Cashflow Loans for UK Businesses — Match with Trusted Lenders Fast
Summary: Cashflow loans provide short-term working capital to cover gaps such as late invoices, VAT bills, payroll or seasonal dips. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend money — we match UK limited companies and SMEs (loans from £10,000+) to the most suitable lenders and brokers quickly and without obligation. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to get matched and receive tailored quotes from providers who can help fast.
Why choose cashflow finance via Fast Business Loans:
- Fast matching to lenders and brokers experienced in your sector.
- No obligation — enquiries don’t affect your credit score (soft checks only).
- Support for loans from £10,000 upwards and a wide range of short-term facilities.
Submitting an enquiry is not an application. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we use your details to match you with lenders/brokers who may contact you about suitable cashflow solutions.
What are cashflow loans and when do UK businesses use them?
Cashflow loans are short-term finance products designed to smooth temporary working capital gaps. They can be unsecured or secured, and are commonly used for:
- Bridging late customer payments or large outstanding invoices
- Covering VAT, PAYE or supplier bills
- Managing seasonal revenue dips (e.g., hospitality off-season)
- Seizing time-sensitive growth opportunities without disrupting operations
Typical terms vary from a few weeks up to 24 months depending on the product and lender. Cashflow finance is not usually suitable for long-term capital projects — it’s intended to stabilise day-to-day liquidity.
Key takeaway: cashflow loans are for short-term working capital relief, and Fast Business Loans connects you with lenders or brokers who specialise in these solutions.
Why businesses choose Fast Business Loans for cashflow finance
Quick, intelligent matching
We ask a few targeted questions about your business and funding need, then use our panel knowledge to match you to lenders and brokers who are most likely to provide a relevant offer.
Verified lenders and sector specialists
Our partners include brokers and direct lenders with experience across construction, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, logistics and more — so you get conversations with providers who understand your industry challenges.
No obligation, simple process
Submitting an enquiry is free, it won’t affect your credit score, and there’s no obligation to proceed. We introduce you — lenders and brokers contact you directly with quotes based on your needs.
How our cashflow loan matching process works
- Share your funding goal — complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes). This is not an application — it helps us match you. Get Started.
- Intelligent match — we connect your details to lenders and brokers in our panel who specialise in your sector and loan size.
- Discuss tailored offers — matched providers will contact you to discuss terms, timing and documents required.
- Compare and decide — review offers, select the best fit, and progress directly with the lender or broker. Many lenders can move quickly once paperwork is in place.
Need funding quickly? Some providers can deliver funds within 24–72 hours after approval and receipt of documentation, depending on the product and security required.
Types of cashflow finance we can help you access
| Product | Best for | Typical amount / term | Security? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured short-term business loans | Companies with good credit and short-term needs | £10k–£250k, 3–24 months | Usually no |
| Revolving credit facilities | Flexible access to working capital | From £25k, ongoing facility | Can be secured |
| Invoice finance (factoring / discounting) | Businesses with unpaid invoices | From £50k, ongoing | Against invoices |
| Merchant cash advances | Card-based retailers and hospitality | £10k upwards, repaid via sales | No fixed security (repayment via card takings) |
| Short-term secured loans | Higher amounts or lower rates | £50k+, terms vary | Property or assets |
For a dedicated overview of cashflow-specific lending options, see our detailed cashflow loans information page on cashflow loans.
Benefits of cashflow loans through Fast Business Loans
Fast funding to stabilise working capital
Matched lenders often prioritise quick turnaround for genuine short-term needs — helping you avoid supplier disruption or payroll shortfalls.
Tailored terms from specialists
Our partners understand industry seasonality and can propose repayment schedules tied to your cash inflows.
Preserve relationships and operations
Accessing cash quickly helps preserve supplier relationships, pay staff on time and maintain operational momentum.
Cashflow loan eligibility — what lenders typically look for
Requirements vary by product and lender, but common factors include:
- Trading history (usually at least 12 months, though some lenders support newer businesses)
- Annual turnover and cash generation
- Credit history and existing debt levels
- Sector risk profile and customer concentrations
- Security preferences (if any) and director status
Declined elsewhere? Because we work with a broad panel, a single refusal doesn’t mean you have no options. Complete a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll try to match you to suitable alternatives.
Understanding costs, risks and responsible borrowing
Costs vary widely: headline interest rates, arrangement fees, invoice finance fees or factor charges, and early repayment penalties can apply. Important considerations:
- Compare APRs and total cost of borrowing, including fees.
- Understand repayment profiles — daily, weekly, monthly or via sales share (for merchant cash advances).
- Secured lending and director guarantees increase risk if repayments are missed.
- Read all lender documentation and ask your broker to explain fees and exit terms clearly.
We encourage responsible borrowing — only take finance that you can reasonably service and that suits the purpose (short-term working capital vs long-term investment).
Real-world outcomes for UK businesses
Construction firm — urgent VAT bill
Challenge: A regional contractor faced a large VAT bill while waiting on retentions. Solution: Matched to a short-term secured loan provider. Outcome: £120k funded within 72 hours; VAT paid and project continuity maintained.
Hospitality group — seasonal stock and payroll
Challenge: Seasonal purchasing created a cash squeeze. Solution: Revolving facility via a specialist broker. Outcome: Flexible access reduced pressure during peak months and improved supplier terms.
Cashflow Loan FAQs
How fast can cashflow loans be approved and funded?
Many lenders can issue decisions within 24–48 hours once required documents are supplied, though timing depends on your profile, loan type and the lender. Some merchant cash advances or invoice finance can provide funds faster than secured loans.
Do I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?
It depends. Some short-term unsecured loans and merchant cash advances don’t require fixed security, but larger or lower-cost loans commonly require business assets or director guarantees. Always confirm with the provider.
Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — our enquiry triggers only soft eligibility checks. Lenders may carry out hard credit searches later if you choose to proceed with an offer.
What minimum loan size do you support?
We typically help businesses seeking from £10,000 upwards. If you require a smaller amount, please check with individual lenders, but our primary focus is £10k+ facilities.
Can I apply if I’ve been declined before?
Yes — because we work with a wide range of partners, different underwriting criteria often mean another lender or broker may be able to help.
What happens if I repay early?
Early repayment terms vary. Some lenders charge an early repayment fee; others do not. Make sure you understand exit costs before agreeing.
Your next steps to securing cashflow finance
- Gather key business details — turnover, trading history, the funding amount and purpose, and basic financials.
- Complete our Free Eligibility Check — it takes under 2 minutes and is not an application: Get Started.
- Compare matched offers — speak with lenders/brokers, review terms, and choose the solution that best fits your cashflow needs.
Ready to steady your cashflow? Get matched quickly and compare quotes — submit a Free Eligibility Check and one of our partner lenders or brokers will be in touch.
– What is a cashflow loan and when should my UK business use one?
A cashflow loan is short-term finance to smooth working capital gaps (like late invoices, VAT or payroll) over a few weeks to around 24 months.
– How fast can cashflow loans be approved and funded?
Many lenders give decisions in 24–48 hours and can fund within 24–72 hours after approval and documents, depending on product and security.
– Will the Free Eligibility Check affect my credit score?
No — it’s a soft check only, with hard searches potentially done later if you proceed with a lender.
– What loan amounts and terms are available via Fast Business Loans?
We typically match UK businesses seeking £10,000+ with short-term loans of 3–24 months or ongoing facilities like invoice finance and revolving credit.
– Do I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?
It depends on the product and size — unsecured options exist, but larger or lower-rate facilities may require assets or director guarantees.
– What types of cashflow finance can you match me with?
We connect you to lenders for unsecured short-term loans, revolving credit facilities, invoice finance, merchant cash advances, and short-term secured loans.
– What will a cashflow loan cost and how are repayments structured?
Costs vary by lender and product (interest and fees), with repayments that can be daily, weekly, monthly, or via a share of card takings for merchant cash advances.
– What documents will lenders usually ask for?
Expect recent business bank statements, basic financials or management accounts, ID/director details, and invoice schedules if using invoice finance.
– Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere or have limited trading history?
Yes — our broad panel includes specialists with different criteria who may consider newer businesses or previous declines.
– Are you a lender and does it cost anything to use your service?
No — Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and our matching service is free and without obligation.
