Liberis Business Loans Review For UK SMEs

Liberis is a leading UK-based alternative finance provider specialising in revenue-based business funding. Founded in 2007, Liberis operates through its official website (liberis.co.uk) and is a trading name of Liberis Ltd., which is FCA-authorised for certain regulated activities. Unlike traditional term loans, Liberis offers business cash advances repaid as a fixed percentage of future card sales, making repayments flexible with business performance. As of 2024, Liberis remains fully operational, partnering with global payment platforms and serving UK SMEs across multiple sectors. Liberis is considered reputable, though it’s important to note their funding is structured as a merchant cash advance rather than a standard business loan. Always check their website to confirm the latest product status.

Liberis provides business cash advances from £2,500 up to £300,000, with funding tailored to your recent monthly card takings. Rather than traditional APRs, Liberis charges a fixed fee agreed upfront—typically between 4% and 15% of the advance, dependent on business profile, turnover, and industry risk. There are no ongoing interest charges; instead, you repay the advance plus the fee via a pre-agreed percentage of daily card sales (usually 10–30%). For example, a £10,000 advance might incur a £1,000 fee, repaid as set deductions from card payments until the total £11,000 is cleared. No early repayment penalties or compounding interest, but total costs are generally higher than bank loans. Other fees, like missed payment charges, may apply, so review your agreement carefully.

To qualify for a Liberis cash advance, your business must be trading in the UK, accept customer payments via card terminals, and have a minimum monthly card turnover—typically at least £2,500. Most applicants will need to show at least 4–6 months’ trading history (preferably 12+ months for larger advances), and consistent card transaction volumes. Liberis does not require a perfect credit record, and there is no need for asset security or personal guarantees for most advances. However, business owners may need to undergo basic credit and fraud checks and provide evidence of trading, such as merchant statements. Some sectors (e.g., gambling or high-risk industries) face restrictions. Having steady card revenue improves eligibility and increases the maximum offer.

Applying for funding with Liberis is a fully online process. You begin by filling out a short application form, submitting recent card statements and basic business details. Liberis will conduct a quick assessment, which may include automated checks with your payment provider. Offers are typically provided within 24–48 hours. Once approved, you digitally sign the agreement, and funds are deposited directly to your business account—often within 1–3 working days. Key documents required include proof of identity, business bank statements, and merchant card transaction summaries. The repayment is automated via your payment processor, so there are no monthly invoices or administrative burdens. Overall, the process is faster and less documentation-heavy than conventional loans.

Liberis funding is highly flexible and can be used for a variety of business purposes, including boosting working capital, purchasing inventory, managing cashflow gaps, refurbishments, marketing, or hiring staff. The key is that advances align with the ebb and flow of card sales, making this product popular among retail, hospitality, and service businesses with consistent card revenues. There are few hard usage restrictions, but the funding cannot be used for personal expenses or for activities deemed illegal or prohibited by their terms. Industries with irregular or primarily cash-based revenue may not be eligible. Best-fit scenarios include businesses seeking adaptable, short-term funding without fixed monthly repayments or security requirements.

Liberis stands out for revenue-based repayments, which can be beneficial for businesses with seasonal or variable sales. Unlike traditional bank loans, repayments flex with income—potentially easing pressure during slow periods. However, total borrowing costs may be higher than conventional loans or peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, and maximum funding is limited by card turnover. Competitors include Capify, Worldpay Business Finance, and 365BusinessFinance, all offering similar merchant cash advances. If your business has strong credit, long trading history, and steadier cashflow, alternatives like Funding Circle or high street banks may offer lower rates and longer terms. Consider Liberis if you value flexibility and need fast, unsecured funding through card sales.