What is a cashflow loan and how can it help your business?

A cashflow loan is a form of working capital finance designed to cover short‑term funding gaps rather than long‑term investment. Typical purposes include meeting payroll, purchasing stock ahead of peak trading, paying suppliers, covering a VAT bill, or bridging the gap between invoices and receipts. These facilities are built to get cash into your business quickly so you can keep trading smoothly.

Cashflow finance differs from asset finance or mortgage-style loans because the emphasis is on short-term liquidity rather than long-term capital investment. Depending on the lender or broker, facilities may be unsecured or secured, and terms tend to range from a few weeks to 24 months for many products.

Product availability, rates and terms depend on lender assessment and your business circumstances; nothing on this page constitutes financial advice.

Why choose Fast Business Loans for cashflow finance?

Fast Business Loans helps you save time and increase your chances of securing appropriate finance by matching your enquiry with specialist lenders and brokers. We don’t lend or advise — we introduce you to providers who can give personalised quotes.

• Fast matching: Our enquiry takes under two minutes and we typically put you in contact with suitable partners within hours.
• Sector-aware partners: We match you to providers with experience in your industry to avoid generic rejections.
• No credit impact to enquire: Submitting our eligibility check does not affect your business credit file — lenders perform formal checks only if you proceed.
• Secure and confidential: We share your details only with lenders/brokers who can help your request and handle data securely.

“Matched quickly and received practical options within a day — simple and time-saving.” — anonymised client feedback

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Quick snapshot

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How our cashflow loan matching process works

1. Submit a quick enquiry — Tell us basic business details, the amount you need (from £10k+), purpose, turnover band and contact details. It takes under two minutes.
2. We introduce you to trusted partners — We match your enquiry to brokers and lenders who specialise in your sector and finance requirement. A human will typically review and follow up to clarify details.
3. Review offers — Partners send quotes and discuss rates, security and terms. You compare multiple options; there’s no obligation to accept.
4. Fund and manage repayments — Once you choose a provider they conduct underwriting and, if approved, arrange funds. You deal directly with the lender/broker for final terms and repayments.

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Cashflow loan options you could access via our panel

Our network covers a variety of cashflow and working capital products. A few common options include:

Unsecured cashflow loans

Quick to arrange for smaller amounts; typically used for immediate short‑term needs. Larger amounts may require stronger trading history. Some facilities may ask for personal guarantees depending on risk.

Secured cashflow loans

Lower rates may be available where security is offered (e.g. property or debenture). Suitable when you need a larger facility and can provide collateral.

Short‑term working capital loans

Bridging seasonal peaks or one-off expenditure; terms from a few weeks to 18–24 months.

Revolving credit facilities & overdraft alternatives

Flexible drawdown to use as required — useful for variable cashflow needs.

Invoice finance & merchant cash advances

Unlock cash tied in unpaid invoices or future card takings to maintain liquidity.

To understand whether invoice-based solutions or other cashflow products suit you, read more about our cashflow offerings and how they compare on our dedicated cashflow loans pillar page: cashflow loans.

Cashflow loan eligibility: what lenders usually look for

Eligibility varies by provider but common criteria include:

• Trading history and proven turnover
• Bank account performance (business banking statements)
• Management accounts and VAT returns where applicable
• Director information and identification
• Sector and customer concentration — some industries are higher risk

Documentation checklist (typical): business bank statements (3–12 months), recent management accounts, proof of identity for directors, details of outstanding liabilities and purpose of funds. If you’ve been declined elsewhere, specialist lenders or brokers on our panel may still be able to help — submit your details and we’ll see who’s most likely to consider your case.

Eligibility criteria are subject to lender assessment and borrowing is subject to status and affordability checks.

Understanding costs, rates and responsible borrowing

Costs for cashflow loans vary widely by product and provider. Common cost elements include:

• Interest rates or factor fees: May be quoted as APR or flat fees depending on product.
• Arrangement fees: One‑off fees charged by the lender or broker.
• Early repayment fees: Some facilities carry an early exit charge.
• Ongoing facility fees: For revolving lines or invoice finance, there may be monthly/annual charges.

Always request a clear breakdown of the total cost of credit and compare offers on the same basis. Prepare a simple affordability checklist: projected cashflow forecast, worst‑case repayment scenario, and contingency plan if income dips.

Tip: Prepare a short cashflow forecast before accepting an offer — it helps you choose the most affordable solution.

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Cashflow loan support across UK industries

Our panel covers many sectors. Typical cashflow pressures by sector include:

• Construction: materials, subcontractor payments and retentions.
• Retail & e‑commerce: stock purchasing for seasonal peaks.
• Hospitality & leisure: refurbishment, staffing and seasonal lulls.
• Manufacturing & engineering: input costs, supply chain delays.
• Healthcare & clinics: equipment, payroll and regulatory delays.
• Transport & logistics: fleet maintenance, fuel and driver costs.

If your industry isn’t listed here, our matchmaking will search for lenders/brokers that specialise in your sector.

Real‑world cashflow outcome (anonymised)

Background: Regional retailer with £350k annual turnover faced a stock shortfall ahead of an important seasonal campaign.

• Enquiry submitted via Fast Business Loans at 09:00.
• Matched to two specialist brokers within 3 hours.
• One broker arranged a short‑term unsecured facility for £40k; lender completed checks and funded within 7 working days.
• Retailer used funds to buy stock, met seasonal demand, and repaid within the agreed short term.

Outcome: Speed and sector fit were decisive — the retailer avoided lost sales and preserved supplier relationships.

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Cashflow loan FAQs

How quickly can I secure a cashflow loan?

After you submit our short enquiry, matched brokers usually respond within hours. Funding timelines depend on the lender’s underwriting and your documentation — from 48 hours for quick facilities to several weeks for secured or bespoke loans.

Will enquiring through Fast Business Loans affect my credit score?

No — submitting our eligibility check is a soft enquiry and does not affect your credit score. Formal credit checks are performed only by lenders at the application stage, should you choose to proceed.

Do I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?

Some facilities are unsecured, especially smaller short‑term loans; for larger amounts or higher risk profiles, lenders may request security or personal guarantees. This is determined by the lender’s assessment.

Can start‑ups apply?

Many of our partners work with growing SMEs and newer businesses, but eligibility varies. Provide honest turnover and trading history in the enquiry so we can match you to the most appropriate partners.

What happens after I submit the enquiry form?

We review your details and match you to one or more lenders/brokers who can help. They will contact you to discuss options and request documents if they decide to proceed.

Are there fees for using Fast Business Loans?

It’s free for businesses to submit an enquiry via Fast Business Loans. Lenders or brokers may charge fees as part of their offers — these will be disclosed by them when they present quotes.

Can I still be matched if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Yes. Because lenders have different appetites, being declined by one does not preclude offers from others. Our matching aims to find providers suited to your circumstances.

How are my details protected?

We handle your data securely and only share it with partners relevant to your request. Full privacy details are available on our privacy page.

Tools and guidance to strengthen your cashflow

Before you apply, useful steps include:

• Prepare a simple 3‑month cashflow forecast (many templates available online).
• Gather recent business bank statements and management accounts.
• Speak with your accountant or finance director about affordability and tax timing.

For practical templates and guides, visit gov.uk business support and reputable accounting sites for cashflow planning tools.

Ready to secure the cashflow your business needs?

Complete a short, free enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can provide tailored cashflow solutions. It takes under two minutes — and won’t affect your credit score.

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If you prefer a call back, include a contact number in your enquiry and our partners will be able to reach out.

Submitting this form will not affect your credit score. Fast Business Loans introduces businesses to finance providers; we are not a lender and do not give regulated financial advice.

Compliance & disclaimer

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Product availability, rates and terms depend on lender assessment and your business circumstances. Borrowing is subject to status and affordability. Information on this page is general guidance — independent financial advice is recommended where appropriate.