfilled the order and repaid the facility on schedule.

Stories like this show how the right match can make a real difference—fast.

Cashflow loan FAQs

Is a cashflow loan right for my business?

Cashflow loans suit companies needing short-term working capital to cover predictable gaps. If you need longer-term investment (e.g. major capex or property purchase), other products may be better—our partners can advise.

How quickly can funds be released?

Timescales vary. Some lenders can release funds within 24–72 hours of approval; others take longer depending on checks and documentation. During matching, ask partners for expected timelines.

Will my enquiry affect our credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your business credit file. Lenders may carry out credit checks later if you choose to proceed.

Do lenders require security or personal guarantees?

It depends. Smaller working capital loans are often unsecured; larger facilities may require security or guarantees. Your matched broker or lender will explain what’s required.

What loan amounts can I apply for?

Our network commonly supports loans from £10,000 up to multi‑million pound facilities, depending on lender appetite, sector and security.

What happens after I submit my enquiry?

We securely share your details with selected lenders/brokers. A partner will contact you to discuss options, request documents if needed, and outline next steps. You remain under no obligation to proceed.

Ready to secure cashflow support?

Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match your business to lenders and brokers who can help. It’s free, quick and carries no obligation — simply the fastest way to find appropriate cashflow finance.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Compliance, transparency and data protection

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer: we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Our communications are designed to be clear, fair and not misleading. We handle your data securely and only share it with partners relevant to your enquiry; you can opt-out at any time. Before accepting any offer, read the lender’s full terms and confirm affordability.

For full details see our Privacy Policy and Terms.