What are cashflow loans?

Cashflow loans (also called working capital finance) are short‑to‑medium term facilities designed to bridge gaps between income and outgoings so your business can continue to operate smoothly. They’re typically used to cover payroll, supplier bills, stock purchases or temporary drops in revenue.

Cashflow facilities can be unsecured or secured, and come in different forms — from fixed‑term unsecured loans to revolving credit lines and merchant cash advances. Unlike asset finance (for equipment) or mortgages (for property), cashflow loans focus on liquidity rather than buying a specific item.

When businesses typically seek cashflow loans:

• To cover seasonal revenue dips or peak trading preparation
• To bridge invoice payment cycles (e.g., large unpaid invoices)
• To manage payroll, supplier or VAT timing mismatches
• To take short‑term growth opportunities without tying up assets

Borrowing costs, eligibility and terms vary by lender. If unsure, consider independent financial advice before accepting an offer. Free Eligibility Check

How Fast Business Loans helps you secure cashflow funding

Simple four‑step enquiry journey

1. Submit a short enquiry form (takes about 1–2 minutes).
2. Human review and tailored matching to lenders/brokers on our panel.
3. A lender or broker will contact you by phone or email to discuss options.
4. Compare quotes and terms with no obligation — you decide whether to proceed.

Why use our introducer service?

• Save time: we shortlist providers who are most likely to fit your profile.
• Sector‑aware partners: many lenders specialise in specific industries.
• No fee to businesses for our referral service.
• Initial enquiries do not trigger a hard credit check.

We act as an introducer, not a lender — the finance provider makes the final decision and sets rates and terms. Get Started – Free Matching Service

When cashflow loans make sense

Covering seasonal dips & payroll

If sales fluctuate by season, a short cashflow facility can cover payroll and fixed costs until revenue returns. Example: a hospitality firm drawing down a short term loan ahead of summer refurbishments.

Managing supplier payments & stock purchases

Buy stock in bulk or meet a one‑off supplier invoice without disrupting day‑to‑day cashflow. This avoids losing volume discounts or delivery slots.

Bridging invoice gaps

Invoice finance or a short cashflow loan can bridge long customer payment terms, or cover the period while waiting for VAT refunds or grant payments.

Funding growth without asset security

When you need growth capital but don’t want to put business premises or equipment on the line, unsecured cashflow solutions can help — subject to eligibility and cost.

Cashflow loan options available via our panel

Specific APRs, fees and eligibility differ by provider — you’ll receive personalised illustrations from matched lenders. Learn more about different working capital products on our cashflow loans page: cashflow loans.

Eligibility snapshot (what lenders may look for)

• Minimum trading history: often 6–24 months depending on the lender.
• Minimum facility size: we typically place enquiries for loans of £10,000 and above.
• Turnover and profitability: lenders consider turnover bands and margins.
• Credit history: both business and director records are reviewed; past issues may still be considered by specialist lenders.
• Directors’ guarantees and security: may be required for some facilities.
• Documentation: recent bank statements, management accounts and ID details are commonly requested.

Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Individual lenders will explain any credit checks before they are performed if you progress with an offer.

Step‑by‑step: completing your enquiry

We’ve made the enquiry process fast and straightforward. Here’s what to expect:

1. Tell us about your business — company name, sector and approximate turnover band.
2. Confirm funding need — amount required, timeframe and purpose (be as honest and specific as possible).
3. Share contact details — phone and email so a matched partner can reach you promptly.
4. What happens next — our team reviews your details and introduces you to one or more lenders/brokers. You’ll usually hear back within hours during business days.

Privacy note: we only share your details with selected lenders and brokers who are likely to have suitable products for your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy for full details. Complete Your Free Cashflow Loan Enquiry

Real UK sectors we support

Our panel works with businesses across many industries. Examples of common cashflow needs:

• Construction: finance for materials, labour and project starts.
• Hospitality: bridging low season or funding refurbishments.
• Retail & e‑commerce: stock purchasing ahead of peak trading.
• Manufacturing: cover supply chain delays and raw material purchases.
• Professional & business services: manage payroll or delayed client payments.

If your sector isn’t listed, you can still enquire — we work with brokers experienced across numerous specialist markets. Get Quote Now

Cost considerations & responsible borrowing

Costs depend on facility type, term, security and credit profile. Typical cost factors include:

• Interest rate / APR (varies widely for short‑term facilities)
• Arrangement and facility fees
• Early repayment charges or exit fees
• Additional costs for unsecured vs secured facilities

Responsible borrowing tips: compare multiple offers, read terms and affordability assessments carefully, and consider independent financial advice if you’re unsure. Borrowing more than you can afford to repay can harm your business — weigh the costs against the operational benefit before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cashflow loan right for my business?

Cashflow loans suit businesses needing short‑term working capital to smooth operations or seize growth opportunities. Eligibility depends on trading history, turnover and lender criteria — complete our enquiry to see suitable options.

Will applying through Fast Business Loans affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry with us does not leave a credit footprint. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you choose to proceed with a specific offer, and they will tell you beforehand.

How quickly can funds be released if approved?

Timing varies by product and provider. Some cashflow facilities can complete within 24–48 hours once paperwork is provided, while others take longer depending on complexity and security requirements.

Do I have to provide security or a personal guarantee?

Many cashflow loans are unsecured, but directors’ guarantees and security are common for larger or longer facilities. Matched lenders will explain any requirements before you accept an offer.

What information will lenders request after I’m introduced?

Typical documents include recent bank statements, management accounts, ID for directors and proof of business address. Exact requirements vary by lender.

Can I still enquire if I was declined elsewhere?

Yes. Our panel includes a range of providers with different risk appetites — a previous decline does not necessarily prevent a match with another lender or broker.

Are there fees for using Fast Business Loans?

Our introducer service is free for business owners. If a connected lender or broker charges a fee, this will be disclosed before you agree to proceed.

How do you choose which lender or broker to introduce me to?

We match based on your business profile, sector, funding purpose and amount required. Our aim is to introduce you to providers most likely to offer suitable terms — the final decision sits with the lender/broker.

Your next steps

Fast Business Loans is designed to make finding working capital simple and quick. To move forward:

1. Click Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
2. Complete the short enquiry form (under 2 minutes).
3. Receive contact from matched lenders/brokers and compare quotes — no obligation to accept.

Get Quote Now

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and does not provide financial advice. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers and do not guarantee offers or terms. Approval, rates and terms are set by the finance provider. Your data will be shared only with relevant partners we believe can help; submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Consider independent advice if unsure about affordability. Late or missed repayments can negatively impact your business.