What are the minimum and maximum amounts I can finance?
Quick answer
The minimum and maximum amounts you can finance vary widely depending on the finance product, the lender, and your business profile. Typical minimums start as low as a few thousand pounds, while maximum facilities can range from several hundred thousand to many millions for asset-backed and invoice finance. Use a Quick Quote to get a tailored Decision in Principle and a realistic range for your business.
Typical ranges by finance type
Short summary
Different business finance products suit different sums and purposes. Some options are designed for small, short-term needs and others for long-term, high-value investment.
Common product ranges
Short-term working capital or merchant cash advances can start from around £1,000 to £5,000 for smaller providers. Unsecured business loans and overdrafts commonly begin at £5,000 to £10,000 depending on the lender’s risk appetite.
Asset and equipment finance frequently start at approximately £3,000–£10,000 for smaller machines and IT, with specialist providers accepting lower or modular finance deals. Invoice finance and asset-backed facilities typically start higher — often from £25,000 upwards — because they require ongoing administration and minimum monthly volume.
At the upper end, large asset finance, invoice facilities and structured lending can reach several million pounds. Specialist banks and debt arrangers provide bespoke facilities that may exceed £10m when security and cashflows support that level.
Why minimums and maximums differ
Type of lender
High street banks, challenger banks, specialist asset lenders and alternative finance providers each set their own thresholds. Banks often prefer larger, well-documented deals, while alternative lenders will underwrite smaller, quicker transactions.
Product structure and security
Secured lending against plant, machinery or invoices allows lenders to offer larger maximums. Unsecured lending or credit-card style facilities generally come with lower caps because there is more lender risk.
Regulatory and sector considerations
Some regulated products have prescribed disclosure or affordability requirements that affect the minimum loan size. Likewise, business sector and asset type (for example, specialised agricultural or medical equipment) influence both minimum acceptable facility sizes and maximum limits from lenders with sector expertise.
Practical examples and realistic expectations
Small and micro facilities
If you need a small working capital boost or to buy lower‑value equipment, many lenders will consider sums from £1,000–£10,000. These are typical for merchant cash advances, some invoice finance start-ups and micro business loans.
Mid-range facilities
For expansion, refit or mid-value equipment purchases, expect typical ranges of £10,000–£250,000. Asset finance for vehicles, plant hire and IT often sits comfortably in this bracket with fixed terms from one to seven years.
Large and bespoke funding
When your business needs £250,000–£5m or more, lenders look for strong cashflow, security and a solid business plan. Invoice finance, larger asset-backed loans and growth facilities commonly operate at these levels, and specialist funding can exceed £10m for corporates or grouped facilities.
Example scenarios
A manufacturing firm buying a £150,000 press may use asset finance with a deposit and a 3–5 year term. A national distributor with consistent invoicing and large turnover could secure an invoice finance facility worth several hundred thousand to multi‑million pounds.
Key factors lenders use to set limits
Business age and turnover
Established businesses with two or more years’ trading and steady turnover will usually access higher maximums. Early-stage or lower-turnover firms normally face lower caps or need a stronger security package.
Profitability and cash flow
Lenders assess repayment ability through historical cash flow, margins and management projections. Strong, predictable cash flows support higher facility limits and better terms.
Security and assets
Providing tangible security — plant, vehicles, property or invoice book — often increases the maximum finance available. Unsecured facilities are limited by the lender’s appetite for risk and statutory lending rules.
Credit and sector risk
Business and director credit history, customer concentration, and the industry’s risk profile determine acceptable maximums. Some sectors (for example, construction or hospitality) may face more conservative caps from mainstream lenders.
How to discover the right amount for your business
Get a Decision in Principle with a Quick Quote
The fastest way to pinpoint realistic minimums and maximums is to complete a Quick Quote on our site. Our AI matches your profile to lenders and brokers who specialise in the sums and sector you need and can provide a Decision in Principle or eligibility check.
Prepare information lenders expect
Provide turnover figures, recent accounts, cash flow forecasts, details of assets and the purpose of the funding. This information helps lenders set initial limits and offer indicative terms quickly.
Comparison and broker support
We introduce you to lenders or brokers who actively lend at the sizes you require and who understand your industry. Using an introducer and specialist brokers can widen the range of potential maximums available to you.
Next steps and CTA
To get a tailored range for your business, submit a Quick Quote for a free Eligibility check and Decision in Principle. Our service does not provide loans directly; we match you with lenders and brokers who do. Start your Quick Quote now to see realistic minimum and maximum finance options for your business.
Relevant resources
If you are buying plant or machinery, explore our guidance on equipment finance for typical starting amounts and structures. Find more detail here: Equipment Finance.
FAQs — Short, clear answers
What is the smallest amount I can borrow for business use?
Smaller providers and merchant finance options can offer sums from about £1,000, but most standard business loans and asset finance start at £3,000–£5,000. Minimums depend on the product type and the lender’s operating costs and risk limits.
Can my business borrow more if I offer security?
Yes — offering security such as equipment, vehicles, or invoices typically increases the maximum available and can improve rates and terms. Lenders value recoverable assets when assessing larger facilities.
Does Best Business Loans lend directly?
No. Best Business Loans is an introducer and matching platform. We use AI and a network of lenders and brokers to find suitable finance providers for your requirements.
Key takeaways
Minimums often start around £1,000–£5,000 depending on product and provider. Mid-range finance commonly sits between £10,000 and £250,000 for asset and working capital needs. Large bespoke facilities can reach millions, subject to security, cash flow and lender appetite. Submit a Quick Quote for a free Eligibility check and an indicative Decision in Principle tailored to your business.
Ready to find the right range for your business finance? Complete our Quick Quote now and receive an AI-matched shortlist of lenders and brokers ready to consider your request.
About Best Business Loans
Best Business Loans is a UK-based introducer using AI-driven matching to connect established SMEs with lenders and brokers. We do not provide loans but support businesses to find relevant, trusted finance providers quickly and securely.