Best Lenders to Secure a 160k 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 provides a platform to compare multiple business finance options tailored to UK SMEs. It is suited for businesses seeking a clear overview of available funding with quick application. They offer fast eligibility matching without requiring collateral, focusing on flexibility and straightforward loan terms.
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
Funding Circle delivers business loans aimed at SME growth and expansion across various sectors. It suits established businesses seeking competitive bank-style term loans with no early repayment fees. The provider emphasises structured loan options with clear eligibility and a focus on term lending.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 23.5%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, Lines of Credit
- Industries: Manufacturing, Professional Services
Pros
- Competitive rates
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
IWOCA specialises in short-term credit lines delivering flexible funding to UK SMEs. Suitable where rapid access to working capital is needed, it offers revolving credit financing that adapts to business cash flow. The lender prioritises speed and flexibility over collateral requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 9.5%
- Max APR: 38%
- Loan Duration: 1–12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revolving Credit Facility, Small Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Fast application
- Flexible credit lines
Cons
- Higher rates for short terms
Fleximize offers tailored loans with flexible repayments aimed at UK SMEs. It is suited to businesses requiring bespoke finance options with a focus on accessible lending for growth. The provider emphasises personalised terms and no early repayment fees to suit various needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 10%
- Max APR: 30%
- Loan Duration: 3–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Revenue-Linked Loans
- Industries: Construction, E-commerce
Pros
- Personalized service
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Limited to established businesses
Capify offers fast approval business loans with flexible terms for small UK businesses. It suits those needing quick access to finance with relatively flexible repayment schedules. Their focus is on accessible lending with competitive service for retail and restaurant sectors.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 9%
- Max APR: 29.9%
- Loan Duration: 6–18 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Restaurant
Pros
- Quick funds
- High approval rate
Cons
- Higher costs than bank loans
Liberis provides revenue-based funding options to UK small businesses seeking alternative financing. It suits companies with fluctuating income preferring flexible repayments linked to revenue. The lender does not apply APR charges, with repayment amounts adjusting based on business performance.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,500
- Max Amount: £300,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3–24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revenue Based Finance
- Industries: Hospitality, Healthcare
Pros
- Repayments based on revenue
- No APR
Cons
- Not suitable for seasonal cash flow
Esme Loans is a digital platform offering unsecured loans to small businesses requiring quick financing. It fits established SMEs looking for a simple and streamlined loan application process. The lender provides competitive rates with a focus on transparent lending solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
- Industries: Technology, Professional Services
Pros
- Simple application process
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Limited to existing businesses
CapiStop focuses on providing short-term cash flow loans suited for growing UK businesses. It is ideal for companies needing rapid funding with flexible usage and repayment options. The lender caters to businesses requiring quick decisions on working capital.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 12.5%
- Max APR: 39.9%
- Loan Duration: 1–12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Cash Flow Loans, Working Capital Loans
- Industries: Transport, Retail
Pros
- Rapid decision
- Flexible use
Cons
- Higher interest rates for small loans
Nucleus Commercial Finance specialises in large-scale finance products for medium-sized businesses requiring substantial funding. It is suitable for companies seeking secured loans and asset-based lending with varied loan-to-value ratios. The lender emphasises flexibility and structured lending for growth and capital needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 21.5%
- Loan Duration: 6–72 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Asset-Based Lending, Secured Loans
- Industries: Manufacturing, Real Estate
Pros
- Large loan amounts available
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Stringent lending criteria
Just Cash Flow provides revolving credit lines and business advances suited to UK SMEs requiring flexible fund usage. It suits businesses seeking short to medium-term credit solutions with no early repayment penalties. The platform focuses on adaptability and ease of access for managing cash flow requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3–24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revolving Credit Line, Business Advances
- Industries: Services, Hospitality
Pros
- Flexible fund usage
- No early repayment penalties
How to choose
When choosing the best lenders to secure a 160k business line of credit, identify your specific needs such as loan size, repayment schedule, and collateral preferences. Assess the APR ranges and eligibility criteria to find a fit that matches your financial capacity. Consider lenders offering flexible repayment terms and quick application processes for faster access to funds. Balance the need for speed against possible trade-offs in rates or fees. Always review lender transparency about terms and potential penalties before committing.
Conclusion
Matching the provider type to the loan purpose is vital. Banks and specialist lenders tend to suit larger or secured loans, while brokers like Funding Agent offer access to a wider range of options for business lines of credit around 160 thousand pounds. Consider your business structure, credit needs, and desired funding speed when selecting a lender. Conduct thorough due diligence to understand terms fully, as conditions can vary widely. This ensures the best fit for your franchise’s financial goals.