Most small businesses need a financial boost to put their plans into action, whether that’s a renovation, launching a new service, or investing in time-saving equipment. These 50 small business loans range from short term to long term and are designed to help everyone from new small businesses to more established companies.
Featured: Uncapped*
- Get loans from £50K-10M
- Fees as low as 2%
- Offers in as little as 24 hours
- Daily, weekly or monthly repayment schedule
- Pay a flat fee and no interest rates, so you know the full cost upfront
- No restrictions on how you spend your money
- No securities, guarantees or dilution required
- Optimise cashflow and reduce your repayments by only withdrawing the capital you need
- Find out if you’re eligible for funding in 30 seconds
- Must be an online model such as SaaS, Subscription, Ecommerce, Mobile App or D2C
Featured: Capital On Tap*
- Access up to £250,000
- Offer credit cards and a revolving credit line overdraft facility
- Rates as low as 15.5% APR APR
- Up to 56 days interest-free
- Quick credit decision
- Same-day access to funds once approved
- Available to limited companies, sole traders & freelancers
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot
Companies are ranked in no particular order.
Business loan provider | Minimum loan amount | Maximum loan amount | Maximum term |
---|---|---|---|
ABC Finance | £500 | £1 million | 5 years |
ArchOver | £100,000 | £5 million | 3 years |
Aspire Business Loans | £5,000 | £300,000 | 5 years |
Atom Bank | £100,000 | £5 million | 6 years |
Bank of Scotland | £1,000 | £1,000,000 | 25 years |
Barclays | £1,000 | £100,000 | 10 years |
Bibby Financial Services | n/a | n/a | 2 years |
Bluestar Leasing | £5,000 | n/a | 5 years |
Braemar Finance | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Capify | £5,000 | £500,000 | 12 months |
CapitalBox | £2,000 | £50,000 | 18 months |
Catalyst Finance | £25,000 | £1 million | 12 months |
ClearFunder | £10,000 | £100,000 | 12 months |
Close Brothers | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Clydesdale Bank | £25,001 | £10 million | 15 years |
Co-operative Bank | £1,000 | £250,000 | 15 years |
Cubefunder | £5,000 | £100,000 | n/a |
Esme | £10,000 | £250,000 | 5 years |
Fleximize | £5,000 | £500,000 | 4 years |
Folk 2 Folk | £50,000 | n/a | 5 years |
Funding Circle | £2,000 | £250,000 | 6 years |
Hitachi Capital | £10,000 | £500,000 | 5 years |
Hope Capital | £50,000 | £5 million | n/a |
HSBC | £1,000 | £25,000+ | 20 years |
Huddle Capital | n/a | n/a | 12 months |
Independent Growth Finance | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Iwoca | £50,001 | £250,000 | 3 years |
LendingCrowd | £5,000 | £500,000 | 5 years |
Liberis | £50,001 | £150,000 | 2 years |
Lloyds Bank | £1,000 | £1 million | 25 years |
Market Finance | £5,000 | £250,000 | 3 years |
Merchant Money | £5,000 | £500,000 | 2 years |
Metro Bank | £2,000 | £25 million | 30 years |
NatWest | £1,000 | £10 million | 25 years |
Nucleus Commercial Finance | £10,000 | £250,000 | 6 years |
PFC Finance | £5,000 | £1 million | 5 years |
Rangewell | n/a | n/a | 5 years |
Rebuildingsociety.com | £25,000 | £250,000 | 5 years |
Royal Bank of Scotland | £1,000 | £10 million | 25 years |
Santander | £2,000 | £25,000 | 5 years |
Satellite Finance | £3,000 | £1 million | 10 years |
Spotcap | £50,000 | £350,000 | 24 months |
Starling Bank | £5,000 | £20,000 | 5 months |
Start Up Loans | n/a | £25,000 | 5 years |
ThinCats | £1 million | £15 million | n/a |
White Oak | £2,000 | £500,000 | 5 years |
Intelligent Loans | £10,000 | £250,000 | 5 years |
inFund | £5,000 | £150,000 | 12 months |
Note data comes from each company’s website and was last updated in June 2023.
1. ABC Finance
- Finance broker that connects businesses with lenders.
- Range of business loans available for both startups and established businesses.
- Huge range of loans – £500 to £1 million.
- Interest rates from 1.90% per annum.
- Arrangement fee applies.
- Completion from 1 day to 2 weeks.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
- Bridging loans, commercial mortgages, development finance, and invoice finance also available.
- Members of the Financial Intermediary & Broker Association.
Website: ABC Business Finance
Read the full ABC Business Finance review.
2. ArchOver
- Peer-to-peer platform with investors and borrowers.
- Borrow from £100,000 to £5 million.
- Interest rates from 9.50% per annum.
- Repayment terms from 3 months to 3 years.
- No personal guarantees needed.
- Decision in 48 hours.
- Secured and unsecured loans available.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
- Part of the Hampden Group financial and business support services.
Website: ArchOver Business Finance
Read the full ArchOver Business Finance review.
3. Aspire Business Loans
- Finance broker not a direct lender.
- Can connect businesses with over 80 different business finance solutions.
- Free to search for loans with no impact on your business’ credit score.
- Loans from £5,000 to £300,000.
- Unsecured and secured finance.
- Repayments over 1-5 years.
- Some lenders will provide same day decisions.
- Open to UK-based businesses with a 1 year bank account history.
Website: Aspire Business Loans
Read the full Aspire Business Loans review.
4. Atom Bank
- Currently only accepting applications for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
- Apply through a broker.
- Secured loans from £100,000 to £5 million.
- 12 month repayment holiday available.
- No fees or interest for the first 12 months.
- Scheme runs until 30th September 2020.
- Available to UK businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19.
- UK’s first app-only bank.
Website: Atom Bank Business Loans
Read the full Atom Bank review.
5. Bank of Scotland
- Loans from £1,000 to £1 million.
- 5.1% APR (variable/fixed) representative.
- Variable and fixed rate loans available.
- Repayment over 1 to 10 years or 1 to 25 years.
- Loans available for small, medium, and large corporate businesses.
- Arrangement fees apply to some loans.
- Coronavirus support available including the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).
- Overdrafts, asset finance, credit cards, and commercial mortgages also available.
Website: Bank of Scotland Business Finance
Read the full Bank of Scotland loans review.
6. Barclays
- Unsecured loans from £1,000 to £100,000.
- Repayment terms up to 10 years.
- 7.9% Representative APR on loans under £25,000.
- Fixed interest rates and repayments.
- 6-month repayment holiday available at the beginning of your loan if you borrow under £25,000.
- Coronavirus support available including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
- Overdrafts, business credit cards, and commercial mortgages also available.
Website: Barclays Business Finance
Read the full Barclays loan review.
7. Bibby Financial Services
- Corporate finance for businesses with a turnover above £5 million.
- Asset-based lending available, including cashflow loans.
- Amount varies depending on your business’ turnover.
- Secured against value of your business’ assets, including inventory, stock, plant, machinery, and property.
- SME Finance Provider of the Year 2018.
- Personal security may be needed.
- Turnaround usually 2-4 weeks.
- Fees vary.
Website: Bibby Financial Services Corporate Finance
Read the full Bibby Financial Services review.
8. Bluestar Leasing
- Commercial loans from £5,000.
- Terms from 3 months to 5 years.
- Secured and unsecured loans available.
- Quick decisions and payout.
- Minimum of 2 years’ trading required.
- Loans available for a huge range of business purposes.
- Hire purchase and lease agreements also available.
Website: Bluestar Leasing Business Loans
Read the full Bluestar Leasing review.
9. Braemar Finance
- Business finance available for professional practices including medical practices, law firms, and accountancy firms.
- Loans available for cash injections, buy-ins/buy-outs, refurbishment, practice certificates, and more.
- Patient finance facilities available.
- One of the biggest profession finance providers in the UK.
- Part of Close Brothers plc.
Website: Braemar Finance Business Loans
Read the full Braemar Finance review.
10. Capify
- Alternative finance provider.
- Business loans from £5,000 to £500,000.
- Raise up to 75% of your average monthly turnover.
- Daily or weekly repayments over 6-12 months.
- For limited companies trading for at least 12 months.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Capify Business Finance
Read the full Capify review.
11. CapitalBox
- Loans from £2,000 – £50,000.
- Designed for buying new equipment, refurbishment, improving cashflow, and more.
- Repayment terms over 18 months.
- Not secured but personal liability is required.
- Monthly repayments.
- Approval based on your business’ cashflow, not just credit score.
- For businesses in operation for more than 12 months with at least £75,000 in annual turnover.
- Approval in one working day with a same day payout.
Website: CapitalBox Business Finance
Read the full CapitalBox review.
12. Catalyst Finance
- Short term funding between £25,000 and £1 million.
- Repayment terms between 3 and 12 months.
- Pre-agreed interest rate.
- Equal monthly repayments.
- Open to limited companies, LLCs, and PLCs operating for 2 years or more.
- Debentures and Personal Guarantees required as security.
Website: Catalyst Finance
Read the full Catalyst Finance review.
13. ClearFunder
- Loans between £10,000 and £100,000.
- Repayment up to 12 months.
- Daily repayments.
- Can be used for virtually any business purpose, including restructuring, expansion, equipment, and more.
Website: ClearFunder Business Finance
Read the full ClearFunder review.
14. Close Brothers
- Specialist sector finance provided by Braemar Finance.
- Finance for professional practices including accountants, dentists, law firms, and more.
- Loans available for cashflow, buy-ins/buy-outs, refurbishment, practice development, and more.
- Asset finance, invoice finance, and property finance also available.
Website: Close Brothers Business Finance
Read the full Close Brothers review.
15. Clydesdale Bank
- Loans from £25,001 to £10 million.
- Flexible and fixed repayments.
- Interest applied monthly or quarterly.
- Security may be needed.
- Repayment up to 15 years on variable rate or 5 years on fixed rate.
- Arrangement fee may apply.
- Coronavirus support available including the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).
- Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages, and overdrafts also available.
Website: Clydesdale Bank Business Finance
Read the full Clydesdale Bank Business Finance review.
16. Co-operative Bank
- Borrow from £1,000 to £250,000.
- Variable rate loan.
- Repayment over 1 to 15 years.
- Interest charged monthly.
- Arrangement fees are 1% of the loan amount.
- Secured loan.
- Don’t lend for residential property development.
- Business charge cards and overdrafts also available.
Website: Co-operative Bank Business Finance
Read the full Co-operative Bank loans review.
17. Cubefunder
- Financing between £5,000 – £100,000.
- Suitable for working capital, expansion, unexpected bills, inventory, and more.
- Flexible repayment plans.
- Pre-agreed fixed interest rate.
- Application is online. Cubefunder will come to your business premises to finalise the loan.
- Available to businesses trading for at least 3 months with at least £2,500 in monthly revenue.
- Bad credit loans available.
- ‘Great’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Cubefunder Business Finance
Read the full Cubefunder review.
18. Esme
- Unsecured loans from £10,000 to £250,000.
- Repayment terms from 1-5 years.
- Open to sole traders and limited companies.
- Businesses must have been actively trading for more than 3 years and have an annual turnover of at least £50,000.
- Initial online application that won’t affect your business’ credit score.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
- Powered by NatWest.
Website: Esme Business Finance
Read the full Esme review.
19. Fleximize
- Business loans from £5,000 to £500,000+.
- Repayment terms from a few months to 4 years.
- Unsecured and secured borrowing options available.
- Funding available within 48 hours if approved.
- Repayment holidays available.
- Higher value loans over £500,000 available to established companies.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Fleximize Business Finance
Read the full Fleximize review.
20. Folk 2 Folk
- Peer to peer lending platform bringing together investors and local businesses.
- Business loans from £50,000.
- Repay over 6 months to 5 years.
- Secured against your property.
- Rates from 0.38% – 0.75% per month.
- Interest only payments.
- Commercial and property development loans available.
- Decision in 24-72 hours.
- Involves a visit to your property before approval.
Website: Folk 2 Folk Business Finance
Read the full Folk 2 Folk review.
21. Funding Circle
- Currently offering Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS).
- Borrow £2,000 to £250,000.
- Rates between 1.8%-7.0%.
- Repay over 2 to 6 years.
- Nothing to pay for first 12 months.
- Decisions usually within 24 hours.
- Open to UK-based businesses adversely affected by Coronavirus.
- Check if you qualify online in 30 seconds.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Funding Circle Business Finance
Read the full Funding Circle review.
22. Hitachi Capital
- Loans from £10,000 to £500,000.
- Available to sole traders, limited companies, partnerships, LLCs, and PLCs trading for at least 3 years.
- Repayment over 2-5 years.
- Invoice and asset finance also available.
- Designed for expanding your business and its operations.
Website: Hitachi Capital Business Finance
Read the full Hitachi Capital review.
23. Hope Capital
- Loans from £50,000 to £5 million.
- Six short-term loan products available.
- A privately funded lender, not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
- Apply through a broker.
Website: Hope Capital Business Finance
Read the full Hope Capital review.
24. HSBC
- Fixed loans from £1,000 to £25,000. Flexible loans from £25,000+.
- Fixed or variable monthly repayments.
- 7.1% APR Representative.
- Repayment terms from 12 months to 20 years.
- Defer your first repayment for 3 or 6 months.
- No HSBC current account required.
- Apply and sign online.
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme also available.
Website: HSBC Business Finance
Read the full HSBC business finance review.
25. Huddle Capital
- Peer to peer platform connected investors and borrowers.
- Loan amount depends on what your business can afford.
- Your proposal will be added to the P2P platform for investors to choose.
- Repayments begin when your loan is fully funded.
- Weekly repayments.
- Interest and a principal payment apply.
Website: Huddle Capital Business Finance
Read the full Huddle Capital review.
26. Independent Growth Finance
- Cash flow loans available.
- Loans designed for private equity sponsored transactions and mergers and acquisitions.
- Invoice discounting and asset-based lending also available.
Website: Independent Growth Finance
Read the full Independent Growth Finance review.
27. Iwoca
- Loans backed by the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
- Loans from £50,001 to £250,000.
- APR from 5.9% to 7.8%.
- No payments for first 12 months.
- Repay over 5 years.
- Dedicated account manager.
- Decision in 24 hours.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Iwoca Business Finance
Read the full Iwoca review.
28. LendingCrowd
- Peer to peer platform matching investors with borrowers.
- Lenders bid to fund your business.
- Loans from £5,000 to £500,000.
- Repay over 6 months to 5 years.
- Interest rates starting at 5.95%.
- Fees starting at 4%.
Website: LendingCrowd Business Finance
Read the full LendingCrowd review.
29. Liberis
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) loans available.
- Loans from £50,001 to £250,000.
- Government pays fees for the first 12 months.
- 3 month payment holiday available.
- Repay over 12 or 24 months.
- Monthly repayments taken via your customer card transactions.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Liberis Business Finance
Read the full Liberis review.
30. Lloyds Bank
- Borrow from £1,000 to £1 million.
- Loans are fixed or variable.
- Repay over 1-25 years.
- 5.1% APR (fixed or variable).
- Base Rate loan available. Repayments are linked to Bank of England bank rate.
- Asset finance, invoice finance, and business credit cards also available.
- Coronavirus support available including the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Website: Lloyds Bank Business Finance
Read the full Lloyds Bank business loans review.
31. MarketFinance
- Loans from £5,000 to £250,000.
- Unsecured finance.
- Repayment terms from 6 months to 3 years.
- Arrangement fee applies.
- Interest rates start from 1.92% APR.
- For businesses trading for 2 years or more.
- Receive your funds in 48 hours.
- ‘Great’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Market Finance
Read the full MarketFinance review.
32. Merchant Money
- Loans from £5,000 to £500,000.
- Repayment over 6 months to 2 years.
- Secured and unsecured finance available.
- Loans available to sole traders up to £25,000.
- For businesses with 1 year trading history and a minimum annual turnover is £100,000.
- No physical paperwork. Application is 100% online.
- Decision within 24 hours and funds within 48 hours.
Website: Merchant Money
Read the full Merchant Money review.
33. Metro Bank
- Business loans from £2,000 to £25,000.
- Commercial business loans from £25,000 to £25 million.
- Repay business loan over 1 to 5 years. Commercial loan can be repaid over 1 to 30 years.
- Annual interest rate is 9.6% APR (fixed).
- Fees only apply to business loans above £25,000.
- Interest is calculated daily and charged monthly.
Website: Metro Bank Business Finance
Read the full Metro Bank business loans review.
34. NatWest
- Small/medium business loans from £1,000 up to £50,000.
- Large business loans from £25,001 to £10 million.
- Borrow over 1-25 year terms, depending on loan amount.
- Fixed and variable rate available.
- No arrangement fees.
- Repayment holidays available on some loans.
- Coronavirus support also available through Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
- Overdrafts and credit cards also available.
Website: NatWest Business Finance
Read the full NatWest business loans and finance review.
35. Nucleus Commercial Finance
- Finance from £10,000 to £250,000.
- Repayment over 3 months to 3 years (can be extended to 5 years for businesses borrowing over £75,000).
- Unsecured finance.
- Accredited for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) loan.
- For businesses with a minimum 3 years trading history.
- Receive funding in 24 hours.
- Invoice, asset, and property finance also available.
Website: Nucleus Commercial Finance
Read the full Nucleus Commercial Finance review.
36. PFC Finance
- Broker with a panel of 60 lenders, not a direct lender.
- Borrow £5,000 to £1 million.
- Repay over 3 months to 5 years.
- Same day decisions.
- Funds can be released in 24 hours.
- Finance for improving working capital, expansion, refurbishment, and more.
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) loans available.
- Asset, invoice, and vehicle finance available.
Website: PFC Finance
Read the full PFC Finance review.
37. Rangewell
- Not a direct lender. Aggregator platform to help businesses find, compare and apply for business finance.
- Small business loans available with huge variety of terms.
- No minimum borrowing amount.
- Repayment over 1 to 60 months.
- Secured and unsecured finance available.
- Funding available to new businesses.
-
Monthly rates starting from 0.35%.
-
Funding available in 5 – 7 business days.
-
Can be used for most business purposes.
Website: Rangewell Business Finance
Read the full Rangewell review.
38. rebuildingsociety.com
- Peer to peer lending platform.
- Borrow £25,000 to £250,000.
- Funds provided by thousands of lenders investing in the platform.
- Interest rates from 5%.
- Secured and unsecured available.
- Decision within 24 hours where possible.
- Online application.
Website: rebuildingsociety.com Business Finance
Read the full rebuildingsociety.com review.
39. Royal Bank of Scotland
- Small/medium business loans from £1,000 up to £50,000.
- Large business loans from £25,001 to £10 million.
- Borrow over 1-25 year terms, depending on loan amount.
- Fixed and variable rate available.
- No arrangement fees.
- Repayment holidays available on some loans.
- Coronavirus support also available through Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
- Overdrafts and credit cards also available.
Website: Royal Bank of Scotland Business Finance
Read the full Royal Bank of Scotland business loans and finance review.
40. Santander
- Borrow £2,000 to £25,000.
- Repay over 1 to 5 years.
- Fixed monthly costs.
- Get a better interest rate if you have a 1|2|3 Business World current account.
- Pay no interest for the first 12 months.
- Representative 7.9% APR.
- No arrangement fees.
- Coronavirus support available through Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
Website: Santander Business Finance
Read the full Santander business loans and finance review.
41. Satellite Finance
- Finance broker. Not a direct lender.
- Borrow from £3,000 to £1 million.
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) loans available.
- Repayment from 1 week to 10 years (depending on the amount).
- Payment can be within 24 hours.
- Commercial loans can be used for any business purpose.
- Secured and unsecured loans available.
Website: Satellite Business Finance
Read the full Satellite Finance review.
42. Spotcap
- Currently not accepting new applications during Coronavirus crisis.
- Loans available up to £350,000.
- Repay up to 24 months.
- Decision within one working day.
- Rates start at 1% per month depending on your business.
- Open to businesses operating for more than 3 years.
Website: Spotcap Business Finance
Read the full Spotcap review.
43. Starling Bank
- Loans of £5,000 to £250,000.
- Repaid over 1-5 years.
- Open to businesses trading for more than 18 months.
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) available.
- Must have a Starling Bank business current account to qualify.
- Loans up to £25,000 have a representative rate of 7% APR (fixed).
- 24/7 online customer service.
- ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating.
Website: Starling Bank Business Finance
Read the full Starling Bank business loans and finance review.
44. Start Up Loans
- Loans up to £25,000.
- Fixed interest rate of 6% per annum.
- Government-backed. Part of the British Business Bank.
- Repayment over 1-5 years.
- Includes 12 months of free mentoring.
- No set up fees.
- Open to new businesses in their first 24 months.
- Designed for small businesses that have been rejected for other forms of finance.
Website: Start Up Loans Business Finance
Read the full Start Up Loans review.
45. ThinCats
- Business loans from £1 million to £15 million.
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) available.
- Can fund working capital, acquisitions, refinancing, asset purchase, and more.
Website: ThinCats Business Finance
Read the full ThinCats review.
46. White Oak UK
- Borrow £2,000 to £500,000.
- Repayment over 3 months to 5 years.
- Short term loans and longer term business development loans available.
- Funds can be released within 24 hours.
- Interest only loans available over 3 months.
- Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2020.
Website: White Oak UK Business Finance
Read the full White Oak UK review.
47. Intelligent Loans
- Loans from £10,000 to £250,000.
- Short and long term loans.
- Repayment over 3 months to 5 years.
- Secured and unsecured loans.
- Part of the 1pm plc group.
Website: Intelligent Loans Business Finance
48. InFund
- A live multi-drawdown credit facility.
- Borrow £5,000 to £150,000.
- Repayment over 3-12 months.
- Fast decisions and funding within 24 hours.
- Interest rates from 1% per month.
Website: inFund Business Finance
Read the full inFund review.
49. Yorkshire Bank
- Borrow £1,000 to £25,000 fixed or £25,000+ on flexible terms.
- 9% APR representative on unsecured business loans up to £25,000.
- Secured and unsecured loan options.
- Repay up to 5 or 15 years, depending on terms.
- Arrangement fees may apply.
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and Bounce Back Loans available.
- Credit cards, overdrafts, and asset finance also available.
Website: Yorkshire Bank Business Finance
Read the full Yorkshire Bank business loans and finance review.
How do business loans work?
Business loans work a lot like a personal loan. Your business applies for a specific amount to pay for something up front and then repays the amount plus interest over a specific period. Business loan terms can vary. Some are secured on your business’ assets, some require a personal guarantee meaning it’s secured on your own property. Some are due to be repaid within a few months while others can be repaid over several years.
How much can my business borrow?
How much your business can borrow depends on its credit history and average annual turnover. A small business in its first year or two won’t be able to borrow as much as a large business with ten years’ of accounts and a solid credit history. Lenders want reassurance that you can repay what you borrow on time and in full so they’ll look for creditworthiness before they agree to lend. The more you can afford to repay and the better your credit score, the more your business will be able to borrow.
How much will a business loan cost?
Interest rates vary. Lenders will usually state either a fixed interest rate that applies to all loans or the rate will depend on your business’ individual circumstances and credit history. To find out what the average borrower pays, check the representative annual percentage rate (APR). This isn’t necessarily the rate you’ll get but it’s a good way to estimate the average costs before you apply.
Business loans sometimes have set-up and arrangement fees. Paying it off early can also incur some extra costs. The lender will usually state fees upfront but always check the FAQs and small print to avoid any surprises.
How long can I borrow money for?
Some business loans are short term and others are more long term. Short term loans are usually repaid within 3 to 12 months. This means the average monthly or weekly repayment will be higher than if the repayments were spread out over several years. A long term loan will usually be repaid within 5 or 6 years, but big banks often allow longer agreements of 10, 15, or even 25 years. This spreads out the repayments and can make borrowing more affordable for the business.
How do I apply for a business loan?
Most business loans accept online applications which are often fairly quick and convenient with minimal paperwork (if any!). The lender will then assess your application and give your business a yes or a no. Many lenders aim to provide a decision within a few days, and some will get back to you within 24 hours, but borrowing larger amounts can involve a longer, more complex application. It could be necessary to meet in person or have them come out to assess any property you’re using as security.
Some lenders don’t accept direct applications so you’ll need to work with a broker. A broker will find appropriate business loans for your business and make the application on your behalf. This will involve an extra fee but you’ll benefit from their expertise and knowledge of the business loan market.
* Please note we have an affiliate relationship with Uncapped, Capital On Tap, Nest Business Loans and Nerdwallet which means we get paid if you open an account with them. This comes at no cost to you.