Compare business finance and loans
From working capital to asset purchases, compare business loans, invoice finance, merchant cash advances and asset finance from UK lenders — without a hard credit search to start.
Compare finance options
Base rate movements are feeding through to business lending
Fixed-rate term loans have started to reprice. If you borrowed in the last two years, refinancing could cut your monthly repayment noticeably.
Is now the right time to borrow?
The right answer depends on what the money is for and how predictable your revenue is.
You're funding growth with clear ROI
New equipment, a second site or a bulk stock buy with a measurable return usually justifies borrowing, even at today's rates.
You have a cash flow gap
Invoice finance or a flexible facility is nearly always cheaper than an unarranged overdraft or paying suppliers late.
You're refinancing existing debt
Consolidating several short-term facilities into one term loan can lower monthly outgoings and simplify your reporting.
Revenue is unpredictable
Consider a revolving facility or merchant cash advance that flexes with takings, rather than a fixed monthly repayment.
How business lending decisions are made
- Lenders look at trading history, turnover, profitability and how consistent your bank account inflows are.
- Personal guarantees are common for unsecured lending — check what you're signing before you accept an offer.
- Secured lending against property or assets attracts lower rates but takes longer to complete.
- Your credit profile matters, but so does affordability: lenders model whether repayments fit your cash cycle.
- Comparing through a broker means one application reaching multiple lenders rather than several hard searches.
Typical business finance rates and terms
Indicative UK market figures. Your offer depends on trading history, security and credit profile.
| Product | Typical rate | Typical term |
|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loan | 8% – 20% APR | 1 – 5 years |
| Secured business loan | 6% – 12% APR | 3 – 20 years |
| Invoice finance | 1% – 3% of invoice value | Rolling |
| Asset finance | 6% – 15% APR | 1 – 7 years |
| Merchant cash advance | 1.1 – 1.4 factor rate | 6 – 18 months |
How to compare business finance
One application, multiple lenders, no impact on your credit file to get indicative terms.
Tell us what you need
Amount, purpose and how quickly you need the funds. Six months of bank statements speeds everything up.
Review your options
We show indicative rates, total cost of borrowing, term and security requirements side by side.
Complete with a specialist
Your adviser handles the full application with your chosen lender and keeps it moving to drawdown.
Expert advice
Businesses fixate on the interest rate, but the total cost of borrowing and the repayment shape matter far more. A slightly higher rate over a longer term can be far safer for cash flow.
“Always ask for the total amount repayable, not just the APR. That single figure makes offers genuinely comparable.”
Types of business finance
Match the product to the purpose and you'll almost always borrow more cheaply.
Unsecured business loans
Fixed-term borrowing with no asset security, typically £10,000 to £500,000. Fast to arrange, usually backed by a personal guarantee.
Secured business loans
Larger sums at lower rates, secured against commercial property or other assets. Longer to complete but far cheaper over the term.
Invoice finance
Release up to 90% of an invoice's value as soon as it's raised, instead of waiting 30 to 90 days for payment.
Asset finance and leasing
Spread the cost of vehicles, machinery and equipment over its working life, preserving your working capital.
Merchant cash advance
Repay as a fixed percentage of your card takings. Repayments flex with trade, which suits seasonal retail and hospitality.
Revolving credit facilities
A pre-agreed limit you draw on and repay as needed, paying interest only on what you use.
3 things to do before you apply
Preparation directly affects the rate you're offered.
Get your accounts up to date
Filed accounts and recent management figures give lenders confidence and unlock better pricing.
Check your business credit profile
Errors on Experian or Creditsafe files are common and can be corrected before you apply.
Avoid scattergun applications
Multiple hard searches in a short window damages your profile. One brokered application protects it.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of providers
We compare a broad panel of UK lending providers, so you can weigh price, service and contract terms side by side.
Exclusive offers
We negotiate exclusive rates, cashback and switching incentives you won't always find by going direct.
Simple and fast
One short form, one call from a specialist, and quotes tailored to your business — usually within 24 hours.
We compare these business lenders
High street banks, challengers and specialist lenders across the UK market.
Funding Circle
iwoca
NatWest
Lloyds Bank
Barclays
HSBC
Santander
Aldermore
Shawbrook
Nucleus
Bibby
Close BrothersComparing with us is a no-brainer
“We needed £80,000 for a second unit and had been quoted 18% by our bank. Through the comparison we drew down at 9.4% on a five-year term within nine days.”
Alicia, manufacturer in Birmingham
Latest from our experts
Secured vs unsecured business loans
When putting up security is worth it — and when it isn't.
Invoice finance explained for UK SMEs
How factoring and discounting work, and what they really cost.
Personal guarantees: what you're agreeing to
The risks every director should understand before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Will comparing affect my credit score?
No. Indicative quotes use soft searches. A hard search only happens once you choose a lender and proceed with a full application.
How quickly can I get funds?
Unsecured loans and merchant cash advances can fund within 48 hours. Secured lending typically takes three to eight weeks.
Can I borrow with a poor credit history?
Often yes, through specialist lenders, though rates will be higher. Recent trading performance carries a lot of weight.
Do I need to provide security?
Not for unsecured lending, but most lenders will ask for a personal guarantee from directors.
How new does my business need to be?
Most lenders want at least 6–12 months of trading. Start-up loans are available separately for newer businesses.
Is your service free?
Yes, comparing is free. Where a lender pays us a commission, it doesn't change the rate you're offered.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026