November 7, 2025
Lists

Funding Circle Alternatives

Discover the best Funding Circle alternatives for small business loans in the UK. Compare options, interest rates, and eligibility to find the right funding for your business.
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

This guide lists five UK focused alternatives to Funding Circle, so buyers can compare speed, eligibility, products, and pricing before applying. Data was generated on 2023-10-24T12:00:00Z; always confirm current terms with the provider.

Quick compare

1. LendingCrowd

LendingCrowd offers UK SME loans through a peer-to-peer platform. It focuses on competitive, flexible funding options with fast decision times. Suitable for businesses seeking quick access to capital without collateral.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: £75,000
  • Max amount: £500,000
  • APR min: 5.95%
  • APR max: 12.25%
  • Loan durations: 6 to 60 months

Funding range note: from 75,000 to 500,000

Speed: Funds could be available the next working day

Interest rate notes: Interest rates range from 5.95% to 12.25% per annum based on credit risk band.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: Unknown
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: Flexible, based on credit risk band.

Personal guarantee: No additional PG commonly required.

Homeowner advantage: No specific requirement.

Services and sectors

  • Products: term_loan
  • Industries: Various UK SMEs

Best for

  • SMEs needing speedy funding
  • Businesses seeking flexible loan terms

Pros

  • Fast funding
  • Competitive loans
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • High minimum loan amount
  • Rates depend on risk band

2. Iwoca

Iwoca offers fast and flexible business loan options in the UK. It emphasises quick decisions and varied repayment plans to suit different business needs. Ideal for companies seeking quick access to working capital and flexible payment terms.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: £1,000
  • Max amount: £1,000,000
  • APR min: 6%
  • APR max: 15%
  • Loan durations: up to 24 months

Funding range note: from 1,000 to 1,000,000

Speed: Quick decision, often within a day

Interest rate notes: Typical rates range from 6% to 15%.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: 0
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: High; considers varying credit backgrounds.

Personal guarantee: Personal guarantee may be needed, depending on credit.

Homeowner advantage: Not required, but helps.

Services and sectors

  • Products: term_loan, invoice_finance
  • Industries: Startups, Retail, Service Industries

Best for

  • Startups
  • Small businesses needing flexible credit

Pros

  • Low entry barriers
  • Fast processing
  • High flexibility

Cons

  • Higher APR for higher risk
  • Requires personal guarantee

3. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance provides a comprehensive range of funding options in the UK for businesses of various sizes. It offers loans secured on assets or unsecured, with fast decision times. Suitable for companies seeking a mix of flexibility and quick access to finance.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: £3,000
  • Max amount: £2,000,000
  • APR min: 7%
  • APR max: Unknown
  • Loan durations: Varied

Funding range note: from 3,000 to 2,000,000

Speed: Rapid decision possible

Interest rate notes: Rates start from a 7% flat rate for some products.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: Unknown
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: Moderate; personal guarantees are common.

Personal guarantee: Often required for unsecured loans.

Homeowner advantage: Useful for securing loans, not always mandatory.

Services and sectors

  • Products: term_loan, invoice_finance
  • Industries: Construction, Manufacturing, Various SMEs

Best for

  • Businesses needing both secured and unsecured loans
  • Companies needing efficient loan processing

Pros

  • Broad range of products
  • Flexible options available

Cons

  • PG often required
  • Rate depends on security

4. Capify

Capify specialises in quick business loans suitable for SMEs needing fast access to cash. It offers flexible terms and quick funding options. Well-suited for businesses wanting rapid access to credit with less collateral requirements.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: £5,000
  • Max amount: £1,000,000
  • APR min: Unknown
  • APR max: 67.89%
  • Loan durations: Customizable, often up to 12 months

Funding range note: from 5,000 to 1,000,000

Speed: Same-day funding possible

Interest rate notes: High APR, up to 67.89% on some products.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: Unknown
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: Less flexible, high rate for higher risk clients.

Personal guarantee: Required in most cases.

Homeowner advantage: No specific benefits for homeowners.

Services and sectors

  • Products: term_loan, merchant_cash_advance
  • Industries: Retail, Small-scale operations, Hospitality

Best for

  • Businesses needing immediate liquidity
  • SMEs with predictable cash flow

Pros

  • Rapid delivery
  • Wide availability

Cons

  • High interest rates
  • PG required for many loans

5. Fleximize

Fleximize offers flexible business loans in the UK for companies seeking adaptable repayment terms. It focuses on quick decisions and competitive rates, often providing customised funding options. Suitable for businesses with good credit and steady cash flow.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: Unknown
  • Max amount: £500,000
  • APR min: 10.8%
  • APR max: Unknown
  • Loan durations: 12 to 36 months

Funding range note: up to 500,000

Speed: Decisions in 24 hours

Interest rate notes: Rates start from 0.9% per month, variable with creditworthiness.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: Unknown
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: Moderate; flexible terms, but requires good credit.

Personal guarantee: Often required for larger loans.

Homeowner advantage: Generally not a deciding factor.

Services and sectors

  • Products: term_loan, asset_finance
  • Industries: Technology, Retail, Healthcare

Best for

  • Businesses with good credit
  • Those needing flexible repayment options

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Good customer service

Cons

  • PG often needed
  • Limited for poor credit history

Final notes

When comparing providers, match loan size, timeline, and sector fit first, then confirm current rates and fees with the finance provider. If one option declines your application, a broker or multi lender panel may still place the deal.

Understanding the type of lender can help you find the right funding option. Banks tend to offer secured loans with lower rates, suitable for established businesses. Brokers can access a range of lenders, including specialist and alternative providers, on your behalf. For fast or specialised needs, working with a funding agent or direct lender often provides the best fit.

For more information, visit Funding Agent.

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FAQs

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