What is a cashflow loan?

A cashflow loan is short-term finance designed to plug gaps between income and expenditure. It helps cover payroll, supplier bills, seasonal stock purchases, rapid growth needs or unexpected costs. Terms vary: some facilities are repayable in weeks, others over months. Typical amounts available from our partners start at around £10,000 and can scale up depending on lender appetite and sector.

Cashflow finance can be unsecured or secured, fixed-term or revolving. The right product depends on your business model, trading history and the speed you need funds.

Free Eligibility Check

Why cashflow finance matters for growing SMEs

Maintaining healthy liquidity is vital. Without enough working capital, daily operations stall: suppliers delay deliveries, payroll becomes stressful and growth opportunities are missed. Short-term cashflow solutions help you smooth those peaks and troughs so the business can operate with confidence.

Common triggers for seeking cashflow finance:

• Late-paying customers or concentration of revenue.
• Seasonal demand spikes requiring extra stock.
• Urgent equipment repair or replacement.
• One-off orders that require upfront costs.

How Fast Business Loans helps

Fast Business Loans does not lend. We match UK limited companies and SMEs to lenders and brokers who specialise in business cashflow finance. Our service is free and non-binding. Here’s how the process works:

1. Quick enquiry: tell us about your business and funding need. This is not an application and it won’t leave a footprint on your credit file.
2. Matchmaking: we connect you with one or more partners best placed to help — those who understand your sector and requirements.
3. Rapid contact: lenders or brokers will typically call or email to clarify details and outline options.
4. Compare and decide: you review provider terms, then proceed directly with the lender or broker if you choose.

Our role is to make the introduction and help you access choices faster and with less hassle. Start your cashflow loan enquiry.

Cashflow loan options we can introduce

Through our panel you can be introduced to providers offering a wide range of working capital solutions, including:

• Short-term unsecured loans: quick access for immediate needs.
• Revolving credit facilities: draw down and repay regularly.
• Revenue-based finance / merchant cash advance: repayments tied to future card or sales receipts.
• Invoice finance & factoring: unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices.
• Bridging cashflow loans: temporary support while awaiting long-term funding.

For detailed comparisons of invoice-based options see our invoice finance information and for equipment-related alternatives see our asset finance guidance. Learn more about cashflow loans on our dedicated cashflow loans pillar page.

Eligibility & what lenders consider

Each lender sets its own criteria, but the common factors include:

• Company type and UK registration.
• Minimum trading history — often 6+ months (varies by lender).
• Turnover and bank statement evidence of trading.
• Director(s) credit information, where relevant.
• Purpose and affordability of the requested facility.

Typical documentation requested: recent bank statements, management accounts, ID for directors and details about invoices or contracts where relevant. Because lenders have different appetites, a single enquiry to Fast Business Loans can reveal options you might not find on your own.

Costs, repayments & risk factors

Costs vary: interest can be charged monthly or daily, and some facilities use fixed fees or factor rates (common in merchant cash advances). Broker fees — where charged by the lender or broker — will always be disclosed before you commit. Our matchmaking service is free to use.

Risks to consider:

• Repayment affordability — ensure cashflow supports repayments.
• Personal guarantees or security — some lenders may require them.
• Early repayment penalties or default charges.

Comparing cashflow loans with other working capital solutions

Quick guidance on when to use each option:

• Overdraft: flexible for small, ongoing needs but can be costly if used long-term.
• Invoice finance: best when cash is tied up in invoices and you need consistent liquidity.
• Asset finance: more suitable when funding fixed equipment purchase rather than general cashflow.
• Equity or longer-term loans: better for major expansions rather than short-term gaps.

Not sure which fits? Use our quick enquiry to be matched with specialists who will explain the pros and cons specific to your business. Get Quote Now

Industries & scenarios we support

Our partners have experience across many sectors: construction, hospitality, retail & e-commerce, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, professional services and more. We can introduce specialist brokers who understand sector seasonality, payment cycles and supplier arrangements.

Example 1 — Retailer (seasonal stock)

A UK retailer needed £40,000 of stock ahead of peak season. We matched them with a short-term revolving facility; funds released in 48 hours and repaid after the sales peak.

Example 2 — Construction contractor (delayed payments)

A contractor experienced late client payments and required bridging to pay subcontractors. We introduced invoice finance options to release cash against outstanding invoices, stabilising the supply chain and payroll.

See if your business qualifies

Success snapshot — typical timeline

Sample timeline (individual results vary):

• Day 1: Complete short enquiry (2 minutes).
• Day 1–2: Matching and broker/lender contact to discuss options.
• Day 2–5: Documents submitted, terms agreed.
• Day 3–7: Funds released (speed depends on product and provider).

This is a representative example — some facilities (e.g. simple unsecured loans) can fund within 24–72 hours; others (invoice finance, larger facilities) may take longer.

Frequently asked questions

Is submitting an enquiry the same as applying for a loan?

No. The enquiry form is used to match your business to suitable lenders and brokers. It does not constitute an application. Lenders will only run formal checks if you choose to proceed with an application.

Will completing the form affect my credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry does not impact your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only with your consent during a formal application.

What is the minimum loan size?

Many of our partners specialise in facilities from around £10,000 upwards. Exact minimums depend on the lender and product.

How quickly will I hear back?

Often within a few hours during business hours. Some brokers can respond within minutes for simple enquiries.

Does Fast Business Loans charge a fee?

Our service is free to businesses. Any fees charged by brokers or lenders will be disclosed before you commit to proceed.

Compliance & transparency

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer: we connect your business with lenders and brokers but do not lend funds or provide regulated financial advice. We aim to be fair, clear and not misleading in all communications. We will tell you if any third party partner may charge fees prior to you proceeding, and we encourage you to check affordability and seek independent advice where appropriate.

All enquiries are treated securely and shared only with chosen partners who are likely to be able to assist your business.

Ready to strengthen your cashflow?

Complete a short, no-obligation enquiry and we’ll match your business with the best lenders or brokers for your needs. This is quick, free and will not affect your credit score. Our partners typically handle funding from £10,000 upwards.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

If you prefer to talk, include your telephone number in the enquiry and a specialist partner will call you back to discuss options.