Best Lenders to Secure a 180k 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 is a finance comparison platform focusing on unsecured business loans and working capital for UK SMEs. It is suitable for franchise buyers or operators seeking clear loan options without collateral. The service provides fast eligibility checks and a simple application process for flexible repayment solutions.
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 is a direct lender offering term loans and lines of credit primarily to established UK SMEs. It serves businesses requiring predictable repayment schedules and no collateral. The platform is suitable for borrowers valuing speed of decision and clear loan terms.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 27.5%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, Business Line of Credit
- Industries: Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Pros
- Fast decision and funding process
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
- Higher rates for shorter terms
Iwoca provides short-term, flexible small business loans tailored to fast-access finance requirements. It is typically suitable for businesses needing rapid working capital without the need for collateral. The service supports revolving credit options for evolving cash flow needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 3.9%
- Max APR: 48.9%
- Loan Duration: 1–12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Credit Lines, Revolving Credit
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- No hidden fees
- Quick approval
Cons
- Short duration loans
- Higher APR
MarketFinance specialises in invoice finance and business loans tailored to the needs of UK SMEs. It suits businesses seeking flexible cash flow solutions secured by receivables. The lender generally requires good credit and offers various repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 0.75%
- Max APR: 6%
- Loan Duration: 3–24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Business Loans
- Industries: Technology, Professional Services
Pros
- Quick online process
- Flexible repayment
Cons
- Needs good credit history
- Limited products
Funding Xchange acts as a broker comparing multiple lenders to help UK businesses access varied finance options. It is best suited for businesses seeking diverse loan products with transparent terms. The platform focuses on helping borrowers find suitable asset finance or unsecured loans through multiple lenders.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £2,500,000
- Min APR: 1.5%
- Max APR: 12%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Construction, Retail
Pros
- Wide range of lenders
- Transparent comparisons
Cons
- Not a direct lender
- Service fee applies
Esme Loans provides straightforward online business loans aimed at SMEs that prefer simple terms and fast access. It fits those seeking unsecured loans with set repayment plans. The lender typically suits companies valuing speed and ease over a wide variety of products.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 3.9%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 1–5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Manufacturing, Retail
Pros
- No setup fees
- Quick application
Cons
- Online-only service
- Limited loan types
Revolut Business provides integrated financial tools and business accounts with financing capabilities. It is suitable for tech-savvy SMEs and those operating e-commerce ventures. The offering includes digital banking services with some access to loans under specific eligibility conditions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Accounts, Loans
- Industries: Tech Startups, E-commerce
Pros
- Integrated financial tools
- Modern banking platform
Cons
- Eligibility restrictions
- Complex platform
Tide Business Loans combines business current accounts with financing products aimed at SMEs. It is tailored for businesses looking for convenient access to overdraft and loan features. The lender suits those who value cost-effective solutions alongside banking facilities.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 5.75%
- Max APR: 15.75%
- Loan Duration: 1–36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Overdraft, Loans
- Industries: Services, Retail
Pros
- Free business account
- Low fees
Cons
- Limited brick-and-mortar presence
Fleximize provides tailored business funding focusing on SMEs that require flexible repayment options. The lender caters to businesses that can provide trading history and want access to revenue-based loans. Fleximize offers variable terms suited to different risk profiles.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 49.9%
- Loan Duration: 1–48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revenue Loans, Business Loans
- Industries: Hospitality, Retail
Pros
- No hidden fees
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Requires business trading history
- Higher rates for riskier businesses
Capify provides unsecured business loans and merchant cash advances mainly to retail and food sector businesses. It is suitable for SMEs requiring quick access to capital with flexible repayment tied to turnover. Eligibility typically includes a requirement for a minimum turnover level.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £300,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 35%
- Loan Duration: 3–12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Loans
- Industries: Retail, Food and Beverage
Pros
- Easy to qualify
- Quick funding
Cons
- Requires a high turnover
- Short repayment period
How to choose
When securing a business line of credit around 180,000 pounds, consider your loan size and APR carefully to match your budget. Verify eligibility criteria as they can vary significantly between lenders. Balance the speed of access against the flexibility of loan terms and repayment schedules. Check whether collateral is required and understand fees thoroughly. Assess how seasonal cash flow impacts your repayments for franchises. Lastly, review early repayment options and lender transparency before deciding.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your business needs. Banks are typically suited for straightforward loans with established credit, brokers offer access to multiple providers for tailored options, and specialists cater to niche sectors or financing types. Funding Agent remains a useful platform for quick comparisons when seeking a 180 thousand pounds loan. Always align your choice with your financial goals and eligibility to find the best fit. Regularly verify terms as options and rates evolve.
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