Best Lenders to Secure a 130k Business Line of Credit
For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank, prices accurate as of 2026-02-12.
Funding Agent focuses on helping UK SMEs quickly compare various business finance products through a streamlined application process. It is typically suitable for franchise buyers and operators seeking flexible and unsecured funding options without collateral. The provider emphasizes speed and accessibility, offering straightforward eligibility matching and multiple repayment structures.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
- Industries: UK SME's
Pros
- fastest and easiest application process
- No collateral required
Cons
- lower track record, only trading 1 year
LendingCrowd operates as an online peer-to-peer platform connecting investors with UK SMEs. It generally suits franchise buyers seeking growth capital with clear, mid-sized loan options. The platform offers flexible repayment options and does not typically require collateral, promoting moderate-speed application and funding.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 5.95%
- Max APR: 12.5%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Peer-to-Peer Lending
- Industries: Technology, Services, Retail
Pros
- Quick application process
- No early repayment fees
3. Bank of Scotland
Bank of Scotland provides traditional banking services including business accounts and loans suited to a broad range of franchise buyers. It typically supports secured and unsecured lending with flexible repayment options and moderate-to-long term durations. The provider is known for reliable underwriting and can involve more detailed application procedures.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 2.5%
- Max APR: 13.5%
- Loan Duration: 6-180 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Construction, Hospitality
Pros
- Established brand
- Wide range of services
Cons
- Lengthy application process
Barclays offers comprehensive business banking solutions, supporting a variety of franchise needs from early-stage to established enterprises. This lender provides flexible loan structures often secured against assets, with varied repayment terms suitable for longer durations. Barclays is known for robust customer service and a broad product range, balancing formality with tailored support.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 22.9%
- Loan Duration: 12-240 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Credit Facilities
- Industries: Healthcare, IT, Retail
Pros
- Global reach
- Strong customer support
Cons
- Higher rates for small loans
Cater Allen Private Bank specialises in private banking and tailored business finance, focusing on high net worth clients and niche professional sectors. It typically suits businesses requiring bespoke solutions with a high entry threshold and bespoke credit assessment. The bank offers exclusive product access though standard loan amount and APR data are unavailable.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Private Banking, Business Finance
- Industries: Professional Services, Finance
Pros
- Bespoke services
- Exclusive products
Cons
- High entry requirements
- Limited transparency
HSBC UK delivers a wide array of financial products globally, including commercial banking solutions for UK franchises. It is suitable for businesses looking for flexible credit lines and varied loan durations, often with collateral options and scalable repayment plans. HSBC emphasises digital access and international support, though fee structures can be complex.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £10,000,000
- Min APR: 2.9%
- Max APR: 21.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-240 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Commercial Banking, Business Credit
- Industries: Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing
Pros
- Global presence
- Strong digital platform
Lloyds Bank supports UK franchises with a focus on business lending and advisory services. It is ideal for those needing tailored growth capital with options for secured and unsecured loans. Lloyds provides robust local branch support and a variety of repayment arrangements, aiming for reliability and consistent service.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £3,000,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 14.5%
- Loan Duration: 12-180 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Merchant Services
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing
Pros
- Strong UK focus
- Wide branch network
Cons
- Rigorous application process
8. Santander UK
Santander UK offers business lending products designed to support varied franchise sector needs, focusing on customer service and satisfaction. The bank generally provides secured and unsecured loan options with flexible repayment terms. It aims to balance competitive pricing with extensive support across education, logistics, and retail sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,500,000
- Min APR: 3%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 3-144 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Lending, Secured Loans
- Industries: Education, Logistics, Retail
Pros
- Customer-centric
- Innovative solutions
Metro Bank provides straightforward personal and business financial products with customer-focused service tailored to franchise operators. It suits those seeking flexible lending and credit card options with accessible service but may have limits on branch network availability. Metro Bank emphasises flexible repayment structures and prompt client support.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 2.9%
- Max APR: 17.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-120 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Business Credit Cards
- Industries: Retail, Property
Pros
- Customer service excellence
- Flexible approach
NatWest offers a variety of business financial products tailored to support franchise owners with growth and sustainability needs. This lender provides a mix of secured and unsecured loans and overdrafts, alongside comprehensive online services. It is appropriate for UK SMEs requiring adaptable credit solutions and solid branch presence.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 2.5%
- Max APR: 16.5%
- Loan Duration: 6-180 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Technology
Pros
- Comprehensive online services
- Strong UK presence
How to choose
When seeking the best lenders to secure a 130k business line of credit, carefully consider how loan size and APR fit your financial capacity. Assess eligibility criteria to ensure you meet lender requirements. Balance your need for speed with the flexibility of loan terms offered. Review fees, early repayment options, and whether the loan requires collateral. Also, evaluate how repayment schedules align with your franchise cash flow and seasonal variations. Finally, consider brokered access versus direct lender applications to find the best fit.
Conclusion
Selecting the right provider depends on your business needs. Banks typically offer secure loans with varied term lengths suitable for property or asset-backed finance. Brokers may provide faster access to multiple options but often focus on unsecured loans. Specialist lenders fill niches such as peer-to-peer lending or private banking solutions. Funding Agent remains a useful option for quick comparison across many choices when securing a loan around 130 thousand pounds. Always confirm details directly with providers before proceeding.