Best Unsecured Business Loans for UK SMEs in 2025

Looking for fast, flexible business finance without securing assets? This guide compares the top unsecured business loan providers for UK small businesses, ranking them by application speed, flexibility, eligibility, and approval rates. All options were selected based on up-to-date features, lender reputation, and independent research.

Quick Comparison

UK focus; prices accurate as of 2025-09-16 where available.

In-Depth Reviews

1. Funding Agent

What it is: Funding Agent offers direct unsecured business loans from £1,000 up to £500,000 for UK SMEs via a quick and simple online application. Funding decisions and access to funds are among the fastest in the market, typically within 24 hours of approval.

• Key statistics: Loan range £1,000–£500,000; online process; approvals typically within 24 hours; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Applications take just minutes, no collateral needed, and flexible terms available.
• Limitations or cons: Maximum amounts depend on business profile; documentation required for verification.
• Case study: A retail business faced a sudden need for inventory and received flexible six-figure funding from Funding Agent the next working day.

2. iwoca

What it is: iwoca helps UK SMEs access up to £1 million in unsecured business finance, with a streamlined application and same-day approval possible for many applicants.

• Key statistics: Borrow £1,000–£1,000,000; typical APR 6%–20%; no early repayment fees; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Flexible repayments, high loan ceiling, and rapid decisions (often within 24 hours).
• Limitations or cons: Rates vary by applicant profile; max term 5 years.
• Case study: A consultancy needing fast working capital secured £50,000 with iwoca in under 48 hours to win a major contract.

3. Funding Circle

‍What it is: Funding Circle provides unsecured loans up to £750,000 for established UK SMEs, with decisions as quickly as one hour and a focus on transparency.

• Key statistics: Loans £10,000–£750,000; interest from 6.9% APR; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Fast processing, clear pricing, and no penalty for early repayments.
• Limitations or cons: Minimum turnover and two years' trading history required.
• Case study: A tech platform with steady turnover secured £250,000 from Funding Circle to accelerate growth plans—funds cleared in days.

4. Fleximize

What it is: Fleximize is an award-winning lender offering unsecured loans of up to £250,000 for new clients (more for returning ones), designed for flexibility and customer experience.

• Key statistics: Max new loan £250,000; interest from 8.9% APR; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Extremely flexible repayment options, swift funding (as quick as 24 hours), extra funds for repeat clients.
• Limitations or cons: Rates for new clients are higher than some alternatives.
• Case study: A growing creative agency used Fleximize to unlock £60,000, repay flexibly, and scale their team during a project surge.

5. Nucleus Commercial Finance

What it is: Nucleus Commercial Finance offers unsecured loans from £10,000 to £2 million, making them accessible even for larger and higher risk borrowers.

• Key statistics: Loan size £10,000–£2,000,000; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: High loan ceilings, credit-friendly approach, quick decisions.
• Limitations or cons: Minimum annual turnover of £100,000 required.
• Case study: A leisure brand needing £500k with some adverse credit used Nucleus’s unsecured loan for site refurbishment.

6. Bizcap

What it is: Bizcap specialises in swift, unsecured finance for UK businesses, from £5,000 to £2 million, often with fewer document requirements.

• Key statistics: Loans £5,000–£2,000,000; approvals can be same day; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Expedited application, high approval rates for urgent cash needs.
• Limitations or cons: High rates if credit is subprime.
• Case study: An events company facing a last-minute cash shortfall secured same-day funding from Bizcap to take on a large booking.

7. Capify

What it is: Capify is an alternative lender working with SMEs needing £5,000–£500,000 on a flexible and renewal-friendly basis.

• Key statistics: Lending range £5,000–£500,000; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Short online form, decisions within hours, and renewal options for existing customers.
• Limitations or cons: Not suitable for startups trading less than a year.
• Case study: A seasonal hospitality operator turned to Capify for quick funds to bridge a quiet trading period and prepare for the holidays.

8. Active Business Finance

What it is: Active Business Finance is a broker that can access a range of unsecured loan deals up to £500,000 for diverse needs and circumstances.

• Key statistics: Brokered loans up to £500,000; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Market-wide access, hands-on support, tailored packages.
• Limitations or cons: Not a direct lender; fees may apply.
• Case study: A café chain with complicated needs got tailored terms and lender choices, brokered via Active Business Finance.

9. Portman Finance Group

What it is: Portman Finance Group provides unsecured loans for SMEs, including bespoke solutions for asset-light businesses and those requiring large amounts.

• Key statistics: Loans £10,000–£2,000,000; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Relationship underwriting, wide loan sizes, and rapid funding options.
• Limitations or cons: Minimum turnover criteria makes it less suitable for microbusinesses.
• Case study: An ecommerce company used Portman to quickly secure £150,000 working capital for peak season expansion.

10. Swoop Funding

What it is: Swoop Funding allows SMEs to compare various unsecured lenders through one platform, with a focus on convenience and wide market reach.

• Key statistics: Typical loan panel £2,000–£5,000,000; as of 2025-09-16.
• Standout features: Multi-lender access, quick online application, side-by-side comparisons.
• Limitations or cons: Swoop isn’t a lender; rates and terms differ by provider.
• Case study: An online retailer found the best unsecured deal out of dozens via Swoop, saving time and comparison hassle.

How to choose between these options

• Budget and total cost: Compare not just APR but any setup and early repayment fees. See explainer on UK business loan costs.
• Eligibility and limits: Check lender minimums on turnover and years trading. Read who qualifies for unsecured business finance.
• Speed vs flexibility: Consider if you need near-instant funding or if custom terms are more important. Lenders highlight this on each site.
• Operational fit: Can you manage the loan online and does it suit your cash flow patterns? Flexibility and digital access differ by lender.
• Risk and protections: Some lenders require personal guarantees or director warranties—see this guide to loan security.

Related Guides from Our Site

• Business Loans Explained for UK SMEs
• Compare All Financing Options at Funding Agent
• Business Loan Guide: What to Expect

Conclusion

The best unsecured business loan depends on your company size, speed requirements, and trading history. Pricing and availability can change, so always check latest lender terms and compare deals. For the quickest and simplest route to funding, try Funding Agent’s simple form for a no-obligation quote—applications only take minutes.

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