How long does it take from enquiry to receiving funds?
The short answer
Many UK businesses receive funds in as little as 24–72 hours after an initial enquiry, but timelines vary by facility type, lender process, and how quickly you can supply documents. Straightforward unsecured cash flow loans and merchant cash advances can fund fastest, while asset finance, invoice finance setups, and government‑backed facilities typically take longer. Best Business Loans does not lend directly; we introduce you to suitable lenders or brokers and help you navigate the steps to achieve the quickest possible turnaround for your situation.
Typical UK business finance timeframes at a glance
- Unsecured business loans / cash flow loans: Indicative terms same day; funds in 24–72 hours after approval.
- Merchant cash advance (card turnover funding): 24–72 hours once statements are verified and the agreement is signed.
- Asset & equipment finance: 2–7 working days, depending on supplier paperwork, valuations, and e‑signing.
- Vehicle & fleet finance: 2–7 working days after approval and invoicing from the dealer.
- Invoice finance (new facility): 3–10 working days for setup; then same‑day or next‑day drawdowns on approved invoices.
- Refinance / consolidation: 5–15 working days, subject to settlement confirmations and any security registration.
- Growth Guarantee Scheme and other government‑backed loans: 5–20 working days due to enhanced eligibility checks.
- Larger secured facilities: Often 2–6+ weeks if property valuations, legal reviews, or debentures are required.
Important context
Timeframes are estimates; actual outcomes depend on lender criteria, underwriting workload, and your business profile. Weekends and bank holidays can extend processing times. There are no guarantees of approval, rates, or speed, and funding is always subject to provider due diligence and eligibility.
Updated: October 2025
What Best Business Loans does
We introduce established UK businesses to relevant lenders and brokers based on your sector, purpose, and profile. Our AI‑driven matching helps reduce wasted applications and connects you with providers who are actively lending. It’s free to submit a Quick Quote, with no obligation to proceed.
Fast next steps
Get Your Free Quick Quote Now to see indicative eligibility and possible timeframes for your specific requirements. The more complete your info, the faster lenders can move.
What affects your funding timeline?
Speed is largely driven by documentation readiness, business complexity, and security requirements. Simple, well‑documented cases with clear affordability usually move quickest. Larger or secured facilities require more checks, which adds time but protects both borrower and lender.
Factors that speed things up
- Up‑to‑date financials: Recently filed accounts, last 6–12 months’ bank statements, and current management accounts.
- Clear purpose and costs: Invoices, quotes, or contracts that show exactly what the funding will cover.
- KYC ready: Photo ID and proof of address for directors and ultimate beneficial owners.
- HMRC position clarified: Evidence of no arrears or a Time to Pay arrangement if applicable.
- Credit transparency: Disclosure of any CCJs, arrears, or existing facilities upfront.
- E‑sign capability: Signing documents electronically often saves days.
Factors that can slow things down
- Missing or inconsistent documents: Gaps in bank statements, outdated accounts, or mismatched figures.
- Complex security: Debentures, personal guarantees, inter‑creditor agreements, or property valuations.
- Supplier or buyer delays: Waiting on invoices, delivery notes, or confirmations for asset or invoice facilities.
- Companies House filings: Some lenders wait for security registration confirmation before releasing funds.
- Seasonality and holidays: End‑of‑quarter volumes, bank holidays, or peak periods can extend underwriting times.
Compliance checks you should expect
All reputable providers must complete Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti‑Money Laundering (AML), fraud checks, and affordability assessments. These checks are required by regulation and good practice, and they help ensure funding is responsible and sustainable.
Setting realistic expectations
Plan for the quicker end of the range if your case is straightforward and documents are ready. Allow extra time if security, valuations, or complex ownership structures are involved. Communicate early with your suppliers or stakeholders so timelines remain aligned.
How your sector can influence speed
Some sectors face additional scrutiny due to risk profiles or payment cycles. For example, construction sub‑contracting and hospitality may be assessed differently from professional services or manufacturing. Sector‑savvy lenders can still move quickly when the information is clear.
Step‑by‑step: from enquiry to funds
While every case is unique, most journeys follow five stages. Understanding each stage helps you anticipate what’s needed and avoid bottlenecks. Here’s what to expect with Best Business Loans.
1) Quick Quote submission (5–10 minutes)
Share basic details about your business, funding purpose, and amount required. This creates the profile our matching engine uses to shortlist suitable lenders or brokers. There’s no impact on your credit score at this stage.
2) AI‑assisted matching (same day)
We compare your details against a curated network of providers and product types. You’ll be connected to those most likely to support your sector and requirement. This saves you time contacting multiple companies one by one.
3) Indicative terms and document request (hours to 1–2 days)
A provider may share an initial view or non‑binding indication once they’ve seen your headline numbers. Expect a short documents list tailored to the product type and loan size. Promptly supplying these items accelerates underwriting.
4) Underwriting and approval (1–7 working days)
Underwriters assess affordability, verify identity, and review trading performance. For asset finance, they may confirm supplier invoices or asset details; for invoice finance, they may sample debtor quality. Larger or secured facilities can require additional checks or legal steps.
5) Signing and pay‑out (same day to 3 days)
Once approved, you’ll receive agreements to sign, often via e‑sign. For unsecured loans, funds often release within 24–48 hours of signing. For asset and invoice finance, pay‑out may follow supplier verification, CH registrations, or initial facility setup.
Weekends and bank holidays
Most pay‑outs clear on working days only, and cut‑off times vary by lender and bank. If you sign late on a Friday, expect funds early the following week. Plan critical purchases or payroll around banking calendars where possible.
Credit checks and your score
Many providers can pre‑assess you with soft searches initially. A hard search may occur before final approval or pay‑out. If credit sensitivity matters to you, flag this early so you’re matched appropriately.
Communication makes a difference
Nominate a decision‑maker to respond to lender queries quickly. Keep your accountant or finance lead in the loop for management accounts or cash flow statements. Encourage suppliers to respond promptly if their input is required.
Examples by product and sector
These scenarios are illustrative and not a promise of outcome. They show how timelines can look when documents are ready and providers are actively lending. Real‑world timings vary.
Unsecured cash flow loan
A manufacturing SME requests £75,000 for working capital. The director submits a Quick Quote on Monday morning, uploads six months of bank statements and recent management accounts the same day. The lender issues approval on Wednesday, and funds arrive Thursday afternoon.
What helped: clean bank statements, stable revenue, and director availability for a quick phone verification. What could slow this: undisclosed existing facilities or recent returned items on the bank account. For larger unsecured amounts, expect deeper affordability checks and possibly a personal guarantee.
Invoice finance facility
A logistics firm wants to unlock cash from 45‑day customer terms. Setup typically takes 3–10 working days, including debtor analysis, facility documentation, and integration. Once live, funding against approved invoices can be same‑day, often within hours of submission.
What helped: clear debtor ageing, verified contracts, and prompt replies to sample checks. What could slow this: disputed invoices, concentration risk on a single large customer, or missing proof of delivery.
Asset and equipment finance
A food producer needs £120,000 for a new packaging line. After enquiry, the supplier quote and spec sheet are shared the same day. Underwriting approves within three working days; e‑sign docs are completed on day four and supplier is paid on day six.
What helped: detailed supplier quote, clear asset description, and affordability supported by bank statements. What could slow this: if a site survey or valuation is required, or if the supplier cannot promptly confirm readiness.
Merchant cash advance
A retail business with consistent card receipts seeks £30,000. They upload recent merchant statements and bank statements. Approval and e‑sign can occur within 24–48 hours, with funds landing shortly after.
What helped: stable card turnover and clean statements. What could slow this: multiple merchant accounts or mismatched statement periods.
Government‑backed facilities
Where government guarantees apply, eligibility and compliance checks are more detailed. Expect 5–20 working days depending on lender workload and the complexity of your case. Approval times can be longer in peak demand periods.
Sector spotlight: building and trade services
Contract‑based revenues and staged payments can affect lender assessment. Choosing finance aligned with your cash cycle — for example, invoice finance for certified applications or stage bills — can speed up drawdowns once live. See funding options for building and trade services here: building services loans.
Are same‑day funds possible?
Yes, in limited cases for small unsecured amounts or merchant cash advances when documents are complete and underwriting is straightforward. Realistically, most fast approvals land within 24–72 hours. Aim for fully prepared documentation to maximise your chance of same‑day issuance.
When to build in extra time
If your facility requires a debenture, inter‑creditor agreement, or property valuation, add days or weeks. If your year‑end accounts are overdue, expect additional scrutiny. Proactively explain any anomalies to reduce back‑and‑forth.
How to get started and what to expect
Submitting a Quick Quote costs nothing and does not obligate you to proceed. You’ll get matched to providers who align with your sector, purpose, and funding range. From there, you remain in control of any next steps.
What we need to match you quickly
- Registered business name, company number, and trading address.
- Funding purpose, amount, and desired timeline.
- Last 6–12 months’ business bank statements (PDF exports preferred).
- Latest filed accounts and, if available, recent management accounts.
- Director and UBO details for KYC (ID and proof of address).
- Any supporting items: supplier quotes, invoices, contracts, asset lists, or debtor ageing.
Fair, clear, and not misleading
We aim to present timelines, eligibility, and risks transparently, in line with UK standards for financial promotions. Funding offers, rates, and timeframes are provided by third‑party lenders or brokers and are subject to change. Nothing here is financial advice; consider professional advice if you’re unsure which option suits your needs.
Independent introducer, not a lender
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We use AI‑led matching and a professional network to connect you with relevant finance providers. Submitting your Quick Quote is free, and you choose whether to proceed with any option.
Start Your Quick Quote for a fast eligibility check and indicative timelines. If you need guidance before submitting, email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai.
Key takeaways
- Many UK SMEs receive funds within 24–72 hours for straightforward unsecured facilities.
- Asset finance and invoice finance setups take longer initially but can pay out quickly thereafter.
- Document readiness and clear purpose are the biggest accelerators of speed.
- Security, valuations, and legal steps add time; plan around bank holidays and cut‑offs.
- We don’t lend; we help you find providers who can move at the speed your business needs.
FAQs: timelines and approvals
Can you guarantee a funding timeline?
No. Timings depend on provider processes, underwriting, and your documentation. We set realistic expectations and help remove bottlenecks.
Will my credit score be affected by an enquiry?
Our Quick Quote does not affect your credit score. Lenders may use soft searches initially and a hard search before final approval or pay‑out.
What if I have historic credit issues?
Specialist lenders may still help, though timelines can be longer. Be transparent to avoid delays during underwriting.
Are there any upfront fees?
Submitting a Quick Quote via Best Business Loans is free. If a lender or broker charges fees, they will disclose them clearly before you proceed.
Do you support start‑ups?
No, we currently focus on established UK businesses. We do not support property finance, franchises, or commercial mortgages.