Tide business funding Alternatives
This guide lists five UK focused alternatives to Tide business funding, so buyers can compare speed, eligibility, products, and pricing before applying. Data was generated on 2025-10-22T10:00:00Z; always confirm current terms with the provider.
Quick Compare:
1. iwoca
iwoca offers flexible working capital solutions for UK businesses with quick online applications. It focuses on small business loans with fast approval times, providing access to unsecured or secured funding options. Borrowers benefit from flexible repayment terms and quick access to funds for various business needs.
Loan and pricing details
- Min amount: £1,000
- Max amount: £1,000,000
- APR min: Unknown
- APR max: 49%
- Loan durations: up to 24 months
Funding range note: from £1,000 to £1,000,000
Speed: 24-hour approval
Interest rate notes: Interest rates start from 1.5% per month
Eligibility
- Min trading months: 1
- Min monthly turnover: £1,000
- Credit flexibility: Moderate
Personal guarantee: Required for larger amounts
Homeowner advantage: Having a good credit profile helps
Services and sectors
- Products: term_loan
- Industries: Retail, Services, SMEs
Best for
- Startups
- SMEs seeking quick loans
- Businesses with good turnover
Pros
- Quick approval
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher cost for riskier businesses
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/business-loan-calculator https://www.iwoca.co.uk/
2. YouLend
YouLend provides revenue-based financing solutions suitable for businesses with fluctuating cash flow and needs for flexible repayment options. It primarily offers funding based on revenue, with repayments aligned to daily sales, making it suitable for fast-growing or seasonal businesses.
Loan and pricing details
- Min amount: £3,000
- Max amount: £2,000,000
- APR min: Unknown
- APR max: Unknown
- Loan durations: Flexible as per cash flow
Funding range note: £3,000 to £2,000,000
Speed: Funds available in 48 hours
Interest rate notes: Fixed fee model rather than traditional interest rates
Eligibility
- Min trading months: 3
- Min monthly turnover: £5,000
- Credit flexibility: High
Personal guarantee: Not typically required
Homeowner advantage: Not applicable
Services and sectors
- Products: merchant_cash_advance
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, E-commerce
Best for
- Businesses with fluctuating cash flows
- Instant funding needs
Pros
- No interest charges
- Flexible repayment aligned with revenue
Cons
- Repayment can be high during good sales months
Sources: https://www.youlend.com/merchants https://www.youlend.com/
3. Mettle by NatWest
Mettle by NatWest provides integrated business banking solutions combining financial management tools with access to credit options. It supports small and medium enterprises by offering flexible financing, often brokered or directly accessed, with options suitable for working capital and growth funding. Loan features include security-friendly options and competitive LTV bands.
Loan and pricing details
- Min amount: Unknown
- Max amount: £100,000
- APR min: Unknown
- APR max: Unknown
- Loan durations: Depends on product
Funding range note: Up to £100,000
Speed: Varies, typically quick processing
Interest rate notes: Varies by product and credit assessment
Eligibility
- Min trading months: 3
- Min monthly turnover: Unknown
- Credit flexibility: Standard
Personal guarantee: May be required depending on credit profile
Homeowner advantage: Not highlighted
Services and sectors
- Products: business_account
- Industries: Services, Freelancers, Startups
Best for
- Sole traders
- Small limited companies
Pros
- Backed by NatWest
- Comprehensive mobile banking
Cons
- Limited loan options directly from Mettle
Sources: https://www.mettle.co.uk/ https://www.mettle.co.uk/partners/natwest-retail/
4. Funding Options
Funding Options offers access to a wide panel of lenders and provides tailored small business finance solutions. It facilitates comparison of different loan types and rates, often brokered or through direct lender panels, making it suitable for varied financing needs and credit profiles.
Loan and pricing details
- Min amount: £1,000
- Max amount: £20,000,000
- APR min: Unknown
- APR max: Unknown
- Loan durations: Varies widely
Funding range note: £1,000 to £20,000,000
Speed: Quick decision-making
Interest rate notes: Varied based on lender and business risk profile
Eligibility
- Min trading months: 6
- Min monthly turnover: £3,000
- Credit flexibility: High
Personal guarantee: Depends on lender and amount
Homeowner advantage: Generally helps with better terms
Services and sectors
- Products: brokerage, term_loan, invoice_finance
- Industries: All sectors
Best for
- Businesses comparing multiple loan options
- Fast funding needs
Pros
- Wide lender panel
- Customizable options
Cons
- Complex if unfamiliar with finance
Sources: https://www.fundingoptions.com/knowledge/business-loans/
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. Choosing the right provider depends on your specific needs. Banks like Mettle and funding agents such as Funding Options are suited for more traditional or broad comparisons. Specialists and direct lenders like iwoca and YouLend often offer faster or more flexible solutions.
