What is a Cashflow Loan?

A cashflow loan is short- to medium-term working capital designed to cover timing gaps between income and expenses. Unlike long-term growth loans, cashflow finance focuses on keeping day-to-day operations running: paying staff, meeting supplier invoices, topping up stock or managing seasonal demand.

Cashflow loans come in secured and unsecured forms. Secured options use business assets (or property) as security and usually support larger amounts or lower rates. Unsecured options are quicker but may carry higher costs or require director guarantees.

How Cashflow Loans differ from Overdrafts and Invoice Finance

• Speed: Many cashflow loans can deliver decisions and funds faster than traditional overdraft increases.
• Flexibility: One-off lump sums, revolving facilities or drawdown lines depending on your needs.
• Security & Cost: Overdrafts are often cheaper if available, but lenders set overdraft limits conservatively. Invoice finance ties borrowing to unpaid invoices and may be best when invoices are the issue.

Why UK Businesses Choose Cashflow Loans Now

With stretched margins, late payments and seasonal volatility, many UK companies use cashflow loans to stay operational and seize opportunities. Typical reasons businesses apply include:

• Covering payroll while awaiting contract payments
• Meeting supplier deadlines to secure early-bird discounts
• Funding stock for peak seasons
• Bridge funding between project phases

If you need quick working capital, explore your options with a Free Eligibility Check — it’s fast and no-obligation: Get Quote Now.

Typical Loan Amounts, Terms & Costs

Our lender and broker partners typically arrange cashflow facilities from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on sector, security and trading history. Common features:

• Amounts: £10,000 – £5,000,000 (varies by lender)
• Terms: Short-term 3–12 months to medium-term 12–36 months; revolving facilities also common
• Costs: Interest rates, arrangement fees, and sometimes upfront origination fees. Early repayment charges can apply.

Pricing depends on credit profile, turnover, security and sector risk. Our matching service helps you compare likely costs before you commit. Free Eligibility Check

Eligibility Snapshot

Each lender has specific criteria, but common requirements include:

• Limited company trading history (typically 6–12 months minimum)
• Business turnover relevant to the requested facility
• Good accuracy in management accounts and bank transaction history
• Director information and ID checks; some lenders may request personal guarantees

Documents & Information You’ll Need

Gathering the right paperwork speeds approvals. Typical checklist:

• Latest 3–6 months of business bank statements
• Recent management accounts or profit & loss
• VAT returns (if applicable)
• Short cashflow forecast showing how funds will be used
• Company registration and director ID information

Some lenders also ask for trade references, contracts or confirmation of outstanding invoices.

Cashflow Loans We Can Help You Explore

Short-Term Unsecured Cashflow Loans

Fast to arrange for established companies needing small, urgent sums. Often a higher rate and may require director assurances.

Merchant Cash Advance

Repayments linked to card takings — suited to card-reliant retailers and hospitality businesses with variable turnover.

Revolving Credit Facilities

Flexible lines you draw against as needed — helpful for businesses with unpredictable peaks across the year.

Secured Cashflow Loans

Larger sums backed by business assets or property. Security can reduce interest rates for eligible applicants.

Specialist Sector Facilities

Custom solutions for industries such as construction (stage drawdowns), manufacturing (purchase order finance) and hospitality (seasonal top-ups).

Want tailored options? Request a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to the right specialists.

The Fast Business Loans Process

1. Complete a short enquiry: Our form takes under 2 minutes.
2. Smart matching: We connect your details to selected brokers and lenders that best fit your sector and needs.
3. Rapid response: Expect contact by phone or email — many partners provide in-principle feedback within 24–48 hours.
4. Decision & funding: Once you choose a provider, lenders complete checks and arrange funding timelines directly.

Submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans does not itself affect your credit score — lenders or brokers may run checks later if you proceed.

Start the 2-Minute Enquiry

Case Snapshot: Improving Cashflow in Action

Example (anonymised): A mid-sized manufacturing company faced a seasonal order surge but had suppliers requiring faster payment. Fast Business Loans matched the company with a specialist lender offering a secured short-term facility. Outcome: the business funded extra stock, fulfilled orders on time and increased monthly revenue — freeing an estimated £150,000 in working capital. (Case study based on typical outcomes; individual results vary.)

Sector-Specific Cashflow Support

Our panel routinely works with a range of sectors. Typical cashflow pinch points and preferred solutions include:

• Construction & Trades: Stage payments, retentions — often construction drawdowns or invoice finance.
• Hospitality & Leisure: Seasonal peaks — short-term top-up loans or merchant cash advances.
• Retail & E-commerce: Stock buying for seasonal demand — asset finance or short-term cashflow loans.
• Manufacturing & Logistics: Purchase order and stock funding to bridge supply chain delays.
• Healthcare & Care Providers: Equipment purchase and payroll smoothing.

Responsible Borrowing & Risk Considerations

Borrow only what you can afford to repay. Consider:

• Total cost including fees, interest and early repayment charges
• Whether a director guarantee or security is required
• Impact of missed repayments on business cashflow and credit ratings

If unsure, we recommend discussing options with the broker or lender you are matched to, and seeking independent professional advice where appropriate.

Why Choose Fast Business Loans

Fast Business Loans helps you save time and increase your chances of a suitable match by connecting you with lenders and brokers who understand your sector. Key benefits:

• Fast matching — complete a short enquiry and get matched quickly
• Wide lender panel — access to diverse options for businesses needing £10,000 and up
• No cost to you — the service is free and no obligation
• Secure handling of data and clear, fair communication

Compare Cashflow Loan Quotes

Learn more about cashflow lending options on our detailed cashflow loans page: cashflow loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can funding be arranged?

Once matched, many lenders provide in-principle decisions within 24–48 hours. Final funding depends on documentation and due diligence — this can range from 48 hours to a few weeks.

Will my credit score be affected?

Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may run credit checks if you choose to proceed, which could impact your score.

Can I apply if I’ve been refused elsewhere?

Yes. Our panel includes specialists who assess a wide range of cases — previous refusals don’t automatically mean you won’t qualify elsewhere.

Do I need to provide security or a director guarantee?

Not always. Some unsecured products exist, but larger or lower-cost facilities often require security or guarantees. The matched lender will advise you.

What happens after I submit the form?

We match your details to relevant partners. You’ll then receive contact from brokers or lenders to discuss options. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Are your partners regulated?

We work with a broad panel of brokers and lenders. Specific regulatory status varies by provider — your matched partner will clarify their credentials during contact.

Ready to Steady Your Cashflow?

Fast Business Loans makes it simple: tell us a few facts about your business, and we’ll introduce you to lenders and brokers that can help. There’s no cost and no obligation. Complete our short form now and get tailored options fast.

Get Your Free Cashflow Loan Eligibility Check