What is a cashflow loan?

A cashflow loan (also called working capital finance) provides short‑term funds to cover gaps between outgoing costs and incoming payments. Typical uses include paying staff, covering supplier invoices while waiting for customer payments, or meeting seasonal stock demands. Lenders offer a range of term lengths from a few weeks to 12–24 months depending on the product.

Amounts vary, but our network commonly arranges finance starting at around £10,000 and upwards. Products range from unsecured short-term loans to term loans or facilities supported by a debenture or personal guarantee for larger sums. The right option depends on your trading history, turnover and the reason for borrowing.

When businesses use cashflow finance

Cashflow loans are chosen when speed and flexibility matter. Common scenarios include:

• Late-paying customers: Funds to bridge the time between raising invoices and receiving payment.
• Seasonal peaks: Buying stock ahead of busy periods without interrupting day-to-day operations.
• Emergency costs: Urgent repairs or unplanned supplier demands that need immediate cover.
• One-off opportunities: Taking on a contract or bulk purchase that requires capital now.

Each scenario has lenders who specialise in that need — completing our short enquiry helps identify the best match quickly. Get a Free Eligibility Check.

How Fast Business Loans supports you

We don’t lend money. Instead we introduce your business to lenders and brokers who can provide cashflow solutions. Our role is to save time and increase your chance of a competitive offer by matching your circumstances to partners who have the appetite for your sector and loan size.

Our simple 4‑step enquiry process

1. Complete a short online enquiry (takes ~2 minutes).
2. We match your details to lenders and brokers who may be able to help.
3. Selected partners contact you with quotes and next steps.
4. You compare offers and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.

Benefits: fast responses, multiple options to compare, and industry‑specific matches. Start now: Get Quote Now.

Eligibility & documents lenders usually request

Eligibility varies by lender, but common criteria include:

• Registered UK company trading for a minimum trading period (varies by lender).
• Adequate turnover to service repayments.
• Basic company information and ID for directors.

Typical documents requested:

• Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Management accounts or management-prepared cashflow forecasts.
• Signed director ID and company registration details (Companies House).
• Debtor lists or copies of major invoices where relevant.

If you’re a newer company, specialist lenders on our panel may consider alternative evidence such as supplier contracts or forward orders. Complete a quick enquiry to see which partners may be appropriate: Free Eligibility Check.

Cashflow loans vs alternatives

Choosing the right option depends on speed, cost and whether you can provide security. Brief comparisons:

• Cashflow loan: Fast, flexible, often unsecured for smaller amounts; good for short-term gaps.
• Invoice finance: Unlocks cash tied to unpaid invoices; useful if your issue is slow customer payments.
• Asset finance: Best for purchasing equipment where the asset secures the loan.
• Overdraft / business credit card: Flexible but may be limited in amount and costlier if used long-term.

If you’re unsure which is best, we can introduce you to specialists who will advise on suitable options. Compare solutions: Compare Cashflow Solutions.

For an in-depth explanation of invoice-style options, see our dedicated resource on cashflow loans.

Typical costs, rates and an illustrative example

Rates vary widely by lender and by risk profile. Broad guidance: representative costs can range from lower‑single-digit percentages to higher rates for riskier short-term facilities. Always treat the following as illustrative — actual offers depend on your credit profile, sector and the lender’s terms.

Illustrative example (example only): A £25,000 short-term cashflow loan repaid over 6 months at an annualised cost equivalent to 18% might result in monthly repayments in the region of £4,600 (including interest and fees). Exact pricing and the APR-equivalent will be provided by lenders when you receive quotes.

Watch for arrangement fees, early repayment charges and any administration fees. We’ll help you compare total cost and repayment profiles when partners respond to your enquiry. Get Matched to Lenders.

Cashflow support tailored to your sector

Different sectors face different cashflow patterns. Our panel includes lenders who specialise in:

• Construction: Cover materials and retention periods.
• Hospitality & retail: Stock and seasonal peaks.
• Manufacturing & transport: Supply chain payments and fleet costs.
• Healthcare & professional services: Manage delayed client invoices and payroll.

If you prefer a product focused on invoice conversion or short-term debtor funding, check our wider resources and get personalised matches via the enquiry form: Start Your Enquiry.

How to strengthen your cashflow loan application

• Keep clear, up-to-date management accounts and bank statements.
• Prepare a simple cashflow forecast showing how the loan will be repaid.
• Highlight confirmed orders, contracts or debtor ageing to show incoming cash.
• Be transparent about past credit issues — many lenders appreciate context.
• Consider a smaller initial request if you’re building lender confidence.

Early preparation speeds the process. Start with a quick form and we’ll connect you to partners who match your needs: Free Eligibility Check.

Responsible borrowing & risks

Borrowing affects cashflow and obligations. Before accepting an offer, ensure it is affordable, check total cost, and consider the impact of any personal guarantees. Fast Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender or financial adviser; we do not provide regulated advice. Any finance offer is subject to the lender’s affordability and credit checks.

Client example

One manufacturing company faced a short-term gap as a major buyer delayed payment. After completing a short enquiry, Fast Business Loans introduced them to two lenders; one provided a tailored 3‑month facility that covered payroll while the invoice cleared. The business fulfilled a key order and avoided costly late penalties. (Illustrative and anonymised.)

Cashflow Loan FAQs

How quickly could my business receive funds?

Many lenders aim to release funds within 24–72 hours of approval, subject to checks and documents.

Does submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — enquiring through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit file. Lenders may carry out checks later if you apply.

What loan sizes are available?

Our partners typically handle loans from around £10,000 upwards; some can arrange much larger facilities.

Can I apply with adverse credit?

Possibly. Some lenders specialise in more complex credit histories. We’ll match you to those who may consider your case.

Are cashflow loans secured?

Some are unsecured, but certain lenders may request security or guarantees for larger amounts.

Do you charge for introductions?

No — our service is free for business owners. Lenders/brokers may have their own fees, which will be disclosed by them.

Ready to bridge your cashflow gap?

Fast Business Loans makes it fast and simple to explore your options. Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match your business to lenders and brokers who can provide tailored quotes. Remember: the enquiry is not an application and does not affect your credit score.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans introduces UK limited companies to lenders and brokers. We are not a lender and do not give regulated financial advice. Quotes are subject to status and affordability checks. Enquiries are free and no obligation.