Funding Options Limited, established in 2011, operates as a UK-based credit broker connecting small and medium-sized businesses with over 120 accredited lenders through its Funding Cloud marketplace. As an FCA-authorised broker (FRN 727148), it offers access to a broad selection of business finance products via fast, technology-driven lending matches. The service may suit businesses looking for a quick overview of numerous lending choices without individually approaching lenders. More information about general business loans and specific unsecured business loans is available.
Key Features of Funding Options Limited
The lender distinguishes itself with its digital platform enabling automated, instant loan matching utilising open banking data and a large lender panel. It offers a mix of digital and human support for applicants.
- Access over 120 UK business lenders with a single online application
- Instant decisioning via the proprietary Funding Cloud engine and real-time affordability checks
- No brokerage fee for most products; commission paid by lenders
- Wide product range including unsecured, secured, invoice, asset finance, merchant cash advances and bridging finance
- FCA-authorised broker with robust data security and GDPR compliance
Funding Eligibility Requirements
Typically, you may qualify if your business meets trading period and turnover thresholds relevant to the underwriting rules of third-party lenders. Most lenders require UK registration and exclude specific sectors. Personal guarantees are commonly requested ensuring repayment obligations are secured.
- Trading history between 3 to 12 months depending on product type; startups can access certain loans eligibility guide
- Annual turnover usually ranges from £50,000 to over £250,000 business loan criteria
- Excluded sectors typically include gambling, weapons manufacturing, illicit substances, and cryptocurrency-related businesses lender exclusions
- Personal guarantees, often from directors, are commonly required for unsecured financing personal guarantee explanation
Loan Options Available through Funding Options
The platform presents a broad spectrum of finance types, each with distinct amounts, terms, rates, and conditions. Below are some key products from low to high value.
- Unsecured Business Loan: £1,000–£500,000; terms 3 months to 5 years; APR 6%–39% dependent on lender; requires at least 6 months trading and £50,000 turnover unsecured business loans
- Secured Business Loan: £25,000–£20,000,000; 1 to 10 years term; APR 4%–15%; needs 12+ months trading and £100,000 turnover; collateral required secured loans overview
- Revolving Credit Facility / Business Line of Credit: £3,000–£500,000; open-ended with reviews; monthly interest 1%–4%; for businesses with 9+ months trading and £85,000 turnover revolving credit loans
- Asset Finance (Hire Purchase, Leasing & Refinance): £5,000–£5,000,000; 1 to 7 years; APR 4%–18%; requires asset as security and 12+ months trading asset finance
- Invoice Finance (Factoring & Confidential Invoice Discounting): £10,000–£5,000,000; ongoing; fees 0.5%–3% per invoice plus service fees; needs £100,000 turnover and 6+ months invoice history invoice financing
- Merchant Cash Advance: £2,500–£500,000; 3 to 18 months; factor rate 1.1 to 1.5 (approx. 15%-50% APR); for card revenue businesses with 3+ months trading MCA loans
- Bridging Finance / Short-Term Property Loan: £50,000–£25,000,000; 1 to 24 months; interest 0.49%–1.5% per month; primarily property-secured bridging loans
- eCommerce Revenue-Based Finance: £10,000–£5,000,000; 3 to 12 months term; fixed fee 6%–12% of advance; for online businesses with 6+ months revenue history (no dedicated link available)
How to Apply for Funding
The application process is predominantly digital, designed for speed and simplicity, with optional personalised support. Expect to submit business and director details and provide evidence of trading and finances.
- Complete an online application typically within 6 minutes, with telephone support available
- Provide identification, recent bank statements via Open Banking, and management accounts as needed
- Receive loan matches in under 60 seconds, with formal offers within 20 minutes to 48 hours depending on complexity loan approval timeline
- Sign agreements digitally and fund disbursement may happen as quickly as same day for smaller unsecured loans same day funding details
Funding Agent's View on Funding Options Limited
Funding Options Limited operates as a technology-driven intermediary offering extensive lender access without direct lending risk. Their service suits SMEs wanting a broad finance snapshot quickly. Be aware the final loan terms, rates, and conditions rest with third-party lenders. Applicants should prepare for thorough documentation and personal guarantees on many products. For businesses considering finance solutions, consult tools like our business loan calculator, review eligibility with guides on loan qualifications, and explore various funding options tailored to your sector and needs.
