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
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Green Business Loans: Sustainable Funding 2026
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Government Backed Business Loans UK: Growth Guarantee Scheme and Other Options
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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.
Electric Van Loan Scheme for UK Businesses: What You Need to Know
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How Do Business Loans Work? A UK Guide for Business Owners
A business loan provides a lump sum or agreed credit facility that the business repays under a contract, usually with interest and sometimes fees. The lender assesses the business, its owners, cash flow, purpose and any proposed security before deciding whether to offer finance.
Secured Business Loans UK: Complete Guide to Asset-Backed Funding in 2026
Secured business loans in the UK require collateral (typically property, equipment, or vehicles) in exchange for lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. Interest rates range from 3-8% APR compared to 10-50% for unsecured options, with loan amounts from £10,000 to £500,000 available.
Invoice Finance vs Business Loans: Which Funding Option Fits Your Business in 2026
Invoice finance lets you borrow against unpaid invoices and get cash within 24-48 hours, while business loans provide a lump sum with fixed monthly repayments over several years.
Alternative Business Funding Options UK: Beyond Bank Loans
UK businesses can fund growth outside a standard bank loan through unsecured loans, invoice finance, asset finance, merchant cash advances, revenue-based finance, crowdfunding, community lenders and equity investment. Each route assesses and charges differently.
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.