Best Lenders to Secure a 80k 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 focuses on providing a platform to compare multiple business finance options efficiently. It suits UK SMEs seeking quick access to a range of unsecured finance products with straightforward eligibility criteria. The service prioritises speed and ease with no collateral typically required and offers predictable repayment structures.
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
LendingCrowd specialises in providing flexible business loans aimed at UK SMEs. It is well suited for franchise buyers looking for straightforward business loans with predictable terms. The lender offers options without early repayment penalties and services multiple industries with a focus on ease of access.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 5.95%
- Max APR: 19.5%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Manufacturing, Construction
Cons
- Higher APR for new businesses
Funding Circle operates as a marketplace lender focused on UK small business loans. It is suitable for franchise buyers seeking term loans with fixed monthly repayments. The platform emphasises loan stability and serves professional services sectors with clear repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 18.3%
- Loan Duration: 6-84 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: Professional Services
Pros
- Fast processing
- Fixed monthly repayments
Cons
- Not suitable for startups
iwoca offers rapid access to funding for small UK businesses. It is suited to franchise operators requiring short-term credit lines or invoice financing, emphasising quick decision times. This lender typically requires no collateral but applies higher APRs reflecting short repayment durations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £200,000
- Min APR: 24%
- Max APR: 48%
- Loan Duration: 1-12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Credit Line, Invoice Financing
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Quick approval
- No fees for early repayment
MarketFinance specialises in invoice financing and business loans tailored to UK businesses. It is suitable for franchise operators needing quick capital with flexible terms and no hidden fees. This provider supports sectors like logistics and agriculture and offers predictable repayment schedules.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 3-36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Invoice Financing, Business Loans
- Industries: Logistics, Agriculture
Pros
- Flexible terms
- No hidden fees
Cons
- Not available for individuals
ThinCats provides bespoke loans designed mainly for mid-sized UK SMEs. It is appropriate for franchise buyers requiring larger loan amounts and asset-backed finance solutions. The lender typically offers tailored terms with competitive APRs and longer repayment periods.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £250,000
- Max Amount: £15,000,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 10%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Asset Finance, Trade Finance
- Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare
Pros
- Tailored finance solutions
Esme Loans offers unsecured business loans under NatWest's division, suited to a wide range of UK SMEs. It works well for franchise operators looking for unsecured finance with no early repayment fees. Terms are predictable and focused on borrowers needing straightforward loan products.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 12-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Hospitality, Technology
Cons
- High APR for higher risk applicants
Funding Xchange acts as an online marketplace connecting SMEs with various finance providers. It suits franchise buyers who want access to multiple lenders through one platform with a range of products and terms. Flexibility and choice are prioritised, although APRs can vary.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 35.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Invoice Financing
- Industries: Retail, Professional Services
Pros
- Multiple lenders in one platform
Capify offers alternative finance solutions including Merchant Cash Advances to UK small businesses. It fits franchise operators who prefer fast funding and simple online processes with short-term loan needs. Some higher APRs apply reflecting the short loan durations and risk profiles.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 38%
- Loan Duration: 6-12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, E-commerce
Pros
- Fast funding
- Simple online process
Fleximize is a flexible lender offering various products including bridging loans to UK SMEs. It suits franchise buyers who value flexible repayment terms and diverse financing options. Costs may be higher on smaller loan amounts, reflecting the broad accessibility and convenience provided.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 9%
- Max APR: 44.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-48 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Flexiloan, Bridging loan
- Industries: Entertainment, Agriculture
Cons
- Higher cost for small loans
How to choose
When selecting the best lender for an 80k business line of credit, consider how loan size and APR fit your cash flow and repayment capabilities. Assess eligibility criteria carefully, including industry focus and credit requirements. Balance the need for speed with flexibility in repayment options and loan terms. Evaluate whether unsecured or asset-backed finance better suits the franchise needs. Review associated fees and early repayment conditions to ensure affordability. Using brokers or marketplaces can provide multiple quotes efficiently, helping to identify the most suitable option.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender depends on your specific use case. Bank lenders may offer secure, lower-cost options for established businesses. Brokers and marketplaces can provide access to a broader range of products, often quicker but with variable costs. Specialist providers serve niche sectors or loan sizes that mainstream lenders may not cover. Funding Agent remains a practical tool for quickly comparing several business credit options. Always verify current terms before committing, as pricing and conditions may change over time.
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