Best Lenders to Secure a 50k 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 focuses on matching UK SMEs to a wide range of business finance products quickly. It is suitable for franchises and small businesses seeking unsecured loans and working capital with transparent terms. The platform prioritises ease of use, fast eligibility check, and flexible options 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
NatWest specialises in traditional bank business loans for UK companies, suitable for franchise operators with turnovers up to £2 million. It offers services online and in-branch, focusing on established SMEs needing standard lending with variable terms. Loans are usually unsecured, with eligibility based on credit history and financials.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 10%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdraft
- Industries: Multiple industries
Pros
- Broad service network
- Custom rates based on needs
Cons
- Potential higher rates for smaller businesses
First Direct provides a fully online financial service focusing on competitive loans without branch visits. It suits small businesses and franchisees who prefer digital banking and direct access to credit. The provider offers flexibility on loan terms, though some support features may be limited.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 30.5%
- Loan Duration: 1–5 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: Small businesses
Pros
- Easy access online
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Limited in-person support
4. Santander
Santander provides flexible business loans with both fixed and variable rates, suitable for franchise buyers needing longer repayment terms. Its offerings cover varied sectors with options for unsecured borrowing. The lender focuses on customisable repayments and variable credit assessment.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 7.9%
- Max APR: 23.7%
- Loan Duration: 1–25 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Credit Cards
- Industries: Various sectors
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Variable rates depend on credit assessment
Barclays primarily offers unsecured business loans with rapid approval and clear terms. It suits SMEs with urgent funding needs who can meet banking requirements, including holding a business account. The lender focuses on fast disbursement and predictable repayments.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 48 hours post approval ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Quick approval
- Established bank
Cons
- Business account required
HSBC offers flexible borrowing options with both fixed and variable rates, suitable for a wide range of UK businesses. It caters to franchise buyers requiring adaptable repayment plans and lending backed by broad institutional experience. Interest rates are influenced by market benchmarks.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6.2%
- Max APR: 18.9%
- Loan Duration: 1–10 years ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Personal Loans
- Industries: All industries
Pros
- Global presence
- Personalized services
Cons
- Rates depend on Bank of England base rate
Lloyds Bank provides fixed rate business loans designed for predictable monthly repayments. It is suited to franchises and SMEs seeking stable costs and committed support from an established bank. Loan terms are standardised with limited variability in rates.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 11.2%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Fixed rates offer predictability
- Strong support network
Cons
- Interest rates may be high
Metro Bank offers commercial loans with emphasis on straightforward applications for UK businesses. It is fit for franchisees who require clear loan terms and responsive service. While loan amounts appear unspecified, the lender focuses on transparent rates and customer service.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 9.6%
- Max APR: 9.6%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Commercial Loans, Credit Facilities
- Industries: Various sectors
Pros
- Transparent rates
- Customer-centric approach
Cons
- Limited branches outside major cities
Atom Bank specialises in secured loans with variable and fixed interest rates for UK SMEs. It focuses on lending secured against property, with LTV options up to 75%. This lender suits franchisees looking for asset-backed finance with flexible repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Business Loans, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Innovative digital services
- Customizable loan options
Cons
- Only secured loan options
Clydesdale Bank offers a variety of flexible business loans that support sustainable growth for UK SMEs. It is suitable for franchise buyers needing adaptable lending solutions with different repayment types. The lender emphasises customised and responsible financing options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 14.4%
- Max APR: 14.4%
- Loan Duration: Unknown ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Flexible Borrowing Facilities
- Industries: Various sectors
Pros
- Sustainable options
- Diverse offerings
How to choose
When securing a £50,000 short term loan, focus on lenders offering terms that align with your cash flow and repayment ability. Evaluate loan size, APR, and eligibility criteria carefully. Decide if you prefer a bank's standardised products or brokered access to multiple options. Speed of funding can vary, so balance urgency against flexible loan features. Confirm collateral requirements, as unsecured loans offer fewer barriers but may have higher rates. Compare fees and early repayment terms to avoid unexpected costs.
Conclusion
Selecting the right lender depends on your business needs. Banks often provide reliability and structured loans for stable franchise operations, whereas brokers like Funding Agent offer access to a wider variety of options quickly. Specialist lenders may suit those needing asset-backed finance or bespoke terms. Matching your situation to lender type helps manage costs and approval chances. Funding Agent remains a strong resource for SMEs looking for prompt loan comparisons.
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