Top MCA Loan Lenders for Retail Stores in the UK
For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank prices accurate as of 2025-10-09.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent Funding Agent offers a variety of merchant cash advances and alternative financing options. They focus on fast approvals and flexible repayment options suitable for retail and hospitality sectors. The provider serves UK SMEs seeking quick access to working capital and tailored solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 24.9%
- Loan Duration: 3–72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Business Loans, Equipment Financing
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Fast approval process
- Flexible repayment options
- Tailored financing solutions
Cons
- Higher rates for bad credit
- Limited to UK retailers
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/the-best-mca-loan-lenders-in-the-uk
2. YouLend
YouLend YouLend provides merchant cash advances suitable for small to medium-sized businesses needing quick access to funding. They focus on leveraging future earnings with flexible repayment structures, often brokered for convenience. It suits UK SMEs and online retailers seeking fast, accessible capital solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 9%
- Max APR: 29.9%
- Loan Duration: 6–18 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance
- Industries: Retail, E-commerce
Pros
- High approval rates
- No upfront fees
Cons
- High cost of capital
- Limited information on APR
Sources: https://www.merchantsavvy.co.uk/business-finance/merchant-cash-advance/youlend/
3. Liberis
Liberis Liberis offers flexible funding solutions that are repaid via a share of future card sales. They focus on providing quick, accessible funding for businesses with fluctuating incomes. It suits UK SMEs seeking adaptable financing with minimal collateral requirements.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £2,500
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Cash Advance
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- No fixed repayment period
- Flexible repayment based on income
Cons
- Higher rates for smaller advances
Sources: https://www.elavon.co.uk/resource-center/maximise-your-solutions/liberis-business-funding.html
4. Clifton Private Finance
Clifton Private Finance They specialise in property-focused solutions, such as bridging loans and merchant cash advances. They cater to UK businesses needing financing for property transactions or refinancing. The focus is on providing flexible terms and fast access to capital for properties or business growth.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £2,500,000
- Min APR: 7%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Merchant Cash Advance
- Industries: Retail, Real estate
Pros
- Large loan amounts
- Competitive rates
Cons
- High minimum loan amount
- Secured loans require collateral
Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/business-loans/
5. Nucleus Commercial Finance
Nucleus Commercial Finance They provide a range of financing options including business loans and cash flow solutions. They focus on flexible, fast, and sector-specific funding for UK SMEs with diverse needs. Their offerings are suited for businesses seeking tailored, scalable finance.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Cash Flow Finance
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing
Pros
- Flexible terms
- Wide range of finance options
Cons
- APR varies significantly
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/funding-circle-vs-nucleus-commercial-finance
6. Millbrook Business Finance
Millbrook Business Finance They offer quick access to working capital for SMEs through merchant cash advances. Their focus is on helping businesses maintain cash flow and support growth. The provider aims for fast turnaround and flexible options for refinancing or expansion.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £250,000
- Min APR: 10.9%
- Max APR: 35%
- Loan Duration: 3–24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance
- Industries: Retail, Hospitality
Pros
- Fast approval
- No fixed monthly payments
Cons
- Higher APR than traditional loans
7. Fleximize
Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible business loans with quick approvals and a variety of repayment options. They cater to SMEs seeking funding for growth or cash flow needs. The provider supports both unsecured and secured lending, focusing on fast, scalable solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 8.9%
- Max APR: 25%
- Loan Duration: 6–60 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, Merchant Cash Advance
- Industries: Retail, Food services
Pros
- Flexible finance options
- Loyalty benefits for repeat borrowers
Cons
- Higher APR for new clients
Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk/
8. Christie Finance
Christie Finance Christie Finance operates as a broker for business loans, offering specialised advice and a variety of financial solutions. They focus on property-related funding, including commercial mortgages and sector-specific options. The service suits UK SMEs seeking tailored, brokered solutions.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Variable⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Commercial Mortgages, Business Loans
- Industries: Healthcare, Retail
Pros
- Wide range of loan products
- Specialized advice
Cons
- Broker fees on top of loan costs
9. Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance Momenta specialises in tailored SME lending, offering flexible terms and rates on secured and unsecured loans. They target UK SMEs seeking fast, adaptable funding solutions for growth or refinancing. The provider emphasises personalised service and quick access to capital.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £1,500,000
- Min APR: 7.5%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 6–72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
- Industries: Retail, Manufacturing
Pros
- Personalized loan products
- No security needed for unsecured loans
Cons
- APR tied to market rates
Sources: https://momentafinance.co.uk/business-owners/
10. BizBoost Financial
BizBoost Financial BizBoost offers tools and resources to help businesses plan and secure funding. They focus on small business growth and providing relevant financial planning support. Their services are suitable for UK SMEs seeking strategic and practical funding options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Planning Tools
- Industries: Retail, Startups
Pros
- Focus on small business growth
- Resource-rich platform
Cons
- Not a direct lender
- Limited financial products
Sources: https://www.salesegg.co.uk/
How to choose
When selecting a provider for retail-focused MCA funding, consider the size of the loan and associated costs. Bank-based products are often suitable for larger, secured needs and may come with lower interest rates if secured against assets. Brokered solutions or specialist lenders tend to be faster, more flexible, and accessible for smaller or unsecured financing. Evaluate eligibility criteria, fees, and repayment terms to find the best match for your business needs. Matching your funding source to your specific operational requirements ensures a smoother process and better financial planning.
Conclusion
Matching the right provider depends on your business situation. Banks offer large, secured loans suitable for property or growth investments. Brokers provide tailored advice and access to specialised products. Sector-focused lenders deliver quick, flexible solutions for retail and small businesses. 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.
