Cashflow Loans: Fast, Flexible Finance for UK Businesses

Summary: Cashflow loans give UK businesses quick access to working capital to pay suppliers, cover payroll, bridge seasonal gaps or take advantage of growth opportunities. Fast Business Loans does not lend directly — we match companies (loans from £10,000+) with lenders and brokers who can help. Complete a short, free enquiry and we’ll connect you to the best partners for your needs. Your enquiry is just information to help us match you — it is not an application and does not affect your credit score.

What is a cashflow loan?

A cashflow loan is short- to medium-term finance designed to cover a business’s working capital needs. It helps bridge timing differences between money in and money out — for example, paying staff and suppliers while waiting for invoice payments. Cashflow finance can be unsecured or secured, and lenders offer a variety of structures depending on the size, sector and credit profile of the business.

How it differs from other finance:

• Overdrafts: typically revolving and linked to a bank current account; cashflow loans are often fixed-term.
• Invoice finance: unlocks cash tied to unpaid invoices (a form of cashflow finance but with specific mechanics).
• Asset finance: secured against equipment or vehicles rather than general cashflow.

Why businesses use cashflow loans

Cashflow loans are used when timing, growth or unexpected events create a shortfall in liquid funds. Common scenarios include:

• Seasonal peaks (retail stock ahead of peak trading).
• Covering payroll during slow months.
• Bridging VAT, tax or supplier payments.
• Financing marketing campaigns or one-off orders to win new contracts.
• Managing a temporary gap while waiting for a larger invoice or payment.

Benefits include speed, flexibility and access to specialist lenders who understand particular industries.

Who we help

We connect UK limited companies and growing SMEs with lenders and brokers for cashflow loans from £10,000 upwards. Our network includes partners who specialise in sectors such as construction, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, logistics, farming and professional services.

Whether you’re an established business needing a short-term bridge or an SME preparing for growth, our matching service increases your chance of finding a suitable provider quickly.

Get Your Free Eligibility Check — it takes less than 2 minutes to tell us what you need and receive tailored matches.

Types of cashflow finance we can introduce

Unsecured term loans

Fixed-term loans with no business asset required as security. Typically used for smaller amounts and shorter terms. Suitable where directors prefer not to grant security over assets, though personal guarantees may be requested depending on lender risk appetite.

Revolving credit facilities

Flexible lines that you draw on and repay as required. Useful for ongoing working capital needs and smoothing seasonality. Costs depend on facility size, utilisation and provider.

Merchant cash advances (MCAs)

Advance against future card takings, repaid as a percentage of daily card sales. Fast to arrange but can be higher cost — appropriate for businesses with strong card volumes needing speed and convenience.

Invoice finance (selective & full ledger)

Invoice factoring or discounting releases cash tied up in unpaid invoices. It’s directly linked to turnover and can scale with sales. Useful for B2B businesses with invoice-led receivables.

Each product has pros and cons. We’ll match your enquiry to partners who specialise in the most appropriate option for your sector and needs.

How Fast Business Loans works

Our process is simple and designed to be fast and transparent:

1. Complete a short enquiry — a few business details and what you need (not an application).
2. We match your details to lenders and brokers in our panel who are most likely to help.
3. A matched provider contacts you to discuss terms and next steps.
4. Choose the option that suits you and proceed directly with the lender or broker.

Important: we are an introducer — we do not provide loans or give regulated financial advice. Your enquiry is shared only with relevant partners to help match you and does not itself affect your credit score.

Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check

Eligibility snapshot

Typical lender requirements vary, but common criteria include:

• UK-registered limited company.
• Minimum funding request: generally £10,000 and upwards.
• Evidence of trading activity and turnover (lenders differ on minimum turnover thresholds).
• Management accounts, bank statements and recent accounts are commonly requested.

Credit history, sector risk and the presence of existing facilities will influence offers. Because we work with a wide panel, you can often find a suitable match even if one provider declines.

Rates, costs & repayment considerations

Costs depend on product type, lender, business strength and term. Typical influences include:

• Term length: short-term solutions normally carry higher rates than longer-term facilities.
• Security: secured options usually cost less than unsecured borrowing.
• Credit profile and trading history.

Common charges to compare:

• Interest or factor/discount fees (annual or daily equivalents).
• Arrangement or facility fees.
• Early repayment or exit fees (check terms before committing).
• Daily/weekly repayments for some products like MCAs.

We do not recommend any single product for everyone. Use matched broker advice and compare quotes carefully. Fast Business Loans does not provide financial advice — consider independent advice if you are unsure.

Cashflow loan alternatives

If a cashflow loan isn’t right, lenders and brokers may also offer:

• Bank overdrafts or revolving credit from business accounts.
• Invoice finance or debtor factoring.
• Asset or equipment finance to preserve working capital.
• Refinance or consolidation to reduce monthly pressure.

Our matching process will surface suitable alternatives when they better meet your objectives.

Success snapshot

• Retailer (seasonal stock): Challenge — stock for Christmas season; Solution — short-term unsecured loan; Outcome — stocked on time, sales met seasonal demand.
• Construction contractor: Challenge — cash tied up in retentions and upcoming VAT; Solution — invoice factoring; Outcome — cashflow stabilised, payroll covered.
• Hospitality group: Challenge — emergency kitchen equipment replacement; Solution — equipment finance plus short-term bridging loan; Outcome — minimal disruption and steady trading.

Why businesses choose Fast Business Loans

Our differentiators:

• Speed: quick enquiry and rapid matches.
• Sector expertise: partners who understand your trade.
• Choice: matched options across a wide lender/broker panel.
• Transparent: enquiries are free, no obligation, and only used to match you.
• Secure: we share details only with relevant partners for the purpose of matching.

“We were matched to a lender within hours and had funds the following week.” — an anonymised client experience you could expect when matched appropriately.

Get My Free Eligibility Check

Cashflow management tips while you borrow

• Keep a rolling cashflow forecast for 3–6 months and update weekly.
• Prioritise invoices: chase overdue debt promptly and consider incentives for early payment.
• Negotiate supplier terms where possible to stagger payments.
• Use short-term facilities only for working capital gaps — avoid using them for long-term fixed costs.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly could I receive a cashflow loan?

Timelines vary by product and provider. Many lenders aim to release funds within days of approval for straightforward cases; more complex transactions may take longer. Your matched broker or lender will confirm expected timing when they contact you.

Do I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?

Some cashflow loans are unsecured, but lenders may request personal guarantees or security depending on the loan size, company risk and product chosen. A matched broker will outline the options available to you.

What happens after I submit the enquiry form?

We use the information you provide to match you with lenders or brokers who best fit your needs. A matched provider will typically contact you by phone or email to discuss next steps. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not affect your credit score.

Will my credit score be affected?

No — making an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks at application stage if you decide to proceed with them.

What is the minimum loan amount?

Our partners typically consider loans from around £10,000 upwards. Specific minimums depend on the lender and type of finance.

Can I apply if I already have existing finance?

Yes. Many businesses refinance or consolidate existing facilities to improve monthly cashflow or secure better terms. Matched brokers can assess options based on your current arrangements.

Ready to get started?

If you need working capital quickly, complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can help. It’s free, fast and no obligation — and takes less than two minutes.

Get Your Free Eligibility Check

For more information about types of short-term working capital options, see our detailed guide to cashflow loans.

Compliance & important note

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Enquiries are used to match your business with suitable providers and do not constitute an application. All finance decisions are made by the lender or broker and are subject to their criteria and terms. Always read terms carefully and seek independent advice if unsure.

– What is a cashflow loan?
A cashflow loan is short- to medium-term working capital finance that bridges gaps between money in and money out, such as covering payroll or supplier costs while awaiting payments.

– How quickly could I receive funds?
Many lenders can release funds within days of approval for straightforward cases, though more complex transactions may take longer.

– Is the enquiry an application and will it affect my credit score?
No—your enquiry is not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score; credit checks happen only if you proceed with a lender.

– Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No, Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with vetted brokers and lenders.

– What’s the minimum loan amount you can help with?
Our partners typically consider cashflow loans from around £10,000 and up.

– Do I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?
Some options are unsecured, but lenders may request a personal guarantee or security depending on loan size, risk and product.

– Who is eligible, and can I apply if I already have existing finance?
UK-registered limited companies with evidence of trading are typically eligible, and options may be available even if you already have facilities or wish to refinance.

– What documents will lenders typically ask for?
Lenders commonly request recent bank statements, management accounts and filed accounts.

– What types of cashflow finance can you match me with?
We can introduce unsecured term loans, revolving credit facilities, merchant cash advances and invoice finance (selective or full ledger).

– How much do cashflow loans cost and are there any fees?
Costs vary by product, term, security and credit profile, so compare interest or factor fees, arrangement charges and any early repayment or exit fees.