February 12, 2026
Lists
Square image with a black border and white background
Best Lenders to Secure a Unsecured Business Loan Over 6 Years

Best Lenders to Secure a Unsecured Business Loan Over 6 Years

Discover the best lenders offering unsecured business loans with repayment terms over 6 years. Find flexible options to grow your business with ease.
Abdus-Samad Charles
Finance Writer

Head of Content at Funding Agent, with four years’ experience creating practical, easy-to-follow, SEO-informed guidance for UK small and medium-sized businesses.

Best Lenders to Secure a Unsecured Business Loan Over 6 Years

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.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on brokered access to unsecured business finance across the UK. It suits SMEs looking for fast comparison of multiple loan options without providing collateral. The service offers a simple application process and quick eligibility checks, promoting flexibility in loan choices.

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. Barclays Bank

Barclays Bank specialises in traditional bank business loans and a broad range of financial services. It is suitable for franchise buyers and established businesses seeking secured or unsecured credit options. Barclays typically offers structured repayment plans and requires meeting certain eligibility criteria, including collateral in many cases.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 5%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: All

Pros

  • Established bank
  • Wide range of services

Cons

  • High eligibility criteria

Sources: Source

3. HSBC UK

HSBC UK offers tailored unsecured and business loan products with a focus on client-specific financial requirements. It suits businesses needing flexible financing that may include various repayment options and collateral structures. HSBC’s global reach supports franchises and SMEs that require adaptable credit solutions.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 4.9%
  • Max APR: 13%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Business Loans
  • Industries: Finance, Real Estate

Pros

  • Global presence
  • Customizable financing

Cons

  • Complex application process

Sources: Source

4. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank provides competitive business loan options with an emphasis on flexible repayments for SMEs. It is appropriate for franchise buyers and small businesses seeking secured and unsecured credit with clear terms. Lloyds offers personalised support and a variety of repayment structures depending on client needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 12%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

  • Personal relationship managers
  • Flexible repayment options

Cons

  • Higher interest rates

Sources: Source

5. Santander UK

Santander UK offers various flexible financial products including term loans suited for business growth. It is appropriate for SMEs and franchises looking for clear loan terms with options for both secured and unsecured financing. Santander emphasises dedicated support and transparent repayment structures.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £300,000
  • Min APR: 6.5%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–72 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Term Loans, Overdrafts
  • Industries: Healthcare, Retail, Tech

Pros

  • Dedicated support teams
  • Transparent terms

Cons

  • Limited branch network

Sources: Source

6. NatWest

NatWest focuses on business loans that support cash flow management and investment in growth. It is suited to SMEs and franchises looking for unsecured and fixed-rate options with varied loan durations. NatWest provides relatively fast application processes with flexible repayment plans.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £50,000
  • Min APR: 5.9%
  • Max APR: 18.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–120 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Fixed Rate Loans
  • Industries: Education, Retail

Pros

  • Fast application process
  • Low fees

Cons

  • Limitations on loan amount

Sources: Source

7. Metro Bank

Metro Bank delivers customer-focused business loans with an emphasis on service convenience and innovation. It is suitable for SMEs and franchises looking for straightforward products with flexibility. Metro Bank supports unsecured lending and asset finance with clear terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 5.7%
  • Max APR: 16.8%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Retail, Hospitality

Pros

  • Convenient service
  • Innovative products

Cons

  • Limited UK presence

Sources: Source

8. TSB Bank

TSB Bank provides straightforward unsecured business loans focused on clear terms and customer support. It fits SMEs and franchise operators seeking simplicity and transparent conditions. TSB emphasizes accessible credit with dedicated service support and flexible repayment options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £2,000
  • Max Amount: £250,000
  • Min APR: 6.5%
  • Max APR: 19.9%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Credit Lines
  • Industries: Retail, SMEs

Pros

  • Clear and simple services
  • Good customer support

Cons

  • High fees

Sources: Source

9. Clydesdale Bank

Clydesdale Bank offers business loans tailored to the needs of UK SMEs with a focus on flexibility and sector-specific support. It is suited to franchises and small businesses requiring adaptable unsecured or term loans. Clydesdale provides a personalised approach with options for different repayment styles.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000
  • Min APR: 5%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Term Loans, Business Loans
  • Industries: Agriculture, Retail

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Flexible options

Cons

  • Limited online support

Sources: Source

10. Virgin Money

Virgin Money offers innovative and competitive unsecured business loans targeting SMEs and startups. It is appropriate for franchise buyers seeking flexible credit solutions with a variety of repayment and loan duration options. Virgin Money emphasises strong brand reputation and technology-driven loan management.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £350,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 16.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6–84 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Business Loans
  • Industries: Technology, Startups

Pros

  • Innovative solutions
  • Strong brand reputation

Cons

  • Variable rates

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting lenders for unsecured business loans over six years, match the loan size and APR to your financial capacity. Evaluate the lender's eligibility requirements and consider the balance between application speed and loan flexibility. Ensure the repayment schedule fits your franchise's cash flow and takes account of any seasonal variations. Examine lender fees and early repayment policies carefully before committing. Consider if you prefer a broker for variety or a bank for established terms.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your loan purpose and preferences. Banks often suit those seeking established terms and broader services, while brokers can provide access to a wider range of unsecured business loans. Specialist providers may offer tailored solutions for specific industries or loan types. Funding Agent is a practical option for quick access to multiple offers when securing loans up to 200 thousand pounds. Always verify terms and conditions before proceeding to align your choice with your franchise’s needs.

Table of Contents

Let’s launch your project?

arrow button

Find the right lender for you!

Generate offers
Cta image

FAQs

What is an unsecured business loan?
Can I get an unsecured business loan with a term over 6 years?
Which lenders provide unsecured business loans for over 6 years in the UK?
What are the benefits of a longer loan term for business loans?
How can I improve my chances of approval for an unsecured loan?
Are interest rates higher on unsecured loans compared to secured 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
2Barclays BankBarclays provides comprehensive business banking services with a variety of loan options for businesses of all sizes.£0–£0; 5%–15% APR; 12–60 months
3HSBC UKHSBC UK supports businesses with tailored loan products to meet their specific financial needs.£0–£0; 4.9%–13% APR; 12–84 months
4Lloyds BankLloyds Bank offers business loans with a focus on competitive rates and flexibility for SMEs.£10,000–£500,000; 6%–12% APR; 12–60 months
5Santander UKSantander UK provides a range of financial solutions including loans that support business growth.£5,000–£300,000; 6.5%–14.9% APR; 12–72 months
6NatWestNatWest offers business loans designed to help businesses manage cash flow and invest in growth.£1,000–£50,000; 5.9%–18.9% APR; 12–120 months
7Metro BankMetro Bank aims to revolutionize banking with customer-focused business loans and services.£0–£0; 5.7%–16.8% APR; 12–60 months
8TSB BankTSB Bank provides straightforward business loans with clear terms and dedicated support.£2,000–£250,000; 6.5%–19.9% APR; 12–84 months
9Clydesdale BankClydesdale Bank offers tailored business loans and financial products designed to support UK businesses.£5,000–£100,000; 5%–15% APR; 12–60 months
10Virgin MoneyVirgin Money provides innovative and competitive business loans for SMEs to support their growth and success.£5,000–£350,000; 6.9%–16.9% APR; 6–84 months