Business Loans. Without the Fuss.
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
FCA Reviewing Small Business Loan Rules in Q2 2026: What Every UK Small Business Owner Needs to Know
The FCA is reviewing small business loan rules in Q2 2026 as part of a formal call for input launched in March 2026. The review covers how existing regulations affect SME access to debt, equity, and alternative finance — and could lead to rule changes that reshape how small businesses borrow.
UK Bank Lending to Businesses Hits 28-Year Low in Q2 2026
Bank lending to UK non-financial businesses has fallen to approximately 59% of GDP — a level not seen since 1998, making Q2 2026 a 28-year low point for business bank lending.
Are "No Paperwork" £250k Business Loan Schemes Real, and What Do Lenders Actually Require Today?
"No paperwork" £250k business loan schemes are not real in the way the marketing suggests. Every legitimate lender, whether a high-street bank or a fast fintech, still verifies your income, trading history, and identity before approving a loan of this size.
Business Loan for Self-Employed UK: 2026 Complete Guide
Self-employed people in the UK can access business loans in 2026, but the process differs from standard applications. Lenders assess income using SA302 forms, bank statements, or Open Banking data rather than payslips.
Growth Guarantee Scheme: Latest Guidance for UK Business Loans (August 2026)
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is a UK government-backed programme that helps SMEs access business loans, asset finance, and invoice finance when conventional lenders say no.
Green Business Loans & Grants for UK SMEs: July 2026 Guide
UK SMEs can access a range of green business loans and grants in July 2026, from local council energy-efficiency grants worth £1,000,£50,000 to national programmes like Innovate UK's £60 million Net Zero Living fund.
How to Compare Business Loans in the UK: Rates, Fees and Terms
To compare business loans properly, look past the headline rate: check the total amount repayable, arrangement and exit fees, term length, whether a personal guarantee is required, and how fast the funds arrive.
UK Commercial Real Estate: Refinancing Price War Heats Up in Q2 2026
A £33 billion wave of maturing UK commercial real estate loans is forcing lenders to compete aggressively on price in Q2 2026. Senior loan margins on prime offices have been cut by around 45 basis points over the past year, according to Bayes Business School research.
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, SBA-style programmes, 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 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.