Best MCA Loan Lenders for Cafés in the UK

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 2025-10-09.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent provides AI-powered SME financing in the UK, focusing on flexible terms and supportive options. It is suitable for SMEs seeking quick decision-making and straightforward funding solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 4.9%
• Max APR: 15.9%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: MCA, SME Loans, AI-Powered Finance
• Industries: SMEs, AI solutions

Pros

• AI-Powered decisions
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Competitor-sensitive policies

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk

2. YouLend

YouLend provides revenue-based embedded financing for SMEs. It supports fast funding and repayment based on sales, making it suitable for businesses needing quick access to working capital. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Revenue-based finance, Merchant Cash Advance
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• High approval rate
• No fixed repayment schedule

Cons

• Higher cost of capital

Sources: http://www.youlend.co.uk/,https://www.iwoca.co.uk/lenders/youlend-loan http://www.youlend.co.uk/,https://www.iwoca.co.uk/lenders/youlend-loan

3. Liberis

Liberis offers Business Cash Advances, providing flexible receivables finance options. It caters to SMEs looking for quick funding solutions with minimal collateral. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business Cash Advance
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• No APR costs
• Flexible funding solutions

Cons

• Not regulated by the FCA

Sources: https://liberis.co.uk/,https://www.elavon.co.uk/resource-center/maximise-your-solutions/liberis-business-funding.html

4. 365 Finance

365 Finance provides revenue-based finance focused on quick access to working capital. It offers unsecured loans primarily supported by revenue. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Revenue-based finance
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• No APR
• High approval rate

Cons

• Limited to revenue-based repayment

Sources: https://www.365finance.co.uk/

5. Capify

Capify offers fast, flexible business loans suitable for various purposes including working capital, asset purchase, or refinancing. It is a brokered provider whose options can be tailored to your needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £3,000,000
• Min APR: 67.89%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Fast funding
• Flexible terms

Cons

• High APR compared to banks

Sources: https://www.capify.co.uk/

6. Swoop Funding

Swoop Funding offers a broad range of business finance options, including franchise and asset-backed loans, often brokered through intermediaries. It suits SMEs needing flexible funding for various purposes. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1–24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Franchise Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: E-commerce, Supply chain

Pros

• Diverse funding solutions
• High loan maximums

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://www.swoopfunding.com/

7. Momenta Finance

Momenta Finance provides business loans designed for UK SMEs, offering flexible options including secured, unsecured, and brokered solutions. It supports different repayment structures and sectors needing growth capital. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £1,500,000
• Min APR: 7.5%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured loans, Unsecured loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Tailored solutions
• No security required for unsecured

Cons

• Variable interest rates

Sources: https://momentafinance.co.uk/

8. Nucleus Finance

Nucleus Finance offers a variety of business funding options, including secured and unsecured loans tailored for UK SMEs. It supports sectors requiring flexible and quick funding solutions. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 9%
• Max APR: 18%
• Loan Duration: 3–72 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured loans, Secured loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Flexible repayment terms
• Tailored financial solutions

Cons

• Higher interest rates for unsecured

Sources: https://nucleuscommercialfinance.co.uk/

9. Love Finance

Love Finance offers quick business loans with flexible repayment options, often supporting fast access within 24 hours. It is suitable for SMEs needing urgent cash flow or larger projects. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 10%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Business loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Quick funding
• No collateral needed

Cons

• Higher interest for fast loans

Sources: https://www.lovefinance.co.uk/

10. Portman Finance

Portman Finance provides a range of business funding options including asset finance, refinancing, and unsecured loans. It supports SMEs needing flexible finance solutions for growth or restructuring. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £2,000,000
• Min APR: 5%
• Max APR: 30%
• Loan Duration: Varies⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset finance, Refinancing, Business loans
• Industries: SMEs, Leisure, Hospitality

Pros

• Wide range of options
• Asset-based lending

Cons

• Higher rates for unsecured loans

Sources: https://portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/

How to choose

Match loan size and APR to your budget, check eligibility, and balance speed against flexibility. Consider how repayments fit your franchise cash flow and seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying. For franchises like cafés, consider whether a bank, broker, or specialist lender best suits your needs. Large banks often provide straightforward, secured funding, while brokers can offer access to multiple lenders. Sector specialists may provide tailored, flexible options for franchise growth. Evaluate your priorities carefully to find the best fit for your cafe’s financial plan.

Conclusion

Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit larger amounts, asset-backed needs, or sector specialisms. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change. Matching the right type of lender to your specific use case is essential. Banks typically offer secure and predictable funding, while brokers can connect you to a broader range of products. Sector-specific lenders may provide more flexible and tailored solutions for franchises. Reviewing your needs carefully helps ensure the best financing choice.