Cashflow Loans for UK Businesses: Compare Fast, Flexible Funding

Summary: Cashflow loans (working capital finance) help UK businesses cover short-term gaps — payroll, VAT, seasonal stock, or project delays. Fast Business Loans does not lend; we match companies (limited companies and SMEs seeking funding from around £10,000 upwards) with the most suitable lenders and brokers so you can compare options quickly. Start with a free, no-obligation eligibility check and receive tailored responses from lenders/brokers who understand your sector.

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What is a cashflow loan?

Cashflow loans (often called working capital loans or cash flow finance) are short- to medium-term facilities designed to plug timing gaps between money going out and money coming in. Unlike large asset-backed facilities, cashflow loans are typically based on your business’s trading performance, invoices, card receipts or projected income rather than property or heavy collateral.

They can be unsecured or secured, one-off or revolving, and are commonly used by SMEs across retail, hospitality, construction, manufacturing and professional services. Fast Business Loans does not provide funding directly — our role is to match your business with brokers and lenders likely to offer suitable terms for your needs.

When do UK businesses use cashflow loans?

Use cases where cashflow loans are commonly applied include:

• Covering payroll and immediate operating costs during a slow season.
• Bridging VAT or PAYE liabilities until incoming payments clear.
• Buying stock quickly to meet a surge in demand (seasonal or one-off contracts).
• Handling delayed client payments (short-term bridging until invoices are settled).
• Funding a short-term project or tender delivery where milestone payments lag costs.
• Consolidating or refinancing expensive short-term borrowings to improve monthly cashflow.

These solutions are particularly helpful where speed matters — many lenders can make offers within 24–72 hours once matched and provided with documents.

Cashflow loan options we can help you access

Through our panel of brokers and lenders we can introduce you to a range of products. Below are common options and when they’re typically used.

Unsecured term loans

Fixed-term loans with regular repayments. Best for predictable short-term needs and businesses with a clear repayment plan.

Revolving credit / business overdrafts

Flexible facilities you draw against when required. Ideal for seasonal swings and ongoing working capital management.

Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)

Advance against future card sales — repayments taken as a percentage of daily card turnover. Suited to card-heavy retail & hospitality businesses.

Invoice finance (factoring / discounting)

Access the value of unpaid invoices quickly. Good for businesses with long payment terms from their customers.

Bridging & short-term trade finance

Short-term loans to bridge immediate needs while longer-term funding or payment arrives.

Not sure which fits? Our matching process will shortlist options that suit your turnover, sector and timing.

For a deep dive into invoice-style cashflow products, see our guide to cash flow finance on our cashflow loans overview page: cashflow loans.

How Fast Business Loans matches you with the right lenders

Our process is designed to be fast, simple and non-committal:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes under 2 minutes) — this is an enquiry only, not a loan application.
2. We match your business to lenders/brokers in our network based on sector, loan size and credit profile.
3. Selected partners contact you with options and next steps — you can compare and decide without obligation.
4. If you accept an offer, the lender/broker moves to formal underwriting and completes the funding process.

Starting an enquiry will not affect your business credit score. We only introduce you to partners; lending decisions, checks and terms are set by the lender or broker who contacts you.

Eligibility snapshot: what lenders typically look for

Criteria vary by product and provider, but common items include:

• Minimum loan amounts usually start at around £10,000 for many cashflow products.
• Trading history — many lenders prefer at least 6–12 months trading, though some specialist funders cater to newer businesses.
• Turnover and sector — lenders assess whether the cashflow profile matches the facility type.
• Recent bank statements, management accounts, VAT returns or invoice data (for invoice finance).
• Credit history for the business and directors — some lenders have more flexible criteria.

If you’ve been declined elsewhere, a different lender or specialist broker in our panel may still be able to help — submit an enquiry to explore tailored options.

Benefits & considerations of cashflow lending

Benefits

• Speed — fast decisions and quick access to funds for many products.
• Flexibility — facilities designed specifically to smooth short-term gaps.
• No large collateral required for some options (unsecured or invoice-backed alternatives).
• Support from brokers who understand your sector and can negotiate terms.

Considerations

• Cost — short-term finance can carry higher rates/fees than longer-term loans. Always compare total cost (interest + fees).
• Repayment structure — ensure your cashflow model supports repayments, especially for MCAs where repayments vary with sales.
• Terms vary widely — check early repayment fees, arrangement fees and any ongoing charges.
• We are an introducer, not a lender or financial advisor — final terms and checks are conducted by the lender or broker.

Bottom line: cashflow finance can be transformational when used responsibly. Always consider affordability and, if unsure, discuss options with the broker or seek independent advice.

Cost factors & example scenarios

Costs depend on product, risk profile and lender. Typical ranges (indicative only):

• Secured/unsecured term loans: from c. 8% APR for low-risk businesses, higher for riskier profiles.
• Invoice finance: facility fees plus a discount rate on advanced amounts.
• Merchant Cash Advances: factor rates rather than APR; effective cost can be higher — read repayment examples carefully.

Illustrative example (non-promissory): A retailer with £200k annual turnover needs £30k to cover seasonal stock. A 9‑month unsecured loan at a blended cost equivalent to 12% APR — estimated monthly repayments would be around £3,400. This is just illustrative: exact terms depend on lender credit decisions and fees.

When comparing options, ask providers for a clear total cost breakdown (interest, arrangement fees, any renewals or early repayment charges).

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans

• Speed: quick matching to multiple lenders and brokers so you receive options fast.
• Sector experience: our panel includes specialists for construction, hospitality, manufacturing and more.
• Confidential & no obligation: submitting an enquiry is free and won’t commit you to anything.
• Security & privacy: we only share details with relevant partners who can help your request.

We only make money when you complete the enquiry form and are introduced; our goal is to deliver relevant, timely lender contacts so you can secure suitable funding.

How to get started in minutes

Getting matched is quick:

1. Click the enquiry link and complete the short form (Free Eligibility Check).
2. We select matching lenders/brokers and introduce your details.
3. Expect contact by email or phone to discuss terms and next steps.

Get Quote Now — it takes under 2 minutes to start the process.

FAQs about cashflow loans in the UK

Do cashflow loans require security?

Some do and some don’t. Many short-term cashflow products are unsecured, relying on trading performance and director guarantees rather than fixed assets. Larger facilities or those for higher amounts may require security — your lender or broker will advise during the application process.

How quickly can funds be released?

Once matched and approved, funds can be released from as little as 24–72 hours for some products. Speed depends on the lender, product type, and whether required documents are supplied promptly.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later in the application process if you proceed with an offer.

Can startups qualify?

Some specialist lenders and brokers work with businesses trading under 12 months, but options are more limited and terms may differ. Be clear about your trading history when you submit your enquiry so we can match you appropriately.

What information will I need to provide?

Typical documentation includes recent business bank statements, management accounts, VAT returns or customer invoices, and basic company information. Exact requirements vary by lender and product.

Are your lending partners regulated?

We work with a broad panel of UK lenders and brokers. Lenders and brokers will disclose their own regulatory status when they contact you. Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated advice.

Can I repay early?

Many facilities allow early repayment, but fees may apply. Always check the lender’s terms before accepting an offer.

What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

If you’ve had refusals, it may still be possible to secure funding through a specialist lender or broker in our network. Tell us about previous declines when you enquire so we can match you to appropriate partners.

Ready for a free cashflow loan eligibility check?

If you need working capital fast, get matched with lenders and brokers who understand your sector. Our service is free and there’s no obligation — completing the enquiry is an information-only step that helps us identify the best partners for your needs.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Important information and disclaimers

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. We connect UK limited companies and SMEs (loan amounts typically from £10,000 and above) with lenders and brokers who may contact you with quotes. Submitting an enquiry is not an application for credit and does not guarantee approval. Lenders and brokers set their own terms, checks and eligibility criteria. Always ensure any borrowing is affordable for your business and request a full breakdown of costs from any lender or broker you speak with.

Author: Fast Business Loans Content Team | Last updated: 01 November 2025

– What is a cashflow loan for UK businesses?
A cashflow loan is short- to medium-term working capital finance based on your trading performance (e.g., invoices or card receipts) to bridge timing gaps, including options like unsecured term loans, revolving credit, invoice finance and merchant cash advances.

– How fast can I get funding through Fast Business Loans?
Many lenders can release funds within 24–72 hours once you’re matched and have supplied the required documents.

– Do cashflow loans require security or a personal guarantee?
Many cashflow facilities are unsecured and rely on trading data with a director guarantee, though larger or higher-risk amounts may require security.

– Will the free eligibility check affect my credit score?
No—submitting an enquiry is information-only and won’t affect your credit score, with any formal credit checks done later by a lender if you proceed.

– What loan amounts are typically available?
Our partners usually consider cashflow funding from around £10,000 upward, with higher limits depending on the product, turnover and sector.

– What documents will lenders usually ask for?
Expect recent business bank statements, management accounts, VAT returns and/or invoices, plus basic company and director information.

– Can startups or newer businesses qualify?
Yes—some specialist lenders consider businesses trading under 12 months, although options and terms may be more limited.

– How much do cashflow loans cost?
Costs vary by product and risk (e.g., term loans from around 8% APR, invoice finance uses facility/discount fees, and MCAs use factor rates), so always compare total cost including fees.

– What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?
We can still introduce you to specialist lenders/brokers who may consider your sector, turnover and cashflow profile even after previous declines.

– Is Fast Business Loans a lender, and is your service free and without obligation?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK businesses with trusted lenders/brokers, and the eligibility check is free with no obligation to proceed.