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
How Do Business Loans Work: A Complete Guide for UK Business Owners
Business loans provide capital to companies through a structured process: application, credit assessment, approval, fund disbursement, and scheduled repayment with interest.
Cash Flow Business Loans: Fast UK Funding for Working Capital Gaps
Cash flow business loans are unsecured funding solutions designed to bridge temporary gaps in your working capital, typically ranging from £40,000 to £120,000 for UK SMEs.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Business Loan: Complete UK Guide 2026
Most UK business loan applications require three core document categories: financial records (profit & loss statements, bank statements from the last 12-24 months), business.
Working Capital Ratio: The Key Financial Metric Every UK Business Owner Must Track
The working capital ratio measures your business's ability to pay short-term debts using current assets.
Unsecured Business Loans: Fast Funding Without Personal Assets at Risk
Unsecured business loans provide funding from £10,000 to £500,000 without requiring collateral like property or equipment.
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.
Why Do 90% of Small Businesses Fail? The Truth Behind UK Business Survival
The 90% failure rate statistic is misleading. Most small businesses fail due to cash flow problems, lack of market demand, insufficient capital, and poor financial planning.
Different Type of Business Loans Available in UK: Fast Funding Options for 2026
The different type of business loans available in UK range from traditional bank term loans requiring perfect credit to fast unsecured loans and merchant cash advances that approve.
Can a New Company Get a Business Loan? Your Complete Guide to Startup Funding in 2026
Yes, new companies can get business loans, but approval depends on your personal credit score, business plan strength, and collateral availability.
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.