Will you run any credit checks without my consent?
Short answer — a clear, immediate response
No. Best Business Loans will not run credit checks on you, your business, or your directors without your explicit consent. We introduce your enquiry to matched lenders or brokers only after you agree to the next steps, and any credit checks performed by those providers require your permission.
How Best Business Loans works and when credit checks might occur
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps UK businesses find suitable finance by matching requests with lenders and brokers. We do not provide finance ourselves and we do not perform unsolicited credit searches on individuals or companies. When you submit a Quick Quote or request a Decision in Principle / Eligibility check, we use the information you provide to match you with potential providers who may request further checks.
If a lender or broker needs to perform a credit check as part of their assessment, they will ask for your consent first and explain whether the check is a soft search (for eligibility only) or a hard search (which can affect your credit file). We will always tell you which matched providers we plan to pass your details to and what the likely next steps are. For some forms of commercial finance, such as certain asset finance or invoice finance solutions, lenders may run business credit checks and director credit checks, but these are only initiated after you give permission.
Soft credit checks vs hard credit checks: what they mean for you
A soft credit search is used to assess likely eligibility and will not appear to other lenders or affect credit scores. It is commonly used during initial screening, pre-qualification or an online eligibility check. Soft checks are useful to give you an early indication without impacting future funding options.
A hard credit search is used when a lender is doing formal underwriting and can be seen by other lenders on your credit file. Hard searches can slightly impact credit scores and are usually carried out only after you agree to proceed with a specific application. Lenders or brokers must disclose this before the hard search takes place and obtain your consent in writing or via a recorded electronic acknowledgement.
Consent, transparency and regulatory context
We follow best-practice privacy and transparency principles that reflect FCA and Advertising Standards expectations, even though Best Business Loans itself does not supply regulated loans. That means we will always be clear, fair and not misleading about what we do with your data and when checks may be needed. You will be told plainly whether a matched provider is likely to use a soft or hard search and what consent they require.
Before any third party runs a hard search you will receive a clear statement explaining the reason for the check, who will run it, and any consequences. If you do not wish to proceed with a hard search you can decline and still consider other options or ask for lenders that only carry out soft searches during early stages. We also explain how credit information is used so you can make an informed decision.
What Best Business Loans will and won’t do with your data
We use the details you provide solely to match you with lenders or brokers that are relevant to your sector, size and funding need. We never run credit checks directly and we never pass on your information to third parties without your consent to be contacted. If you choose to proceed, we share only the minimum required data with selected providers to avoid unnecessary checks or duplication.
If a matched lender requests further documentation or permission to carry out a credit check, that lender will contact you and request explicit consent before acting. Our platform aims to reduce unnecessary applications by matching you to suitable providers first, which helps preserve your credit profile. For types of funding like commercial finance we may suggest specialist providers — learn more about those solutions on our commercial finance page: commercial finance.
What to expect next and how to protect your credit record
If you submit a Quick Quote, expect a transparent pathway: we match, then you approve introductions, and providers disclose whether they will use a soft or hard search. Ask any matched lender to confirm the type of search in writing and retain that confirmation for your records. If a lender proceeds without your consent, report it to us and the relevant credit reference agency immediately.
To protect your credit profile, consider these practical steps: ask for soft searches during initial screening, limit formal applications to a short window when comparing offers, and request copies of any searches performed. If you need help understanding a provider’s request for a hard search, our UK support team can explain the implications and help you decide on the best route.
Summary — key takeaways
Best Business Loans will not carry out credit checks without your explicit consent. Matched lenders or brokers will request permission before any hard search and will typically use soft searches for initial eligibility checks. We aim to keep your application process efficient and your credit record protected.
Next steps — Quick Quote, Decision in Principle and support
Ready to check eligibility without committing to hard searches? Start with our Quick Quote to get a free, no-obligation Decision in Principle. Our system highlights when a provider is likely to request a soft or hard search so you can consent knowingly before anything appears on your credit file.
If you prefer to speak to someone first, email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai or request a callback via our Quick Quote form. We’ll explain what will happen next and help you select providers who match your tolerance for soft-only screening.
Call to action — get your free Quick Quote
Protect your credit file while exploring business finance options. Complete a Quick Quote now for an eligibility check and transparent introductions to lenders and brokers. There’s no charge and no obligation to proceed with any matched provider.