Is there any obligation to proceed after I receive matches or introductions?
The short answer — you’re under no obligation to proceed
No. There is no obligation to proceed after you receive matches or introductions from Best Business Loans. You stay in full control at every stage and can stop, pause, or decline any option at any time.
We are an independent introducer that helps UK businesses identify relevant finance solutions, lenders, and brokers. We do not provide loans ourselves, and you are never committed to a product until you choose to proceed with a third-party provider.
Submitting a Quick Quote or eligibility check simply allows our AI to assess your details and connect you with suitable finance partners. You can compare your options, ask questions, and walk away if nothing fits your needs or budget.
What a “match” or “introduction” means in practice
A “match” indicates your profile aligns with the eligibility criteria of a lender or broker. An “introduction” is when we share your enquiry with a suitable provider or arrange a conversation with their team.
Neither of these steps binds you to an application or a contract. They are designed to save you time, reduce guesswork, and help you make a more informed decision.
Credit searches and your consent
Best Business Loans does not run credit searches. Some providers may run a soft or hard credit search if you choose to progress.
A soft search will not affect your credit score, whereas a hard search could. Reputable providers will obtain your clear consent before any credit search takes place.
What happens after you’re matched or introduced?
Once you receive matches, you can review the suggested provider types and decide if you want to speak with them. If you accept an introduction, a lender or broker may contact you to learn more and outline potential next steps.
You’ll typically receive an initial, no-obligation conversation and a high-level indication of options, subject to underwriting. This is your chance to discuss terms, timeframes, security, and affordability before you consider an application.
Typical next steps (entirely optional)
- Clarify your funding purpose, timelines, and amount with the provider.
- Share basic documents (e.g., recent accounts or bank statements) so they can assess eligibility.
- Receive an in-principle view or indication of terms, subject to full underwriting.
- Decide whether to proceed to a formal application or stop.
At this stage you are still not committed. Providers may ask for additional information to shape an offer, but you remain free to compare and decline.
Introductions vs. applications
An introduction is a warm handover to a finance professional who may help you. An application is your deliberate step to seek a decision from that provider.
You are never obliged to submit an application because you were matched or introduced. Only apply when you are comfortable with the provider, the product type, and the likely terms.
When could obligations arise — and how to stay in control
Obligations only begin if you decide to proceed with a third-party provider and formally engage in their process. That could include accepting Heads of Terms, requesting a valuation, signing an application, or entering a finance agreement.
Each provider has its own documentation and disclosures. Always read their terms carefully, ask questions about fees or early repayments, and keep copies for your records.
Common obligation triggers (with third parties)
- Signing a formal application that authorises checks and underwriting.
- Agreeing to payable services like valuations, legal work, or arrangement fees.
- Accepting an offer or Heads of Terms that specify conditions and costs.
- Drawing down funds or taking possession under a finance agreement.
If you’re unclear on any aspect, seek clarification before you sign. Many providers offer a cooling-off period or allow you to withdraw prior to completion, subject to their terms.
Example scenarios
Cash flow loan: you review an indicative quote after an introduction and decide it’s too expensive. You decline and pay nothing to us, and no fee is owed to the provider unless you signed for chargeable work.
Asset finance: you accept Heads of Terms that include a valuation. If you later cancel, you may still owe the valuation fee to the third-party valuer as per their policy. This is why reading terms is essential.
Agriculture: you explore sector-specific options and choose not to progress after an initial call. No obligation applies to you at this stage. If you operate in UK agriculture, you can also review our practical guide to farming loans for context.
Transparency, fees, and compliance standards we follow
It’s free to submit a Quick Quote or eligibility check with Best Business Loans. We may receive a commission from a lender or broker if you go on to take finance via an introduction we facilitated.
We aim to be clear, fair, and not misleading in everything we publish. We do not guarantee the lowest rate, approval, or eligibility; your final terms are set by the provider and may change after underwriting.
How we handle your information
We treat your data confidentially and only share it with relevant finance professionals connected to your enquiry. We never sell your data, and you can ask us to stop sharing at any time before an introduction is made.
If you no longer wish to proceed after an introduction, tell the provider directly and notify us so we can update your preferences. You can withdraw consent to contact at any time.
Standards aligned with UK guidance
- Clear, fair, and not misleading information to help you make choices.
- No hidden fees from us for submitting an enquiry.
- Where regulated activities are involved, those are performed by FCA-authorised firms.
- All funding is subject to status, eligibility, and the provider’s underwriting.
We support established UK businesses and do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. If in doubt about the suitability of a product, consider seeking independent professional advice.
FAQs, key takeaways, and next steps
FAQs
Is there any obligation to proceed after I receive matches or introductions?
No. Matches and introductions are no-commitment and for your information only. You choose if and when to proceed with a third party.
Will using the Quick Quote affect my credit score?
We do not run credit checks. A provider may conduct a soft or hard search later, but they will ask for your consent first.
Do you charge fees to use Best Business Loans?
No, it’s free to submit an enquiry. If you take finance through an introduced provider, we may receive a commission; this does not change your obligation to us.
Are rates or terms guaranteed after a match?
No. Rates and terms are set by the provider and confirmed after underwriting. Any indication before that stage is illustrative and subject to change.
Can I stop the process after an introduction?
Yes. Inform the provider and let us know, and we will update your preferences. You remain under no obligation to proceed.
Key takeaways
- You are under no obligation to proceed after matches or introductions.
- We don’t run credit checks; providers ask for consent before any search.
- It’s free to submit a Quick Quote or eligibility check with us.
- Obligations only begin if you choose to engage and sign with a third party.
- Always read third-party terms, especially regarding fees and valuations.
Ready to check eligibility — with no obligation?
If you’re exploring cash flow loans, asset finance, invoice finance, equipment or vehicle funding, or sector-specific options, our AI matching can help. It takes minutes to submit an enquiry.
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Important information
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We do not provide loans or financial advice. Where introductions involve regulated activities, these are performed by FCA-authorised firms. Finance is subject to status, eligibility, and underwriting by the chosen provider. Terms, rates, and availability can change. Information on this page is for UK businesses and general guidance only.
Updated: October 2025
Contact: hello@bestbusinessloans.ai