January 23, 2026
Lists
Square image with a black border and white background
Best Lenders to Secure a 20k Short Term Loan

Best Lenders to Secure a 20k Short Term Loan

Discover the best lenders to secure a £20,000 short term loan quickly and easily. Compare rates and terms to find the right loan for your needs.
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

4 years of experience in market research. He focuses on turning lender criteria and market insights into practical, plain-English resources that help business ownersb improve approval chances and choose the right type of finance

Best Lenders to Secure a 20k Short Term Loan

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 2026-01-23.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on providing fast and straightforward access to unsecured business finance for UK SMEs. It is typically suitable for small and medium enterprises seeking quick eligibility checks and clear loan options without collateral. The platform emphasises speed, ease of application, and delivers predictable loan terms with a range of repayment options.

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

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Tesco Bank

Tesco Bank offers a variety of personal banking products focusing on loans and credit services suitable for retail customers. It fits borrowers seeking straightforward personal loan solutions with moderate flexibility. The provider typically offers competitive rates with set repayment durations, mainly targeting personal financial needs rather than commercial lending.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £20,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 37–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Personal Loans
  • Industries: Retail

Pros

  • Low APR for larger loans

Cons

  • Higher rates for smaller or riskier profiles

Sources: Source

3. Experian

Experian specialises in credit reporting and financial information services rather than lending directly. It primarily supports individuals and businesses in managing credit scores and credit risk. The company provides access to credit data and product comparisons without offering loans or secured funding options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Credit Score Services, Financial Products Comparison
  • Industries: Financial Services

Pros

  • Extensive credit information
  • Available credit comparisons

Cons

  • No direct lending

Sources: Source

4. GoCompare

GoCompare provides a comparison platform for financial products including loans and insurance. It serves customers looking to review multiple offers to find suitable deals quickly. The site does not provide loans directly but offers easy access to options across financial services with varying terms and coverages.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £10,000
  • Min APR: 11.2%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Loan Comparison, Insurance
  • Industries: Financial Services

Pros

  • Wide range of comparison
  • Quick and easy

Cons

  • No direct loan options

Sources: Source

5. Santander

Santander provides a broad range of personal and commercial financial products with flexible terms. It is suited to borrowers looking for conventional banking solutions including personal loans and mortgages. The bank offers competitive rates, various repayment options, and products suitable for both individuals and businesses.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 2.5%
  • Max APR: 7.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1–5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Personal Loans, Mortgage
  • Industries: Banking

Pros

  • Competitive rates
  • Flexible options

Cons

  • Interest charged from the start

Sources: Source

6. Asda Money

Asda Money offers personal loan solutions with competitive rates through a partnership with Lendable. This provider suits borrowers seeking fairly priced personal loans with a straightforward and quick approval process. Services include a range of APRs and flexible terms tailored to individual financial needs within the retail finance sector.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 8.1%
  • Max APR: 48.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1–5 years ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Personal Loans
  • Industries: Retail Finance

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • Range of APR rates

Cons

  • High maximum APR

Sources: Source

7. MoneySuperMarket

MoneySuperMarket provides an extensive price comparison service for business loans and other financial products. It is ideal for SMEs who want access to a broad selection of lending options and transparency in terms and rates. The site does not directly lend but enables easy access to multiple UK lenders with diverse loan structures.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £500
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 5.9%
  • Max APR: 24.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6–120 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Loan Comparison, Insurance
  • Industries: Financial Services

Pros

  • Comprehensive options
  • Transparent information

Cons

  • No direct lending

Sources: Source

8. MoneySavingExpert

MoneySavingExpert delivers advice and tips on saving money and managing finances through expert analysis and tools. It targets consumers who want to optimise their financial decisions rather than seeking direct loans. The service offers guidance on financial products and ways to improve personal money management.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Financial Advice, Savings Tips
  • Industries: Financial Services

Pros

  • Expert advice
  • Comprehensive tips

Cons

  • No direct lending

Sources: Source

9. uSwitch

uSwitch provides comparison and switching services for utilities and financial products via online and telephone channels. It serves consumers looking for easier switching options rather than direct lending. The company offers access to various service providers and facilitates cost-saving decisions without offering loans.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Loan Comparison, Utility Switching
  • Industries: Utilities, Financial Services

Pros

  • Variety of options
  • Easy comparison

Cons

  • No loan amounts provided

Sources: Source

10. Barclays

Barclays offers a comprehensive range of commercial financial products including business loans and investment services. It is suited for borrowers seeking established banking options with flexible terms and a wide product suite. Barclays provides tailored lending solutions typically backed by professional service and broader financial support.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 12.9%
  • Max APR: 12.9%
  • Loan Duration: Flexible ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Investment Services
  • Industries: Banking

Pros

  • Established reputation
  • Wide range of products

Cons

  • Relatively high APR

Sources: Source

How to choose

When seeking the best lenders to secure a 20k short term loan, start by matching the loan size and APR to your financial plan. Review lender eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you qualify. Weigh up the trade-off between application speed and loan flexibility, considering any collateral or security requirements. Assess how the repayment schedule fits with your business cash flow and seasonal variations. Check fees and early repayment terms to avoid surprises. Always compare multiple offers to find the best balance of cost and suitability for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your specific needs. Banks such as Barclays and Santander typically suit borrowers seeking established, flexible lending with comprehensive products. Brokers and comparison services like Funding Agent or MoneySuperMarket help access a range of options quickly, ideal for fast decision-making. Specialist providers or finance platforms often best serve particular industries or loan types. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Careful review ensures the right lender matched to your borrowing purpose, whether for a 20 thousand pounds loan or other financial needs.

Table of Contents
Example H2
Example H3

Let’s launch your project?

arrow button

Find the right lender for you!

Generate offers
Cta image

FAQs

What is a short term loan?
Can I get a short term loan for £20,000?
What are the typical interest rates for short term loans?
How quickly can I receive funds from a short term loan?
What should I consider when choosing a lender?
Are there any risks with short term loans?

Get Funding For
Your Business

Generate offers
Cta image
1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2Tesco BankTesco Bank offers a range of personal banking products including credit cards, personal loans, and savings account options.£20,000–£25,000; 6%–20% APR; 37–60 months
3ExperianExperian is a global leader in consumer and business credit reporting and marketing services, helping individuals manage their credit score and debts.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
4GoCompareGoCompare is a UK comparison site helping people compare and find the best deals on insurance policies, financial products, and more.£1,000–£10,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; Unknown
5SantanderSantander offers a full range of personal and commercial financial products, including bank accounts, mortgages, and personal and business loans.£2,000–£25,000; 2.5%–7.9% APR; 1–5 years
6Asda MoneyAsda Money, partnered with Lendable, offers a range of financial services including personal loans with fair rates and fast processes.£1,000–£25,000; 8.1%–48.9% APR; 1–5 years
7MoneySuperMarketMoneySuperMarket is a leading price comparison site, providing comprehensive comparison of various business loan options from multiple UK lenders.£500–£5,000,000; 5.9%–24.9% APR; 6–120 months
8MoneySavingExpertMoneySavingExpert, founded by Martin Lewis, provides money-saving tips, tools, and advice on financial products and deals.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
9uSwitchuSwitch provides online and telephone-based comparison and switching services for various products including utilities and financial services.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
10BarclaysBarclays provides a wide range of commercial financial products and services including loans, credit cards, investment and wealth management services.£1,000–£5,000,000; 12.9%–12.9% APR; Flexible
Apply now