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
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.
How to Get a Business Loan in 2026: The Complete UK Guide
To get a business loan, you need to assess how much funding you need, check your credit profile, gather key documents (bank statements, tax returns, business accounts), and apply.
Emergency Business Loans UK: Fast Funding When You Need It Most
When your business faces an unexpected cash flow crisis, equipment breakdown, or urgent opportunity, emergency business loans UK can provide funding within 24-48 hours.
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.
How Do Merchant Cash Advances Work: The Complete UK Guide for 2026
A merchant cash advance (MCA) gives your business a lump sum of capital upfront, which you repay through a fixed percentage of your daily or weekly card sales — not through fixed.
Franchise Business Loans UK: Fast Funding for Your Franchise in 2026
Franchise business loans in the UK range from £10,000 to £1 million with flexible repayment terms designed around your trading performance.
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.
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.