Top 10 Bad Credit Business Loan lenders in the UK

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For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan ranges, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. prices accurate as of 2025-09-30.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent offers tailored funding options focused on small UK businesses needing flexible, unsecured, or secured credit. Its solutions are suitable for franchise buyers, startups, and established firms seeking fast access. The provider emphasises quick approval and personalised service to match varied business needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 30%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Loans, Secured Loans, Merchant Cash Advance
- Industries: All industries
Pros
- Tailored financial solutions
- Fast approval process
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher interest rates for bad credit
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk
2. Funding Circle
Funding Circle specialises in online business financing. It offers fast, accessible loans for small and medium enterprises. The platform caters to those seeking quick, transparent options with competitive rates and flexible repayment plans.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 12%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Various industries
Pros
- Competitive interest rates
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Requires a good business plan
Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk/,https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/business-loans/funding-circle-review
3. Fleximize
Fleximize provides flexible business finance options tailored to UK SMEs. It supports startups and established firms with fast, scalable funding, often with options for flexible borrowing and repaid on revenue. Suitable for businesses seeking adaptability and quick turnaround.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 25%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Short Term Loans
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Personalized loan solutions
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Higher APRs for riskier borrowers
Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk/,https://www.capalona.co.uk/our-lenders/fleximize/
4. Iwoca
Iwoca offers fast, flexible business loans targeting small and medium-sized UK businesses. The solutions support quick cash flow needs, with options for unsecured and security-backed loans. Suitable for those seeking rapid funding with straightforward criteria.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Services
Pros
- Fast decision times
- Minimal paperwork
Cons
- Higher costs for poor credit
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/,https://www.theglobalcity.uk/resources/case-studies/iwoca
5. 118 118 Money
118 118 Money specialises in providing flexible loans to UK businesses with challenging credit. Its loans support working capital, expansion, and refinancing needs, often with quick turnaround. Suitable for companies seeking adaptable finance solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £5,000
- Min APR: 49.9%
- Max APR: 83.1%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- No early repayment fees
- Wide acceptance of applicants
Cons
- High APR rates
Sources: https://www.myfinancialbroker.co.uk/lender-contact-info/credit-cards/118-118-money-credit-cards/,https://www.creditspring.co.uk/compare/118-118-money
6. Capify
Capify provides flexible financing solutions, specialising in merchant cash advances and unsecured loans for UK SMEs. Its offerings are suitable for businesses seeking quick funding with minimal collateral and tailored repayment options. Ideal for those needing short-term finance or bridging solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £3,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: SMEs
Pros
- Quick funding
- Personalized offers
Cons
- Short loan terms
Sources: https://www.capify.co.uk/,https://www.capify.co.uk/finance/short-term-small-business-loans/
7. SME Loans
SME Loans provides loans for startups and established UK SMEs. Its products support working capital, growth, and refinancing. Suitable for firms with varied credit histories seeking flexible, fast access to funding.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 30%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans
- Industries: Startups, SMEs
Pros
- Accessible to those with poor credit
- Flexible repayment
Cons
- May have high APR
Sources: https://www.smeloans.co.uk/,https://fleximize.com/articles/005214/bad-credit-business-loans
8. 365 Finance
365 Finance offers revenue-based finance supporting cash flow for businesses with frequent card transactions. It provides quick access with flexible repayments tied to sales, suitable for retail, hospitality, and similar sectors needing rapid, scalable funding.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revenue-based Finance
- Industries: Hospitality, Retail
Pros
- Repayment through sales
- No fixed monthly payments
Cons
- Repayment depends on business income
Sources: https://www.365finance.co.uk/,https://fundingxchange.co.uk/lenders/365-finance/
9. Capitalise
Capitalise offers a marketplace connecting businesses with lenders specialising in bad credit. It features a wide array of financial products, including unsecured, secured, and credit line options. Suitable for firms seeking flexible, quick solutions tailored to complex credit situations.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Credit Lines
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide range of lender choices
- Tailored financial solutions
Cons
- Varied APRs depending on lender
Sources: https://capitalise.com/gb/bad-credit-business-loans
10. Evan Gate Financial Services
Evan Gate Financial Services provides tailored financing options for businesses with bad credit. It connects firms to a network of over 50 UK lenders, supporting quick access to capital and flexible repayment plans suited for varied credit risk profiles.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Merchant Cash Advance
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide lender network
- Flexible financing options
Cons
- Service fees may apply
Sources: https://www.evangatefs.com/services/business-bad-credit/
How to choose
When selecting a provider for bad credit business loans in the UK, carefully compare fees such as arrangement charges, valuation, legal costs, and early repayment penalties. Consider the length of the repayment term in relation to your asset's expected life and your cash flow seasonality. Verify eligibility criteria and document requirements before applying. Assess the flexibility of repayment options and the total cost of credit, including the interest rate and any applicable fees. Shortlisting providers based on your specific needs and their service model helps ensure the best fit for your business.
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Conclusion
Matching the right provider depends on your purpose. Banks offer savings and structured products for good credit. Brokers and specialist lenders cater to complex credit situations and quick funding. Always compare the total cost of credit, including rates and fees. Checking early repayment terms and conditions is essential. Shortlist providers based on eligibility, service levels, and your strategic needs. 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.