Best Lenders to Secure a 210k 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 2026-02-12.
Funding Agent offers a business finance comparison service focused on UK SMEs. It is suited for franchise buyers and operators seeking a fast, simple application process with access to multiple loan options. The platform emphasises quick eligibility checks and predictable loan terms without requiring collateral.
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 specialises in peer-to-peer lending for UK businesses. It is typically suited for established SMEs seeking term loans with flexible repayment options. The platform offers relatively fast online eligibility checks but requires personal guarantees, making it less suitable for startups.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 20.3%
- Loan Duration: 6-84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, Refinancing
- Industries: Professional Services, Wholesale, Retail
Pros
- No early repayment fee
- Fast online eligibility check
Cons
- Not suitable for startups
- Requires personal guarantee for owners
Barclays provides a broad range of traditional banking business loans for SMEs. It is mainly suitable for borrowers requiring longer loan terms and flexible payment options. Barclays offers established banking services with eligibility criteria that may require thorough assessment.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 23.1%
- Loan Duration: 6-120 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Hospitality, Technology, Construction
Pros
- Established banking services
- Flexible payment options
Cons
- Eligibility criteria can be strict
- Additional charges may apply
Lloyds Bank offers various finance products focusing on term loans and asset finance for SMEs. It suits companies looking for competitive rates and regional branch access. Some flexibility is provided, though credit assessments and approval periods can take longer.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £300,000
- Min APR: 7.3%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Transportation, Agriculture, Retail
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Wide branch network
Cons
- Strict credit assessment
- Longer approval time
NatWest offers business loans aimed at growth and development, including financing solutions suitable for various sectors. It is appropriate for SMEs looking for tailored advice and mobile banking services. The lender balances flexibility with some complexity in applications and potential early repayment fees.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £350,000
- Min APR: 6.5%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Growth Financing
- Industries: Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Real Estate
Pros
- Tailored financial advice
- Mobile banking app
Cons
- Early repayment charges
- Application complexity
HSBC delivers business finance with an international focus, including export and business loans. It caters to companies looking for global reach and expert support. HSBC typically involves a more detailed application process and may offer various repayment options aligned to client needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5.8%
- Max APR: 19.7%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Export Finance, Business Loans
- Industries: Import/Export, Manufacturing, Financial Services
Pros
- Global reach and resources
- Expert guidance
Cons
- Higher rates for small loans
- Complex application process
7. Santander
Santander focuses on straightforward lending options including business loans and commercial mortgages. It is suitable for SMEs seeking low complexity and competitive interest rates. Santander generally requires customers to have good credit and may restrict lending to existing clients.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 6.2%
- Max APR: 15.8%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: Energy, Retail, Education
Pros
- Flexible repayment options
- Competitive interest rates
Cons
- Limited to existing customers
- Need good credit score
Metro Bank delivers high street banking services tailored to SMEs, with a focus on customised financial solutions. It is suited for borrowers seeking flexible business overdrafts and asset finance. The bank offers personal service but has a more limited branch network compared to larger institutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 22%
- Loan Duration: 1-6 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Overdrafts, Asset Finance
- Industries: Real Estate, Retail, Logistics
Pros
- Great customer service
- Flexible solutions
Cons
- Higher APR rates
- Limited branch network
TSB provides business loans aimed at SMEs needing financial support for growth and operations. It is best for borrowers valuing a focus on small businesses and competitive processing speeds. The lender may have a limited branch presence and tends to offer higher rates for shorter loan durations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £150,000
- Min APR: 6.4%
- Max APR: 17.5%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Financing
- Industries: Construction, Small Businesses, Technology
Pros
- Strong SME focus
- Fast loan processing
Cons
- Limited branches
- Higher rates for shorter terms
10. RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland)
RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) offers bespoke financial products designed to support business growth across sectors. It suits SMEs seeking tailored business loans with access to specialist advisers. Interest rates and eligibility requirements may vary, with a focus on established businesses.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £300,000
- Min APR: 6.7%
- Max APR: 18.5%
- Loan Duration: 1-10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Recovery Loans
- Industries: Retail, Finance, Hospitality
Pros
- Strong support network
- Access to sector specialists
Cons
- High eligibility criteria
- Variable rates
How to choose
When seeking a 210 thousand pounds short term loan, consider your specific financing needs such as speed, flexibility, and loan security. Match loan size and APR carefully to your cash flow and repayment capacity. Evaluate lender eligibility requirements, fees, and early repayment policies. Decide whether you prefer brokered access for multiple options or direct bank lending with potentially stricter terms. Also, assess how lender specialisms align with your industry and loan purpose. Thorough comparison helps balance cost and convenience in securing suitable finance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your loan purpose and financial position. Banks like Barclays or Lloyds suit borrowers needing traditional financing with established terms. Broker platforms such as Funding Agent provide broader options and faster comparisons for SMEs. Specialist lenders or international banks can offer tailored support but may involve stricter criteria. Always align provider capabilities with your requirements for a 200 thousand pounds loan.
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