Will submitting a Quick Quote affect my credit score?
The short answer
No — submitting a Quick Quote on BestBusinessLoans.ai will not affect your credit score. We’re an independent introducer, not a lender, and we don’t run credit checks at the Quick Quote stage. Your details are used to assess eligibility and match you with suitable lenders or brokers, not to perform a search on your credit file.
If you choose to proceed after being introduced to a finance provider, that provider may conduct a credit check. Early-stage checks are often “soft searches”, which do not impact your score and are not visible to other lenders. A “hard search” typically only occurs when you submit a full application for credit with a lender, and you’ll be told before this happens.
In short, your Quick Quote with Best Business Loans is designed to be impact-free for your credit score. It’s a no-obligation way to explore options and understand likely eligibility. You stay in control of whether and when any credit check is carried out by a third party.
What Best Business Loans does at the Quick Quote stage
We collect key information about your business profile, funding needs, and sector so our AI can identify appropriate finance providers. No decision is made at this stage, and no approval is implied. Our role is to save you time and avoid unnecessary applications by guiding you to providers that align with your circumstances.
Soft search vs hard search: the essentials
- Soft search: A preliminary check visible only to you that doesn’t affect your credit score.
- Hard search: A full credit check recorded on your file that may temporarily impact your score and is visible to other lenders.
- When they happen: Soft searches are common for eligibility and pre-approval; hard searches usually occur when you submit a formal credit application.
How business lenders use credit checks
UK business lenders often assess both your company’s credit profile and, where relevant, the personal credit of directors or guarantors. They do this through major credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. The type and timing of the check depends on the product, loan size, and underwriting policy.
Invoice finance and asset finance providers may focus more on trading history, debtor quality, and asset values, with lighter initial credit footprints. Working capital loans and unsecured facilities may rely more on affordability, cash flow, and personal guarantees, which can involve director credit searches. Either way, a hard search is generally reserved for the point at which you formally apply.
Multiple hard searches in a short period can sometimes affect approval decisions. That’s why using a guided matching service can help you target the most suitable providers first. It reduces the chance of unnecessary formal applications.
The typical journey from enquiry to decision
- Quick Quote: You share high-level information to get matched with providers.
- Informal review: A broker or lender assesses fit and may request documents to refine terms.
- Soft search or indicative terms: You may receive an initial view with no score impact.
- Full application: When you’re ready to proceed, a hard search may be performed with your consent.
- Offer and funding: Final underwriting, contracts, and drawdown if approved.
When could a hard search happen?
- When you submit a full application for credit with a lender.
- When a personal guarantee is proposed and underwriting requires a full assessment.
- When a lender needs to validate affordability and risk beyond a soft search.
How to protect your credit score while exploring finance
Use introducers and matching platforms to narrow the field before you apply. This reduces the risk of multiple unproductive applications and hard searches. Always ask a provider whether they will perform a soft or hard search and at what stage.
Prepare your documents so a provider can assess you accurately without repeated checks. Common items include recent bank statements, filed accounts, management information, aged debtor and creditor reports, and key contracts. Clarity up front often leads to faster decisions with fewer surprises.
Consider checking your own credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Checking your own credit is a “soft” action and won’t affect your score. It can also alert you to any errors that could be corrected before you apply.
Information we ask for in a Quick Quote (and why)
- Business details: Name, company number, sector, and trading history to match product fit.
- Funding purpose and amount: So we can identify the most relevant finance types and providers.
- Turnover and profitability range: Helps filter lenders by appetite and affordability criteria.
- Assets or invoices: Where relevant, to consider asset finance or invoice finance options.
Security, fairness and transparency
- We don’t run a credit check at the Quick Quote stage.
- Your data is handled securely and shared only with relevant providers aligned to your enquiry.
- You’ll be told by a lender or broker before any hard search is carried out.
Common questions about credit checks and Quick Quotes
Does a Quick Quote ever trigger a credit check?
No — not with BestBusinessLoans.ai. Submitting your details via our Quick Quote form does not create a credit footprint. If you proceed with an introduced provider, they will inform you about any credit checks required.
Do soft searches show up anywhere?
Soft searches may be visible on your own credit report, but only to you. Other lenders cannot see them, and they do not affect your score. They are often used for eligibility and pre-approval.
How much can a hard search affect my score?
For most applicants, a single hard search has a small, short-term effect. Multiple hard searches in quick succession can be more noticeable. Impact varies based on your overall credit profile and other factors.
Will lenders check the business, the directors, or both?
It depends on the product and structure. Many commercial lenders review both the company’s credit file and, if a personal guarantee is involved, the director’s credit profile. Asset-backed and invoice finance providers may place more emphasis on assets and debtor quality.
Can I still get business finance with a weaker credit profile?
Possibly, depending on product type, security, sector, and cash flow. Options like asset finance or invoice finance can sometimes be workable when unsecured loans are not. Terms may vary, and affordability remains key.
How can I minimise unnecessary credit checks?
Share accurate information early, ask providers whether they use soft searches initially, and avoid submitting multiple full applications at once. Let an introducer narrow the field so your formal application goes to a good fit. Keep documents ready to prevent stop-start processes.
Do sectors matter for eligibility?
Yes, lender appetite varies by sector, asset mix, and trading patterns. For example, food producers and processors may prefer equipment or invoice finance at certain times. For sector-specific guidance, see our page on Food Industry Loans.
Will checking my own credit affect it?
No. Accessing your own credit file is a soft action and doesn’t affect your score. It’s a smart step before any formal application.
Next steps, compliance and transparency
Submitting a Quick Quote with Best Business Loans is free, secure, and has no impact on your credit score. It lets you understand likely eligibility, compare routes, and speak to providers who are actively lending in your sector. If you choose to go ahead, the provider will explain any credit checks before they occur.
We aim to keep our information fair, clear, and not misleading in line with FCA and ASA principles. BestBusinessLoans.ai does not offer loans or financial advice; we operate as an independent introducer that connects UK businesses with third-party lenders or brokers. Any funding is subject to status, affordability, and the criteria of FCA-authorised firms we introduce you to.
We don’t guarantee the lowest rate or approval. We do aim to introduce you to relevant, trusted providers who can consider your case appropriately. You remain in control at every stage.
What to do now
- Complete your Quick Quote to see which finance options could fit.
- Ask any introduced provider to confirm whether they’ll use a soft search initially.
- Only consent to a hard search when you’re ready to proceed with a formal application.
Key takeaways
- Submitting a Quick Quote on BestBusinessLoans.ai does not affect your credit score.
- Soft searches used for eligibility checks do not impact your score and are visible only to you.
- Hard searches usually occur at full application stage and require your consent.
- Use guided matching to avoid unnecessary applications and protect your credit profile.
- You’re always informed by the lender or broker before any hard search takes place.
Updated: October 2025
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Important information
BestBusinessLoans.ai is an independent introducer that helps UK businesses find suitable finance providers. We do not offer loans or give financial advice. Any introductions may lead to discussions with third-party lenders or brokers who are responsible for their own assessments, credit checks, and decisions.
All financial promotions should be fair, clear and not misleading. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute advice. Finance is subject to status, affordability, provider criteria, and terms and conditions.
If you proceed beyond a Quick Quote, the relevant provider will inform you whether any credit check is soft or hard before it takes place. Always read provider disclosures and privacy notices carefully.