What is a cashflow loan and when does it help?

Cashflow loans are short- to medium-term business loans designed to cover timing gaps between income and outgoing costs. They help when invoices are late, seasonal sales dip, payroll is due, or a one-off purchase is needed to unlock growth. Depending on the lender and product, cashflow loans can be unsecured or secured, and may be repaid on a fixed schedule or via a revolving facility.

Quick comparison — common short-term working capital choices:

Here’s why timely cashflow funding matters: it keeps suppliers paid, staff on payroll, and projects moving — preventing growth delays or reputational damage.

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans for cashflow funding

Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We don’t provide loans or regulated financial advice — we match your business to brokers and lenders who do. Our service helps you save time, reduce search friction, and increase the odds of a suitable outcome by putting your enquiry in front of lenders that understand your sector.

• Free matching service — no cost to business owners.
• Sector-aware partner panel — finance specialists across construction, hospitality, manufacturing and more.
• Fast response — many matches respond within hours.
• Loans from £10,000 to multi-million pound facilities.

Sector-specific broker panel

Our partners include brokers with deep experience in industries where lenders need sector knowledge to underwrite fast and accurately.

No-obligation matching process

Submitting an enquiry does not commit you to borrow. It simply lets us match you with lenders or brokers who can provide quotes tailored to your needs.

Support whether you need £10k or £5m+

We work with partners who arrange deals for a wide range of loan sizes — specify your amount and we’ll match accordingly.

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How our cashflow loan matching process works

We keep the process simple and transparent. Here’s what happens after you hit the short enquiry form:

1. Quick enquiry: You complete a short form (under 2 minutes) setting out company details, funding amount (from £10,000), and intended use.
2. Smart match: We identify 1–3 suitable brokers/lenders from our panel and share your details with them to request indicative terms.
3. Rapid response: Expect a call or email — many brokers contact you the same day to discuss documents and next steps.
4. Choose an offer: Compare quotes, ask questions, and select the lender/broker that best meets your needs. All progression to full applications is handled directly between you and the lender/broker.

Typical timeline: enquiry to initial contact — often within hours; from application to drawdown — can be 24–72 hours for short-term facilities, depending on lender checks.

What you’ll need to hand:

• Company name and registration number
• Recent bank statements (3 months)
• Latest management accounts or turnover figures
• Amount required and purpose

“We needed short-term cover for a major supplier invoice and had funds in 48 hours after being matched.” — anonymised customer case

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Cashflow loan options available via our network

Unsecured cashflow loans

Quick to arrange for established businesses with consistent cashflow. Typical terms 6–36 months. Rates vary by lender and business profile.

Revolving credit & overdraft alternatives

Revolving facilities provide flexibility to draw, repay and re-draw as needed — helpful for ongoing seasonality.

Invoice finance & revenue-based lending

If cash is tied in unpaid invoices, invoice finance may be a better fit. Revenue-based lending can suit businesses with strong recurring sales.

Short-term vs medium-term solutions

• Short-term (under 6 months): bridge payroll, emergency stock.
• Medium-term (6–36 months): planned growth, larger seasonal purchases.

Note: Fast Business Loans does not set rates — lenders provide terms. We simply match you to the most relevant providers. For more on how invoice-based options differ from cashflow loans, see our dedicated cashflow loans information. cashflow loans

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Typical eligibility criteria & what lenders look for

Lenders assess affordability, trading history and business performance. While criteria vary, common requirements include:

• Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 12 months trading; some panel lenders consider newer businesses case-by-case.
• Turnover: thresholds vary by lender and product.
• Bank statements and management accounts.
• Credit profile: panels include lenders who consider adverse credit; outcomes depend on overall affordability.
• Security: some loans require director guarantees or fixed charges for larger amounts.

If you’ve been declined elsewhere, it’s still worth enquiring — different lenders assess risk differently and a matched broker may identify suitable options.

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Costs, rates and responsible borrowing

Rates and fees vary widely by lender, product and your business profile. Expect:

• Interest rates or factor rates depending on product (APR can be a helpful comparison but check product-specific charges).
• Arrangement or broker fees in some cases — these will be disclosed by the lender/broker before you proceed.
• Early repayment charges may apply with some facilities.

Understanding total repayable vs monthly cost

Always ask lenders for a clear illustration showing the total repayable amount and an annualised rate. For example: a £50,000 loan repaid monthly at X% interest and Y fees results in a specific total cost — compare offers on that basis.

Tips for managing cashflow health post-funding

• Use short-term finance for short-term needs only.
• Keep a cash buffer and update cashflow forecasts regularly.
• Compare at least two offers before committing.

We encourage responsible borrowing — if unsure, discuss the implications with your accountant or the broker provided by your match.

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Cashflow funding across UK sectors we support

Our panel routinely arranges cashflow funding for:

If you operate in a specialist niche, we’ll match you to brokers who understand sector-specific cashflow cycles.

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Alternatives to cashflow loans we can introduce

Cashflow loans suit many needs, but alternative solutions may be better depending on your situation:

• Asset finance — spread the cost of equipment across its useful life.
• Invoice finance — release cash tied up in unpaid invoices.
• Refinance or restructure — consolidate expensive credit to reduce monthly outgoings.
• Revenue-based lending — repay based on sales performance.

We introduce objective matches so you can compare suitable options and choose the right path.

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Cashflow Loan FAQs

What is a cashflow loan and how quickly can I access funds?

Cashflow loans provide working capital for short-term needs. Through our matching service many lenders review enquiries within hours; once a lender has your documents and approves, funds can be released in 24–72 hours depending on checks.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — the initial enquiry triggers only a soft search for matching purposes. Lenders or brokers will only run hard credit checks later with your consent.

What documents will lenders usually request?

Typically: recent bank statements (3 months), management accounts or turnover evidence, company registration details, and ID for directors. Exact requirements vary by lender and loan size.

Can I apply if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Yes. Our panel includes lenders who consider businesses with previous declines or adverse credit. Different lenders have different risk appetites — a new match may be able to help.

Are there fees for using Fast Business Loans?

No. Our introducer service is free to business owners. Any broker or lender fees will be disclosed directly by them before you commit.

How much can my business borrow for cashflow needs?

Loan amounts commonly start at £10,000 and can range up to several million depending on turnover, trading history and security.

Do you work with FCA-aligned partners?

We work with a wide panel of UK brokers and lenders. You will be informed by each provider about their regulatory status and terms when they contact you.

Can start-ups or seasonal businesses qualify?

Some lenders on our panel offer solutions for newer or seasonal businesses, particularly where revenue potential or assets support the application. Accurate financials and forecasts help assess suitability.

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Ready to steady your cashflow?

If you need working capital quickly, our free matching service connects you with suitable lenders and brokers fast. Complete the short enquiry and we’ll match you to partners likely to provide the best-fit options for your business — there’s no obligation to proceed.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Compliance note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or regulated financial adviser. All finance is subject to status, affordability checks and lender criteria. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score; any lender credit checks will be run only with your consent. Information on this page is general guidance and not financial advice. See our privacy policy for how we handle your data.