Business Loan Guides
Compare business loans by cost, eligibility, repayment, and speed — plain-English guides to help you choose the right lender and apply with confidence.
Business loans explained
Use these guides to compare business loan options by cost, eligibility, repayment structure, speed, and lender fit before you apply — so you walk into a funding decision already knowing the answers.
What to compare before you borrow
Total cost of borrowing
Look past the headline rate at the APR, arrangement fees, and the total amount repayable over the full term.
Repayment structure
Fixed monthly payments, a share of card takings, or a flexible facility — match it to how your revenue actually arrives.
Eligibility & trading history
Most lenders weigh time trading, turnover, and credit profile. Knowing yours up front avoids wasted applications.
Speed to funding
Some lenders pay out in 24–48 hours, others take weeks. If timing matters, prioritise lenders built for speed.
Security & guarantees
Check whether the loan is secured against assets or needs a personal guarantee before you commit.
Early repayment terms
If you might clear the balance early, confirm whether there are exit fees or interest savings.
Latest guides
Business Debt Consolidation Loans: Fast Solutions for UK SMEs
Business debt consolidation loans combine multiple business debts into a single monthly payment, typically at a lower interest rate than your existing obligations. UK SMEs can access £10k to £1m through specialist lenders who focus on current trading performance rather than perfect credit history, with decisions often available within 48 hours.
Business Loan Declined: What to Do Next
When your business loan gets declined, request the specific rejection reasons from the lender, review your credit reports for errors, and consider alternative funding sources like online lenders or merchant cash advances.
Business Loan for Startups: The Complete UK Guide for 2026
A business loan for startups is a form of finance that gives new businesses a lump sum of capital, repaid over an agreed term with interest. In 2026, UK startups have more options than ever, from traditional bank loans to unsecured loans and merchant cash advances, many of which don't require years of trading history or a perfect credit score.
Business Loan Interest Rates UK: What Lenders Charge and What Moves Your Rate
Business loan interest rates UK-wide sit above the Bank of England's base rate, which has been held at 3.75% since September 2026. The OECD's latest country note puts the weighted average rate on all new UK SME loans at 7.51% for Q1 2026, though your actual quote depends on credit profile, security, loan term and lender type.
Business Loans for Expansion: Fast Funding for Growing UK Businesses
Business loans for expansion provide UK companies with £10k to £1m funding to fuel growth, from opening new locations to increasing inventory or hiring staff. Unlike traditional banks that take weeks and demand perfect credit, modern lenders use Open Banking to assess current trading performance and can approve funding within 24-48 hours.
Business Loans to Buy a Business: Fast UK Funding Options for 2026
Business loans to buy a business are available from £10,000 to £1 million through traditional banks, government-backed schemes and online lenders. Online platforms like Funding Fred can match you with suitable lenders in under 2 minutes using Open Banking technology, while traditional banks may take weeks for approval.
Business Overdraft vs Line of Credit vs Loan: Which Funding Option Fits Your Business?
Business overdrafts provide immediate short-term cash when your account runs low, lines of credit offer flexible revolving funds up to a set limit, and traditional loans deliver lump sums for specific projects.
How Much Money Can I Borrow to Start a Business: UK Startup Funding Guide
UK entrepreneurs can typically borrow £10,000 to £500,000 for startup funding, depending on their credit score, business plan strength, and chosen funding type. Unsecured business loans offer £10,000-£120,000 without collateral, while secured loans can reach £500,000+ but require assets as security.
Personal Guarantees on Business Loans: What UK Business Owners Need to Know in 2026
A personal guarantee on a business loan makes you personally liable for the debt if your company defaults. Most traditional banks require unlimited personal guarantees, putting your home, savings, and personal assets at risk.
Business Loans questions
The important details before you check eligibility.
What should a business compare before choosing a loan?
Compare total repayment cost, repayment frequency, eligibility criteria, security requirements, application speed, and whether the loan fits the way the business earns revenue.
How much can a business typically borrow?
Loan sizes vary widely by lender and depend on turnover, trading history, and affordability. Facilities commonly range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand pounds, with larger amounts available to established businesses.
Do I need to be a homeowner to get a business loan?
Not always. Some lenders ask for a personal guarantee that can take homeownership into account, but many business loans don't require you to own property.
Will checking my options affect my credit score?
An initial eligibility check is often a soft search that doesn't affect your score. A full application may involve a hard credit check, so confirm with the lender before you proceed.
How quickly can the money arrive?
It depends on the lender and how ready your paperwork is. Some online lenders approve and fund within a day or two, while traditional lenders can take longer.
Are business loan requirements the same in every market?
No. Eligibility, terminology, credit checks, and lender expectations vary by market, so each Funding Fred guide is written for the relevant country.
Ready when you are
Explore business funding options
Start a short eligibility check and compare selected business funding options. It only takes about 2 minutes, with no hard credit check to start.