Do you guarantee approval or the lowest rate, or are results subject to provider criteria?

No — we do not guarantee approval or the lowest rate. Any finance outcome is subject to each provider’s eligibility rules, underwriting standards, risk assessment, and the information you supply. Our role is to match your business to suitable lenders or brokers so you can compare realistic options, not to promise fixed results.

Understanding approvals, rates, and provider criteria

What we can — and cannot — guarantee

We do not offer loans directly, set interest rates, or make credit decisions. That means we cannot promise acceptance, a particular APR, or a “cheapest on the market” outcome. Providers set their own criteria and pricing, which vary by product, sector, and risk.

What we can guarantee is an honest, people‑first service. We will use our AI-driven matching to introduce you to providers that are more likely to consider your profile, based on the details you share. We aim to help you avoid wasted applications and focus on viable routes.

We also commit to clear, fair and not misleading information. We will avoid unrealistic claims, explain typical eligibility factors in plain English, and signpost next steps so you can make informed decisions. You remain in control at every stage and are under no obligation to proceed.

What “no guarantee” means in practice

• No guaranteed approval: all outcomes depend on provider underwriting and your business circumstances.
• No guaranteed lowest rate: pricing depends on product fit, credit risk, security, sector appetite, and market conditions.
• Introductions only: we are an independent introducer that helps you find and compare suitable options quickly.

We encourage you to submit a Quick Quote for an eligibility check rather than applying blind. This helps reduce credit footprint noise and increases your chances of engaging the right providers first time. It is free to submit an enquiry and you can walk away at any time.

How provider criteria actually work

Each lender or broker has its own credit policy that evolves with market conditions. Even within one product type, such as asset finance or invoice finance, risk appetite can vary significantly by sector and loan purpose. This is why the same business may receive different decisions or terms across providers.

Underwriting blends quantitative and qualitative assessment. Quantitative elements include revenue, profit, leverage, and serviceability, while qualitative factors include management experience, sector resilience, and the credibility of your plan. Security and guarantees can materially influence both pricing and probability of acceptance.

Providers also weigh compliance and affordability. Responsible lenders must assess the ability to repay without undue hardship to the business. Document quality and timeliness matter, because underwriters need evidence to validate claims and understand risk drivers.

Typical eligibility factors providers consider

• Business profile: UK limited company or LLP, trading history, and sector type.
• Financials: turnover trend, margins, cash flow, debt service cover, and balance sheet strength.
• Credit history: company and director credit files, CCJs, arrears, or previous defaults.
• Purpose and use of funds: growth, working capital, asset purchase, or refinance rationale.
• Security and guarantees: assets available, loan-to-value, and directors’ guarantees.
• Documentation: filed accounts, management accounts, bank statements, aged debtor/creditor lists, VAT/PAYE status, and contracts.

Sector appetite is another key variable. For example, an equipment lender might be comfortable with engineering assets but cautious with seasonal hospitality equipment. If you operate in food production or hospitality, see how providers assess that space in our guide to food industry loans and finance options.

How to improve eligibility — and potentially secure better terms

While no one can guarantee approval or the lowest rate, you can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome by preparing properly. Accurate, current, and well-presented information reduces friction and helps underwriters price risk more favourably. It also speeds up time to decision.

Start by gathering core documents and clarifying the use of funds. Lenders want to see how the finance supports sustainable outcomes such as productivity, revenue stability, or cost efficiency. The clearer the plan, the easier it is to underwrite.

Where relevant, consider adding security or guarantees if suitable for your business. Asset-backed structures or director guarantees may unlock sharper pricing or higher acceptance probability, although this depends on your appetite for risk and obligations.

Practical steps that can help your case

• Prepare your pack: last two years’ filed accounts, recent management accounts, and six months’ business bank statements.
• Stay current with HMRC: ensure VAT and PAYE are up to date and disclose any Time to Pay arrangements.
• Check your credit files: correct obvious errors and be ready to explain any adverse markers.
• Evidence cash flow: show headroom for repayments and sensitivity scenarios for seasonality.
• Right product, right purpose: consider whether asset finance, invoice finance, or a cash flow facility fits best.
• Reasonable ask: apply for amounts aligned to affordability and business need, not the maximum possible.

Our Quick Quote form helps you shape a strong first submission. The more context you can give — especially around trading performance, customers, and the purpose of funds — the easier it is to identify providers with a matching risk appetite. That is the fastest route to better options.

What to expect from our matching process

Best Business Loans uses AI-driven matching to connect you with finance providers who may be suitable for your profile. We consider sector, funding purpose, trading stage, and typical eligibility signals to narrow your shortlist. This saves time versus contacting dozens of firms yourself.

Once matched, you can discuss your case directly with the provider or broker. They may request additional information or run soft checks at the pre-qualification stage. Only the provider can confirm rates, fees, collateral needs, and final terms after completing their assessment.

We do not charge you to submit an enquiry, and there is no obligation to proceed. If you accept an offer, we may receive an introducer commission from the provider, which does not affect the terms you are quoted. Always review documentation carefully and ask questions before you commit.

Decision in Principle and timelines

• Indicative outcomes: some providers can give a Decision in Principle quickly, subject to verification.
• Time to funding: depends on product type, complexity, and the speed of information exchange.
• Variability: terms can change if the final documents differ from the initial information provided.

Please note that we currently support established UK businesses rather than start-ups, sole traders, franchises, or property finance. Typical sectors include construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality. If you operate in a supported sector, a Quick Quote is the fastest way to check eligibility.

Transparency, compliance, and your next steps

We follow the spirit of UK rules requiring promotions to be clear, fair and not misleading. We avoid absolute claims, explain material limitations, and provide balanced information so you can make informed decisions. Where applicable, you should check that any provider you engage is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for relevant regulated activities.

Any examples or statements are for guidance only and do not constitute financial advice. Availability, rates, and terms are set by providers and can change without notice. Approval depends on credit status, affordability, product fit, and the completeness of your information.

Late or missed repayments can have serious consequences for your business and may affect your credit rating. Security or a personal guarantee may be required. If in doubt, seek independent professional advice before entering into any agreement.

Key takeaways

• No guarantees: approval and pricing are always subject to provider criteria and underwriting.
• We match, you choose: our technology introduces you to suitable providers so you can compare options.
• Preparation pays: strong documents, clear purpose, and the right product choice improve outcomes.
• Transparent process: free to enquire, no obligation, and clear signposting of risks and responsibilities.

Ready to check eligibility without applying blind? Complete your Quick Quote now for a fast, no-obligation introduction to suitable providers. Our platform helps you move from search to shortlist — so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Do you guarantee the lowest rate? No. Rates are set by providers and depend on risk, product type, security and market conditions. We help you compare realistic offers rather than promising the absolute lowest rate.

Will my business be approved? Approval is never guaranteed. Decisions are based on provider criteria, your credit profile, financials, sector, and the information you supply.

Does the Quick Quote affect my credit score? Our initial matching does not. Providers may run soft or hard checks later, and they will inform you when that is needed.

Are you a lender? No. We are an independent introducer using AI to match you to suitable lenders or brokers. Agreements are made directly with the provider.

Do you charge me a fee? It is free to submit a Quick Quote. If you proceed with a provider we introduced, we may receive an introducer commission. This does not change your quoted terms.

Updated

Updated October 2025. We review guidance regularly to reflect FCA, ASA, and Google advertising standards and market practice.