Best Lenders to Secure a 30k 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.
Funding Agent offers a broker service focused on helping UK SMEs find and compare suitable business loans quickly. It is suitable for SMEs needing a wide array of unsecured finance options and flexible repayment terms. The platform simplifies the application process and lowers the need for collateral or complex documentation.
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
NatWest provides traditional bank business loans with flexible terms and a variety of repayment options. It is well suited for UK businesses looking for established lending solutions with potential for larger loan amounts. NatWest loans often require eligibility checks and may include security depending on the loan type.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 10%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1-7 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: General
Pros
- Good for existing customers
- Wide range of financial products
Cons
- Interest rates can be high
HSBC focuses on business banking services including loans tailored to startups and established companies. Their products are suitable for businesses seeking a mix of competitive rates and flexible repayment options with varying security requirements. HSBC loans often come with features like overdrafts and deferred payments to support cash flow.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 8.6%
- Max APR: 11.3%
- Loan Duration: 1-10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Finance
Pros
- No arrangement fees
- Deferred first payment
Tesco Bank provides personal loans aimed at consumers seeking straightforward borrowing with competitive rates. It is suitable for individuals who prefer a simple application and approval process, often without business loan complexities. Tesco Bank loans generally do not require collateral but loan durations and exact terms can vary.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £7,500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 5.8%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Personal Loans
- Industries: Retail
Pros
- Competitive APR
- Simple application process
Cons
- Higher rates for non-premier customers
First Direct offers straightforward personal banking services prioritising customer satisfaction and accessibility. It typically suits UK customers looking for simple personal loans with clear terms. The provider emphasises ease of use with online applications but availability may be limited to account holders.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 5.7%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Personal Loans
- Industries: Finance
Pros
- Good customer service
- Simple online application
Cons
- Limited to account holders
Asda Money offers personal loans powered by Lendable, focusing on fast approval and efficient processing. It suits UK customers seeking flexible repayment options and quick access to funds. These loans may carry higher APRs and do not typically require collateral.
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
Pros
- Quick loan approval
- Flexible repayment terms
Marks & Spencer offers personal loans targeting retail customers through M&S Bank. These loans typically suit consumers seeking straightforward loan terms with competitive rates. The application process can vary in complexity and loans generally do not require business-specific collateral.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £7,500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6.6%
- Max APR: 19.67%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Personal Loans
- Industries: Retail
Pros
- Simple, clear loan terms
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Application perceived as complex
Compare the Market serves as a comparison platform for a wide range of financial products including personal and business loans. It is suitable for borrowers seeking to evaluate many lenders and find competitive rates quickly. The platform provides access to various loan types with differing security and repayment models.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £15,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Finance
Pros
- Wide range of lenders
- Transparent comparison
Cons
- Advertised rates may differ
Barclays offers a broad spectrum of business banking products including loans designed for various business needs. It is best for businesses seeking established banking relationships with access to global resources. Barclays loans may require strict eligibility and can be secured or unsecured.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Finance
Pros
- Strong global presence
- Diverse financial products
Cons
- Strict eligibility requirements
Fleximize offers flexible business funding suitable for UK SMEs requiring tailored loan amounts and terms. It is ideal for borrowers prioritising quick decisions and loyalty benefits within a structured lending framework. Their loans often focus on finance products with variable APRs and defined repayment durations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 9.6%
- Max APR: 35%
- Loan Duration: 1-5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Finance
Pros
- Loyalty discounts
- Fast decision making
How to choose
When selecting the best lender to secure a 30k short term loan, first assess your borrowing needs against loan size and APR to ensure affordability. Review eligibility criteria carefully as some lenders require specific conditions or account relationships. Consider application speed and whether flexible repayment options suit your cash flow. Balance whether you prefer a direct lender, brokered access, or specialist financing. Check for any early repayment fees or collateral requirements. Always verify the most current terms before proceeding.
Conclusion
Choosing the right provider depends on your business or personal use case. Banks may offer reliability and established services for traditional lending needs. Brokers like Funding Agent can provide access to multiple options quickly. Specialist lenders might suit unique or higher-risk requirements. Understanding each lender's focus helps match loans to your finance goals for amounts around 30 thousand pounds. Always confirm current pricing and loan conditions before committing.