In business, there is often a need to free up working capital to help your business grow, purchase assets or stock, pay bills or compensate for seasonal fluctuations income.
When this happens, you may require a short-term cash injection to get you through this period of low cash flow or to fund growth which is why a shorter-term loan (from weeks to 3 years) might be a better alternative as it is not a long-term commitment.
There are many short-term loans of varying types available in the market, so we have explored what some of the leading lenders have to offer below.
The table below gives a quick comparison of the top UK providers for short-term business loan providers.
| Company | Minimum loan amount | Maximum loan amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iwoca | £1,000 | £200,000 |
| HSBC | £1,000 | £25,000 |
| Barclays | £1,000 | £100,000 |
| NatWest | £1,000 | No limit |
| Lloyds Bank | £1,000 | £500,000 |
| Santander | £2,000 | £25,000 |
| TSB | £1,000 | £1 million |
| Metro Bank | Not stated | £25 million |
| Bank of Ireland | EUR 1,000 | EUR 120,000 |
| Bank of Scotland | £1,000 | £50,001+ |
| Ulster Bank | £1,000 | Not stated |
| Yorkshire Bank | £1,000 | £10 million |
| Clydesdale Bank | £1,000 | £10 million |
| Funding Circle | £10,000 | £500,000 |
| Ferratum | £2,000 | £50,000 |
| Royal Bank of Scotland | £1,000 | £10 million |
| Cooperative Bank | £25,020 | £250,000 |
| Aspire Business Loans | £5,000 | £300,000 |
| Fair Finance | £10,000 | £30,000 |
| Bibby Financial Services | Not stated | Not stated |
| Calverton Finance | £25,000 | £500,000 |
| Capital on Tap | Not stated | £50,000 |
| Catalyst Finance | £25,000 | £1 million |
| Clearfunder | £10,000 | £100,000 |
| Cubefunder | £5,000 | £100,000 |
| Fleximize | £5,000 | £500,000 |
| Nucleus Commercial Finance | £25,000 | £150,000 |
| rebuildingsociety com | £25,000 | Not stated |
| Sancus | £500,000 | £6 million |
| Spotcap | £50,000 | £250,000 |
| Startup Loans | Not stated | £25,000 |
| Ultimate Finance | £7,500 | £250,000 |
| CrowdProperty | £100,000 | £5 million+ |
| Folk 2 Folk | £50,000 | £5 million+ |
| ThinCats | £25,000 | £15 million |
| LendingCrowd | £5,000 | £50,000 |
| Huddle Capital | Not stated | Not stated |
| ArchOver | £250,000 | Not stated |
* The facts and figures included here come from each company’s website and were accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed. Also, please keep in mind these may not be apples to apples comparisons as each provider offers different solutions. This guide should be used as a starting off point for more research on your part.
Below we profile each of the companies’ services and features in a bit more detail.
Note companies are ranked in no particular order and this no way indicates one solution is better than another.
Topics
Featured: iwoca*
Some of the features and benefits of iwoca’s short-term business loan.
- Alternative loans
- Terms up to 12 months
- Borrow from £1,000 to £200,000
- Flexible loan
- Allows you to borrow the value of one month’s revenue
- Simple application form
- Receive the funding within hours
- Repay early to reduce the interest you pay
- Available to business start-ups
- Rated highly on Trustpilot
iwoca offers loans to small businesses to help them grow. They have designed their loans to help businesses to increase their cash flow so that they can purchase stock or invest in their business.
iwoca’s business loans offer loans from £1,000 to £200,000 for up to 12 months, however, they tend to restrict it to the equivalent of one month’s revenue or £10,000 for business start-up. Applying for their loan is easy and funding can be received within hours from approval. They allow you to repay the loan early so that you can reduce the interest you pay, and you can top-up your loan subject to your credit limit.
1. HSBC
Some of the features and benefits of HSBC’s short-term business loan.
- Small business loan
- Loans from 1 year to 12 years
- Loans from £1,000 to £25,000
- Fixed monthly repayments
- No charges for additional repayments
- Payment holidays available
- Manage through their internet banking
- Apply online, by phone or in branch
- Interest can be offset against tax liabilities
- Not required to have an HSBC bank account
HSBC is an international financial provider that offers a broad range of financial products to businesses. Their range of products includes loans, overdrafts and credit cards. Their business loans offer the option of short to long-term loans.
HSBC’s business loans are available from 1 year to 12 years for amounts from £1,000 to £25,000. These loans are fixed-rate loans which offer stability as they have fixed monthly repayments. When you take out the loan you can arrange for a three-month payment holiday. You can set up the loan online, over the phone or in branch and you can monitor your loan through their internet banking.
2. Barclays
Some of the features and benefits of Barclays’ short-term business loan.
- Flexible business loans
- Loans from 1 year to 20 years
- Loans from £1,000 to £100,000
- Unsecured loans
- Fixed or variable interest rates
- 6-month repayment holiday available
- Interest-only repayments available
- Designed to help businesses to set up or expand
- Existing customers will have a provisional borrowing limit
- Loans are available to non-customers
Barclays is a financial institution that offers a variety of financial products which includes loans, mortgages, overdrafts, property finance, asset finance and invoice finance. They offer their financial products to both existing and new customers and are designed to help businesses to grow or set up.
Barclays’ business loans are unsecured and available from 1 year to 20 years for £1,000 to £100,000. Loans below £25,000 are fixed-rate loans that can offer a 6-month repayment holiday at the start of the loan. Loans between £25,000 and £100,000 can be either variable or fixed rate loans and they offer interest-only repayments.
3. NatWest
Some of the features and benefits of NatWest’s short-term business loan.
- Choice of flexible business loans
- Variable or fixed rate
- Terms from 3 months to 25 years
- Loans from £1,000 upwards
- No early repayment charges
- Repayment holidays available
- Security may be required
- Eligibility will be based on your credit history
- They offer loans to businesses of all sizes
- Available to existing and new customers
NatWest is a financial institution offering a range of business finance products including loans, mortgages, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and international trade finance. They have three types of loans of which two offer short-term loan options which are the small business loans and variable rate loans.
NatWest’s small business loans offer loans from £1,000 to £50,000 on terms of 1 to 10 years on a fixed rate of interest with no arrangement or early repayment fees. Their variable rate loans are available for £35,001 upwards over loan periods of 3 months to 25 years with no early repayment charges and offer repayment holidays at the start or mid-term.
4. Lloyds Bank
Some of the features and benefits of Lloyds Bank’s short-term business loan.
- Choice of business loans
- Terms of 1 to 25 years
- Loans from £1,000 to £500,000
- Offer both fixed and variable rate loans
- Secured and unsecured loans
- No arrangement fees on loans up to £25,000
- No early repayment costs
- Capital repayment holidays available on some loans
- Receive a quote in minutes
- Available to existing and new customers
Lloyds Bank is a financial institution who provides a range of finance options to businesses including loans, credit cards, overdrafts, invoice finance, asset finance and mortgages. They offer three business loan products with short-term options.
Lloyds Bank’s Base Rate Loan offers a variable rate secured and unsecured loans from £1,000 over 1 to 25 years with no arrangement fees below £25,000 and no early repayment fees. Their Fixed Rate Loan offers £1,000 to £50,000 over 1 to 10 years with no arrangement fees below £25,000 and no early repayment fees. Their Commercial Fixed Rate Loan offers £50,001 to £500,000 over 1 to 25 years with a capital repayment holiday.
5. Santander
Some of the features and benefits of Santander’s short-term business loan.
- Small business loans
- Terms from 1 to 5 years
- Loans from £2,000 to £25,000
- Fixed interest rate
- No arrangement fees
- Can apply online, over the phone and in branch
- Offers complementary products
- Available to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
- Must have a business current account with them
- Preferential rates for 123 Business World customers
Santander is an international financial institution offering a range of business finance products. These products include loans, overdrafts, credit cards and asset finance. Their loan is designed for small businesses and requires you to have their business current account. 123 Business World customers will also receive preferential rates.
Santander’s small business loans are available from amounts from £2,000 to £25,000 over 1 to 5 years. This loan is a fixed interest rate loan that offers fixed monthly repayments with no arrangement fees. Existing customers can apply online, over the phone and in branch. New customers can apply for a loan at the same time as opening a current account.
6. TSB
Some of the features and benefits of TSB’s short-term business loan.
- Choice of two loans
- Fixed or variable rate loans
- Terms from 1 year to 25 years
- Borrow £1,000 to £1 million
- Secured or unsecured
- Capital repayment holidays may be available
- Early repayment fees can apply
- Arrangement fees can apply
- To apply you must be a sole trader, partner or director
- Available to existing and new customers
TSB is a financial provider operating in the UK offering business products including loans, overdrafts, credit cards and commercial mortgages. They offer two types of loans that are available on terms from 1 year, these are Base Rate Loan and Fixed Rate Loan.
TSB’s Fixed Rate Loan offers £1,000 to £1 million over 1 to 10 years on fixed monthly repayment amounts. The loan is available on a secured and unsecured basis and capital repayment holidays can be available. The Base Rate Loan starts at £25,001 on terms from 1 to 25 years and capital repayment holidays can be available. Security may be required and an arrangement fee applies.
7. Metro Bank
Some of the features and benefits of Metro Bank’s short-term business loan.
- Choice of business loans
- Tailorable loans
- Terms from 1 year
- Loans up to £25 million
- Fixed and variable rates
- No arrangement fees on loans under £25,000
- Apply in branch
- Simple and fast loans
- Will get to know your business
- Branches open 7 days a week
Metro Bank is a financial provider that is a high street bank with a difference as their stores are open 7 days a week 8am-8pm with no appointments needed, you can walk out with a working account and debit card. They have stores in the south of England. They offer loans, overdrafts, credit cards, buy-to-let mortgages, invoice and asset finance.
Metro Bank offers three loans – business loans for under or over £25,000 over periods from 1 to 5 years and no arrangement fees for loans under £25,000. They also offer commercial loans which are a tailored loan solution offering from £25,000 to £25 million over 1 to 30 years.
8. Bank of Ireland
Some of the features and benefits of the Bank of Ireland’s short-term business loan.
- Flexible business loans
- Terms from 1 to 7 years
- Loans from €1,000 to €120,000
- Unsecured loans
- Lower rates available if security is provided
- No arrangement fees
- Quick decisions
- Apply online or over the phone
- Offers specialist farm loans
- Available to small to medium-sized businesses
Bank of Ireland is a financial institution operating in Ireland offering business accounts to established businesses and start-ups, overdrafts and loans. They offer a business loan aimed at small to medium-sized businesses and a range of specialist farm loans.
Bank of Ireland’s business loans are a flexible business loan that is available on terms from 1 year to 7 years for loan values from €1,000 to €120,000. Their loan is available as an unsecured loan, but their interest rates are lower if security is provided. You can apply online or over the phone and they aim to give you a decision quickly, within 24 working hours in most cases.
9. Bank of Scotland
Some of the features and benefits of the Bank of Scotland’s short-term business loan.
- Choice of business loans
- Terms from 1 to 25 years
- Loans from £1,000 upwards
- Fixed and variable rate loans
- Secured or unsecured basis
- No arrangement fees on loans up to £25,000
- No early repayment costs on some loans
- Capital repayment holidays may be available
- Has an online loan calculator
- Available to existing and new customers
Bank of Scotland is part of the Lloyds Banking Group and offers a variety of business finance products including loans, overdrafts, credit cards, mortgages and asset finance. They offer loans based on your annual turnover.
Bank of Scotland’s loan range includes Base Rate Loans offering loans from £1,000 as a secured and unsecured loan on terms from 1 to 25 years. Fixed Rate Loans for £1,000 to £50,000 for loans from 1 to 10 years. Both have no arrangement fees under £25,000 and no early repayment fees. Commercial Fixed Rate Loans from £50,001 over 1 to 25 years on a secure and unsecured basis with capital repayment holidays available.
10. Ulster Bank
Some of the features and benefits of Ulster Bank’s short-term business loan.
- Base rate linked loan
- Terms from 1 month
- Loans from £1,000
- Variable rate loan
- Arrangement fees apply
- Can make early payments
- Apply online in minutes
- Decision within 2 working days
- Available to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
- Available to existing and new customers
Ulster Bank is an Irish banking provider offering a variety of business banking services including loans, overdrafts, credit cards and asset finance. Their business loans offer funding to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies in Northern Ireland.
Ulster Bank’s offers loans from £1,000 with no limit stated on terms starting at 1 month. Their loan is a variable rate loan that tracks the base rate. They allow you the flexibility to reduce your borrowing throughout the loan term. You can apply online for their loan and can check the rates using their online calculator for loans under £25,000. Decisions on loans are made within 2 working days.
11. Yorkshire Bank
Some of the features and benefits of Yorkshire Bank’s short-term business loan.
- Choice of loan products
- Quick online application
- Decision within 48 hours
- Terms from 12 months
- Loans from £1,000 to £10 million
- Fixed or variable rates
- Arrangement fees not applicable on some loans
- No charge for lump sum repayments or early repayments on some loans
- Capital repayment holidays are available on some loans
- It may be possible to structure your payments around seasonal fluctuations
Yorkshire Bank offers a wide range of business products including loans, overdrafts, credit cards, mortgages, asset and invoice finance. Their loans include online, flexible, investment and term loans.
Yorkshire Bank’s Online Business Loan is a fixed rate loan for £10,000 to £150,000 over 12 to 60 months with no charge for a lump sum or early repayments. Term Loans offer loans from £1,000 on a short, medium or long-term basis. Flexible Business Loans offer loans from £25,000, optional capital repayment holidays and payments structured around seasonal fluctuations and no early repayment charges. Business Loans offer £25,001 to £10 million on a choice of fixed or variable rates up to 15 years.
12. Clydesdale Bank
Some of the features and benefits of Clydesdale Bank’s short-term business loan.
- Choice of loans
- Loans from £1,000 to £10 million
- Offers short, medium and long-term loans
- Fixed or variable rate loans
- Offers an interest only option
- One loan is a flexible product that can allow you to overpay
- Ability to redraw overpaid funds on one loan
- No early repayment charges on some products
- Capital repayment holidays may be available
- Dedicated relationship manager
Clydesdale Bank is a high street bank that offers finance to businesses such as loans, overdrafts, credit cards, asset and invoice finance. They offer a choice of loans which meet different purposes.
Clydesdale Bank’s Flexible Business Loan allows you to overpay and redraw overpaid funds and offers the first two redraws for free, as well an option for capital repayment holidays. Business Loans offer fixed or variable rate loans for £25,001 to £10 million. Term Loans are available from £1,000 on short, medium or long-term basis depending on the life expectancy of the asset being purchased and it offers interest-only repayment option.
13. Funding Circle
Some of the features and benefits of Funding Circle’s short-term business loan.
- Fast and affordable business loans
- Terms from 6 months to 5 years
- Loans for £10,000 to £500,000
- Unsecured loans
- Fixed interest rates
- Only pay interest for the time you borrow the funds
- No early repayment fees
- Quick online application
- Decision within 24 hours
- Available for a variety of loan purposes
Funding Circle is an alternative funding provider who brings together investors and borrowers. They offer business loans that include loans which use funding from the government-owned British Business Bank to support small businesses. They provide loans for a wide variety of purposes to businesses of all sizes.
Funding Circle’s business loans are available for amounts from £10,000 to £500,000 on terms from 6 months to 5 years on an unsecured basis on a fixed interest rate so that you have fixed monthly repayments. They allow you to repay the loan early with no fees, so you only pay for the time you borrow the funds for.
14. Huddle Capital
Some of the features and benefits of Huddle Capital’s short-term business loan.
- Peer-to-peer lending provider
- Offers an alternative to traditional bank loans
- Lending amounts are subject to your ability to repay
- Loans can take up to a month to complete
- They use a unique and secure system
- Borrowers are carefully vetted before lenders can make offers
- They have an experienced team of financial experts
- Can be used for a variety of purposes
- Suited to small to medium-sized businesses
- Available to UK businesses that have no CCJs
Huddle Capital is peer-to-peer funding provider that operates a funding platform which connects lenders and borrowers. They provide the service as an alternative to traditional bank loans. They use a unique and secure system to vet borrowers and present loan opportunities.
Huddle Capital’s peer-to-peer lending loans don’t disclose the amount the loan can be for but state that it is subject to your ability to repay the loan. They offer their loans to small to medium-sized business based in the UK that have no CCJs and the loan can be used for a variety of purposes.
15. Ferratum
Some of the features and benefits of Ferratum’s short-term business loan.
- Quick and simple business loans
- Loans for £2,000 to £50,000
- Fixed interest rates
- Quick application process
- Funds released within one business day
- Transparent costs
- No early repayment fees
- Decisions made on your cash flow, not credit score only
- Available for a variety of loan reasons
- Must have been operating for more than 12 months
Ferratum is a financial provider who operates internationally and is part of a larger group called Ferratum Business. They offer loans to small businesses that need to increase their working capital and they base their decisions on cash flow as well as your credit score.
Ferratum’s business loans offer from £2,000 to £50,000 on fixed interest rates and transparent loan terms which include no early repayment fees. Their loans have been designed to be quick and easy with their online application process. Loans are available to businesses that operate in the UK, have been established for more than 12 months and have a turnover above £75,000.
16. Royal Bank of Scotland
Some of the features and benefits of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s short-term business loan.
- A range of business loans
- Terms from 3 months to 25 years
- Loans from £1,000 to £10 million
- Variable and fixed rate loans available
- Small loan products
- Larger loan products
- Payment holidays available
- No early repayment charges
- No setup charges apply to some loans
- Also offer commercial mortgages
Royal Bank of Scotland offers a broad range of business financing products which include loans, overdrafts, credit cards and commercial mortgages. They offer a range of loans including small loans and larger commercial loans.
Royal Bank of Scotland’s Small Business Loans are a fixed rate loan designed for small to medium businesses and are available over 1 to 10 years for £1,000 to £50,000. Variable Rate Loans offer from £35,001 over periods from 3 months to 25 years. Fixed Rate Loans offer from £35,001 to £10 million over 3, 5, 7 or 10 years. Both the variable and fixed rate loans offer repayment holidays and no early repayment fees.
Royal Bank of Scotland website
17. Cooperative Bank
Some of the features and benefits of Cooperative Bank’s short-term business loan.
- Variable Rate Loan
- Terms from 1 and 25 years
- Loans from £25,020 and £250,000
- Arrangement fees apply
- Offers flexible repayment terms
- Secured loans only
- Monthly repayments will vary
- Maximum 70% loan funding on asset purchases
- They aim to make decisions within 7 business days
- Will not lend money for residential property development
Cooperative Bank is a high street bank that is ethically minded. They offer a range of financial products to business which include loans, overdrafts and business charge cards. They only offer one loan product which is available to new and existing customers.
Cooperative Bank’s Variable Rate Loans offer a flexible loan that is available for amounts from £25,020 to £250,000 on terms from 1 to 25 years. They offer flexible repayment terms to help support your business. The loan is a secured loan on which arrangement fees apply. If you are using the loan to purchase an asset, they will lend up to a maximum of 70% of the asset value.
18. ArchOver
Some of the features and benefits of ArchOver’s short-term business loan.
- Peer-to-peer lending provider
- Flexible loan solution
- Terms from 3 to 36 months
- Loans from £250,000
- Fixed rate loans on fixed terms
- Choice of secure or unsecured loans
- No personal guarantees required
- No hidden fees
- No early repayment charges
- Available to established businesses only
ArchOver is a business peer-to-peer lending provider that brings together investors and borrowers in their peer-to-peer platform. They offer investors favourable returns and provide a personalised service to borrowers who are established businesses and they listen and engage with them to better understand their needs.
ArchOver’s peer-to-peer loans offer loans from £250,000 upwards on terms from 3 to 36 months on a fixed rate basis over a fixed time period. They offer several loans that provide a choice of secured or unsecured loans. Their loans require no personal guarantees and have transparent terms with no hidden fees and early repayment charges.
19. Aspire Business Loans
Some of the features and benefits of Aspire Business Loans’ short-term business loan.
- Loans that are quick and simple
- Terms from 1 to 5 years
- Loans from £5,000 to £300,000
- Available as a secured or unsecured loan
- Compare different funding solutions
- Instantly see what loans are available
- No impact on your credit rating
- Offers a range of funding options
- Available to most business types
- Requires businesses to be trading for at least 1 year
Aspire Business Loans forms part of Aspire Money Limited. They offer a variety of business finance solutions to UK businesses that have been trading for more than 1 year, these products include secure loans, unsecured loans, pay as you trade loans, invoice financing and debt refinancing products.
Aspire Business Loans compare different funding solutions from a range of lenders and a variety of finance products. They can offer loans from £5,000 to £300,000 on terms from 1 to 5 years on a secured or unsecured basis. They can provide instant quotes that won’t impact your credit rating.
20. Fair Finance
Some of the features and benefits of Fair Finance’s short-term business loan.
- Small business loan product
- Terms from 6 to 36 months
- Loans from £10,000 to £30,000
- Designed to be a fast and simple loan
- Transparent loans
- No early repayment fees
- Suited to all circumstances
- Available to a wide range of businesses
- Decisions are made by humans, not by computers
- Is a social business that re-invests their profits
Fair Finance is a financial provider that is different from most lenders as they re-invest their profits into the business. Their loan products are available to a broad range of businesses and they will consider most circumstances including those with adverse credit.
Fair Finance’s business loans are designed for small businesses who require fast and simple loans. They offer loans from £10,000 to £30,000 over repayment terms from 6 months to 36 months on transparent terms which include no early repayment fees. Their loan decisions are made by humans who will examine all your circumstances and not just use a computer algorithm to make their decision.
21. Bibby Financial Services
Some of the features and benefits of Bibby Financial Service’s short-term business loan.
- Cashflow Loans
- Terms from 12 to 24 months
- Can form part of an asset-backed loan package
- Unsecured loan
- Flexible repayment structure
- Can be used as top-up funding
- Works in conjunction with invoice finance
- Offers a range of other funding options
- Can be used to fund a variety of purposes
- Dedicated corporate Funding specialists
Bibby Financial Service is an independent and international financial services provider who offers a broad range of business funding solutions. Their funding products including cashflow finance, invoice finance, asset finance, lease hire purchase, refinancing, bad debt protection and a range of specialist finance products.
Bibby Financial Service’s Cashflow Loan is designed for short-term loans from 12 to 24 months and can be used in conjunction with some of their other products such as asset-backed loans and invoice finance as a top-up facility. The loan generally won’t require security and can be used for a variety of funding purposes and it offers flexible repayment structure.
Bibby Financial Service website
22. Calverton Finance
Some of the features and benefits of Calverton Finance’s short-term business loan.
- Short-Term Finance
- Two funding products
- Fast access loans
- In Case of Need Loans
- Terms from 3 months
- Loans from £25,000 to £500,000
- Flexible loan solutions
- Uses an invoice finance facility
- No guarantees required
- Available for a variety of loan purposes
Calverton Finance offers a range of business funding solutions to help businesses release tied up funds. Their products are all invoice finance products, but they state two of their products as Short-Term Loan products called Swift Fund and In Case of Need Loans.
Calverton Finance’s Swift Fund is a facility to release up to 50% of your sales ledger on a minimum term of 3 months, funds can be drawn down with 24 hours for values from £25,000 to £250,000. In Case of Need Loans are a facility that can be set up and drawn down when it is required within 24 hours for values of £50,000 to £500,000.
23. Capital on Tap
Some of the features and benefits of Capital on Tap’s short-term business loan.
- Credit card based short-term loans
- Up to 56 days interest-free card purchases
- Loans up to £250,000
- Use the loan facility whenever needed
- Top up and repay early with no charges
- Interest is applied only for days you have the funds
- Flexible payment options
- Manage the card online
- Multiple cards available
- Available to a variety of businesses and sole traders
Capital on Tap offers loans that are credit card based with a limit of up to £250,000. It is classed as a loan as you can draw down the funding into your bank account or you can use it for purchases like a standard credit card.
Capital on Tap’s business loan card only charges you interest on the days that you owe the money and not over a loan term. As it is a credit card-based loan it gives you flexible repayment terms where you can top up the loan amount at any point within your credit limit and you can repay the loan at any point, both with no additional charges.
24. Catalyst Finance
Some of the features and benefits of Catalyst Finance’s short-term business loan.
- Commercial Business Loan
- Short-term loan specialist
- Terms from 3 to 12 months
- Loans from £25,000 to £1 million
- Fixed interest rates
- Simple and transparent
- Flexible loan
- Available to a range of business types
- Businesses must have been trading for over 2 years
- Can work with other financial products
Catalyst Finance is a finance provider that specialises in short-term business finance which is available to a wide range of businesses that have been trading for over 2 years. They offer finance as commercial loans, VAT and cash flow loans, asset secured loans and selective invoice finance.
Catalyst Finance’s Commercial Business Loans offer loans for £25,000 to £1 million for terms from 3 to 12 months. Their loans are simple and transparent with fixed interest rates which give you regular monthly repayments. The loan has been designed to work alongside other financial products as a complementary loan product.
25. Clearfunder
Some of the features and benefits of Clearfunder’s short-term business loan.
- Clear and simple business loans
- Terms from 6 to 12 months
- Loans from £10,000 to £100,000
- Flexible loan product
- Designed for small to medium-sized businesses
- Competitive loan rates
- Simple and fast loan
- Instant online quote
- All circumstances considered
- Suited to a wide range of businesses
Clearfunder is a finance provider that offers loan products that are suited to a wide range of businesses including those with adverse credit ratings. They cater for small to medium-sized businesses and they fund loans for a variety of loan reasons.
Clearfunder’s business loans are available over 6 months to 12 months for loans of £10,000 to £100,000 that offer affordable repayment amounts. They claim that their loans are competitively priced and are simple and fast to set up and receive funds. They also offer dedicated support to their customers to help them with their finance.
26. Cubefunder
Some of the features and benefits of Cubefunder’s short-term business loan.
- Speedy business loans
- Flexible repayment terms
- Borrow from £5,000 to £100,000
- Tailored repayments
- No APR
- Simple online application
- No early repayment charges
- Lend to businesses for a variety of loan purposes
- Available to a broad range of businesses
- Receive dedicated support
Cubefunder is a finance provider that is dedicated to providing finance to smaller businesses through their flexible loans. They aim to work closely with you so that they can tailor their loan to meet your needs and create a repayment plan that matches your revenue.
Cubefunder’s business loans offer a one-off fixed loan fee with no APR so your loan charges are the same regardless of the length of the loan term. They offer loans from £5,000 to £100,000 over terms that are tailored to your needs. They provide dedicated customer support and a simple online application form to make their loan experience easier.
27. Fleximize
Some of the features and benefits of Fleximize’s short-term business loan.
- SME loan products
- Terms from 1 to 48 months
- Loans from £5,000 to £500,000
- Secure and unsecured loan options
- No hidden fees
- Quick loan decisions
- Flexible loan terms
- Option to repay the loan early to reduce fees
- Dedicated relationship manager
- Rated highly on Trustpilot
Fleximize is a financial provider whose business focuses on loans designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Their loans are different from many other loans as they allow you to repay your loan early and to reduce the interest charges that apply.
Fleximize’s business loans offer finance from £5,000 to £500,000 on terms from 1 month to 4 years. Their loans are flexible, offer a top-up facility and the option to have repayment holidays to help businesses to manage their cash flow. Their loans are designed to be tailored to your needs and their loan process is quick at giving decisions.
28. Nucleus Commercial Finance
Some of the features and benefits of Nucleus Commercial Finance’s short-term business loan.
- Cash Flow Finance loan
- Terms from 3 months to 3 years
- Loans from £25,000 to £150,000
- Unsecured loan
- Funding can be received in 24 hours
- Can be used for a variety of reasons
- Online application
- Hassle-free loans
- Offers a variety of other finance solutions
- Available to businesses that have been trading for over 3 years
Nucleus Commercial Finance is a financial provider that offers a range of business finance solutions which include loans, property finance, cash advance, invoice finance and asset-based lending. They claim to offer finance solutions which give quick access to funds and are simple to set up.
Nucleus Commercial Finance’s Cash Flow Finance loan offers loans from £25,000 to £150,000 on loan terms from 3 months to 3 years. Their loans are unsecured loans and they claim to be hassle-free as they offer a quick decision service and funds can be released within 24 hours of the decision being made.
Nucleus Commercial Finance website
29. rebuildingsociety.com
Some of the features and benefits of rebuildingsociety.com’s short-term business loan.
- Community-based lending solution
- Loans that are available as short term loans
- Choice of secured or unsecured loans
- No hidden costs
- No early repayment fees
- Online quote
- Fast application form
- Receive a decision within 24 hours
- Available for a range of reasons
- Funding provided by a community of lenders
rebuildingsociety.com is a financial provider that operates as a peer-to-peer lending platform where they bring together investors and borrowers. They have set themselves up as an ethically minded business working with ethically minded local investors. Their loans are available to small to medium-sized businesses based in the UK that operate in a variety of sectors.
rebuildingsociety.com loans are available for a variety of purposes and can be either a secured or unsecured loan for over £25,000. They have an online application form and offer transparent terms with no hidden costs or early repayment fees and you can receive a decision within 24 hours.
30. Sancus
Some of the features and benefits of Sancus’ short-term business loan.
- Simple business loans
- Matches lenders with borrowers
- Offers short to long-term funding
- Loans from £500,000 to £6 million
- Secured loans
- Fixed interest rates
- Flexible loans
- Loans offered for working capital reasons
- Available to UK businesses that are profitable
- Offers a range of loan solutions
Sancus is a finance provider that offers alternative funding to banks through matching lenders with borrowers through offering above current interest rates to lenders. They provide funding to small to medium-sized businesses that are UK based and profitable.
Sancus’ business loans offer loans from £500,000 to £6 million which are available on terms as low as a few days up to 5 years. They offer secured loans on a fixed interest rate on flexible terms for working capital reasons. They have their own bespoke digital platform to manage the loan process. They also offer asset-backed loans and education finance.
31. Spotcap
Some of the features and benefits of Spotcap’s short-term business loan.
- Simple loan product
- Terms from 1 to 24 months
- Loans from £50,000 to £250,000
- Unsecured loan
- Transparent terms
- No early repayment fees
- Online application with a decision within a working day
- Available to UK business with a turnover over £500,000
- Can be used for any purpose
- Rated highly on Trustpilot
Spotcap is an online finance provider who caters for small to medium-sized businesses that are UK based and have an annual turnover above £500,000. They offer simple and straightforward loans that are available for any purpose.
Spotcap’s business loans offer funding from £50,000 to £250,000 on terms from 1 to 24 months on an unsecured basis. Their loans are transparent and simple with no early repayment fees. You can apply online for their loan and you will receive a decision on your loan application within a working day. They are also highly rated on Trustpilot for their customer service.
32. Startup Loans
Some of the features and benefits of Startup Loans’ short-term business loan.
- Business loans backed by the government
- Terms from 1 to 5 years
- Loans of up to £25,000
- Fixed interest rate set at 6%pa
- No setup charges
- No early repayment fees
- Provides loan support
- Designed for small businesses and start-ups
- Give 12 months of free mentoring
- Provides useful templates
Startup Loans is a loan scheme that is backed by the UK government and is designed to help small businesses and business start-ups to get started or to grow. Their loans are transparent with a fixed low-interest rate which is the same for all customers at 6%pa.
Startup Loans are available for up to £25,000 on terms from 1 to 5 years with no hidden fees including setup charges and early repayment fees. They provide loan support to help you complete the loan application and to support your business after receiving the loan through 12 months of free mentoring and their range of useful templates.
33. Ultimate Finance
Some of the features and benefits of Ultimate Finance’s short-term business loan.
- Ultimate Loan
- Terms from 3 to 24 months
- Loans from £7,500 to £250,000
- No setup fees
- Personal guarantee required
- Online application and quick decision
- Receive the funds within 1 working day
- Dedicated customer support team
- Available to established and start-up businesses
- Must have an annual turnover over £75,000 or expect to reach this
Ultimate Finance is a financial provider who claims to offer competitively priced business finance products that are suited to established businesses and those that are just starting up. To be eligible for their loans you must have or expect to have an annual turnover above £75,000.
Ultimate Finance’s business loans offer loans from £7,500 to £250,000 over periods of 3 to 24 months. Their loans require a personal guarantee and have no setup fees. You can apply online and receive a quick decision and once you have signed you can receive the funds within 1 working day.
34. CrowdProperty
Some of the features and benefits of CrowdProperty’s short-term business loan.
- Property finance loans
- Short-term funding available
- Loans from £100,000 to £5 million
- Offers up to 100% loan to cost
- Transparent and fair
- No hidden fees
- Short and simple loan application
- Initial decisions within 24 hours
- Fast and easy drawdowns
- Access to their loan experts
CrowdProperty is a financial provider who offers property finance to developers and professionals in the property sector. Their business setup is a crowdfunding type of business offering investors opportunities to achieve inflation beating interest.
CrowdProperty’s loans are transparent and fair with no hidden fees and they have a short and simple loan application. They offer loans for £100,000 to £5 million with an initial decision on your loan application within 24 hours and then once approved they offer fast and easy draw down facilities. They offer loans up to 100% of the costs depending on the circumstances.
35. Folk 2 Folk
Some of the features and benefits of Folk 2 Folk’s short-term business loan.
- Peer-to-peer business loans
- Simple and transparent loans
- Terms from 6 months to 5 years
- Loans start at £50,000
- Interest rates start at 0.38%
- Secured loans only
- Offer interest only loans options
- Designed to offer a stress-free borrowing process
- Funding can be received within weeks
- Available to a range of businesses for a variety of loan purposes
Folk 2 Folk is a peer-to-peer finance provider that brings together local investors with those seeking funding through their lending platform. They have been set up to help businesses and their communities to grow and develop.
Folk 2 Folk’s business loans are available for loans from £50,000 to over £5 million on terms that start at 6 months up to 5 years and their interest rates start at 0.38%. They only offer secured loans, but they do provide an interest only option. They claim that their loan process is simple and stress-free with transparent terms and funding can be received within a few weeks.
36. ThinCats
Some of the features and benefits of ThinCats’ short-term business loan.
- Business loans that are bespoke to your needs
- Terms from 6 months to 5 years
- Loans from £250,000 to £15 million
- Secure loan
- Offers working capital loans
- Available for a range of financing reasons
- Will listen to you and understand your business
- A personalised approach to lending
- Arrangement fees apply
- Available to businesses in the UK who have been operating for 2 or more years
ThinCats is a finance provider who helps businesses to find funding from institutional and retail investors. They provide a bespoke service where they tailor the loan to meet your business’ needs. Loans are available to businesses operating in the UK who have been trading for over 2 years.
ThinCats’ offer secure business loans that require security and they provide loans from £250,000 to £15 million over 6 months to 5 years. They offer funding for working capital loans, refinancing, growth finance, acquisition finance and asset purchase. They offer a personalised approach to their service and will listen to your business needs to create a loan for you.
37. LendingCrowd
Some of the features and benefits of LendingCrowd’s short-term business loan.
- Peer-to-peer lending provider
- Bidding based loan site
- Terms from 6 months to 5 years
- Loans from £5,000 to £50,000
- Transparent terms
- Claim to offer low fees
- Interest rates from 5.95%
- Make decisions within 24 hours
- Funding transferred the day of the arrangement
- They allow you greater control of your loan
LendingCrowd is a peer-to-peer lending platform which allows borrowers to post their funding opportunity (after approval) for investors to bid to offer the most competitive loan rates. Their loan rates start at 5.95%. Once the investors have bid, the borrower can select the loan offer that they prefer which gives you greater control of your loan.
LendingCrowd’s business loans offer funding from £5,000 to £50,000 over periods from 6 months to 5 years. They claim to offer transparent terms and low fees. They make initial funding decisions within 24 hours and once the loan is agreed they will transfer the funding the same day.
* Please note we may be paid a fee if you visit Swoop, Iwoca and/or EJ Finance to take out a loan.