HSBC UK Bank plc is a major UK arm of the global HSBC Group, founded in 1865. It offers retail and commercial banking services with a focus on SMEs to large corporates. HSBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by both the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The bank provides a universal banking model with a wide range of business finance options suited for established businesses needing scalable funding or international trade support. More details on traditional banking and high street lenders can be found on high street banks and lenders.
Key Features of HSBC UK Bank plc
HSBC combines a broad product range with digital tools and support for international business, along with government-backed schemes.
- Access to online business banking and a mobile app with biometric login.
- Relationship management services for businesses with turnover above £2m, detailed in customer relations management.
- Integration with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage for easier financial management.
- International payments capability in over 60 currencies supported by HSBC’s global network.
- Access to specialist government-backed schemes like the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG).
Funding Eligibility
Eligibility usually requires a minimum of 12 months trading history, or 24 months for some products. You may qualify if your business meets turnover and documentation requirements without recent credit issues. Personal guarantees are commonly required, especially for SMEs.
- Minimum trading period generally 12 months; some products require 24 months. See eligibility guidance.
- Minimum annual turnover thresholds vary by product: none for small loans/cards, £500k+ for invoice finance, and £2m+ for revolving credit.
- Personal and director guarantees often necessary; learn more at personal guarantee requirements.
Loan Options with HSBC UK Bank
HSBC’s product range covers from small unsecured loans to large secured commercial mortgages, supporting varied business needs and sizes.
- Small Business Loan: £1,000 – £25,000; 1 to 10 years term; from 7.1% representative APR fixed. Requires 12 months trading; unsecured up to £25k. More info at small business loans.
- Flexible Business Loan: £25,001 – £10,000,000; 1 to 20 years term; variable rate Bank of England Base Rate + margin. Usually secured above £100k. Details at flexible business loans.
- Commercial Mortgage: £25,001 – £10,000,000; 3 to 25 years term; variable or fixed rates from 2.35% above Base Rate. Requires first legal charge on property. See commercial mortgages.
- Business Overdraft: Unsecured up to £25,000; secured above that, with review annually. Interest Base Rate + 2.75%-7.5%. More at business overdrafts.
- Asset Finance (Hire Purchase/Finance Lease): £10,000 – £10,000,000; 1 to 7 years term; from 4.5% flat rate, asset acts as security. Info at asset finance.
- Invoice Finance: £50,000 – £50,000,000; rolling 12-month facility; Base Rate + 2%-3% service fee; up to 90% invoice value advance. See details at invoice financing.
- Trade Finance: £50,000 – £20,000,000 (per transaction); up to 180 days term; Base Rate + 2%–4% margin. Support via HSBC global networks. More info at trade finance.
- Business Credit Card: Credit limit £1,000 – £100,000; revolving with 56 days interest-free; representative 22.4% APR. See business credit cards.
- Revolving Credit Facility: £50,000 – £5,000,000; 1 to 5 years term; Base Rate + 2.25%–4.25%; interest only on drawn funds. Details at revolving credit loans.
How to Apply
HSBC offers online application for smaller loans and cards, while larger amounts may combine online and relationship-managed processes. Decision times vary by product size.
- Submit an online application for loans up to £25,000, overdrafts, and credit cards via HSBC digital channels. See application form.
- Provide required documentation including filed accounts, bank statements, management accounts, ID, and proofs related to assets or invoices for specialised products. Full list at application documents needed.
- Undergo credit, trading history, and affordability checks. Smaller loans get instant to 2-day decisions; larger or secured facilities take 5-15 working days.
- Sign loan agreements and complete legal processes where required. Funding generally same day for small products, and 2–10 days after legal completion for secured loans.
- Use calculators to estimate repayments and affordability before applying: business loan calculator, unsecured business loan calculator, asset finance calculator, and invoice finance calculator.
Funding Agent's view on HSBC UK Bank plc
HSBC UK Bank plc offers a comprehensive range of business financing options with strong digital tools and global trade expertise. Its products suit established SMEs and mid-market firms with scalable capital needs. Newer businesses or those seeking unsecured lending with rapid decisions might consider alternatives. Explore your options and find detailed advice on how to qualify for a business loan, compare business loans, or use our business loan calculator to assess suitability before applying.


