How fast could funds be available after I’m introduced to a provider?
Short answer: Once you’re introduced to a suitable lender or broker, funds can be available as fast as the same day for certain unsecured products, typically within 24–72 hours for many working-capital loans and invoice finance, and 2–10 working days for asset-backed or more complex facilities. Timings depend on your documentation readiness, product type, and the provider’s underwriting process.
What determines how quickly you can be funded?
Your readiness speeds everything up
Funding speed is largely driven by how complete and current your documents are at the point of introduction. If you can provide bank statements, management accounts, ID, and a clear loan purpose immediately, underwriting can begin the same day. Delays usually come from missing or inconsistent information that needs clarifying.
Product type matters to timelines
Different finance types settle at different speeds due to checks, security, and legal documentation. Unsecured term loans and revolving credit can be quick because there’s limited legal complexity. Asset finance, refinance, or facilities involving debentures or personal guarantees can take longer due to valuations and legal steps.
Typical UK funding timelines by product
- Unsecured working capital loans: 24–72 hours after full submission and approval.
- Invoice finance (new facility): 24–72 hours to set up; then advances on invoices often same day.
- Asset finance / equipment finance: 2–7 working days, depending on supplier paperwork and any inspections.
- Vehicles & fleet finance: 2–10 working days, factoring in vehicle sourcing and documentation.
- Refinance / consolidation: 3–10 working days, subject to settlement statements and valuations.
- Growth Guarantee Scheme (via participating lenders): typically 5–15 working days from submission to payout.
- Commercial finance (non-property): 2–10 working days, depending on structure and security.
Best Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, so exact timing depends on the provider you choose. Our role is to match you with lenders or brokers who are active in your sector and can move at the pace you need.
What happens after we introduce you? A step-by-step timeline
Step 1: Quick handover and discovery (0–24 hours)
After you complete a Quick Quote, our AI system matches your profile and we introduce you to suitable providers. Expect a fast discovery call to confirm your needs, loan purpose, affordability, and any nuances in your trading pattern. If your documents are ready, the provider can start reviewing the same day.
Step 2: KYC and document submission (same day to 2 days)
Providers must complete know-your-customer (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML), and fraud checks before making an offer. You’ll be asked for ID, proof of address, and business documents like bank statements (usually 3–12 months) and up-to-date management accounts. Clear, legible files reduce back-and-forth and speed approvals.
Step 3: Underwriting and decision (1–5 working days)
Underwriting timelines vary by product, facility size, and sector risk. Many unsecured loans receive decisions in principle within hours, with final offers following after verification. Asset-based or structured facilities can take longer while lenders assess valuations, contracts, or debtor quality.
Step 4: Acceptance and payout (same day to 3 days)
Once you accept an offer and sign the agreement, payout can be same day for some facilities, or a few days if additional legal or supplier steps are required. Invoice finance advances are often same day after the facility is live and invoices are verified. For asset finance, payout typically coincides with supplier invoice and delivery confirmations.
How to speed it up
- Provide complete documents up front, in digital format and clearly labelled.
- Nominate a single decision-maker for fast sign-off and ID checks.
- Share supplier quotes or invoices early for asset or fit-out finance.
- Explain any bank anomalies (seasonality, one-off costs) to pre-empt queries.
- Be responsive to lender questions; same-day replies can shave days off.
Realistic scenarios and sector examples
Quickest paths to cash
An established UK SME with consistent revenues, clean bank statements, and a clear loan purpose can often secure an unsecured working capital loan in 24–48 hours. Where a lender uses open banking and e-signature, the entire journey from introduction to payout can happen within two business days. If you already have management accounts and ID to hand, underwriters can move even faster.
When it takes longer—and why
Funding can take longer if the facility requires a debenture, director’s guarantee, or legal charge review. Asset finance may need supplier documents, asset serial numbers, and delivery evidence, which adds steps. Complex cash flows, heavy seasonality, or a recent restructure can also lead to extra underwriting questions.
Example: Logistics cash flow scenario
A haulage company facing fuel price spikes seeks a revolving facility to support weekly fuel outlays, with customers paying on 45-day terms. With complete documents provided at introduction, the lender issues a decision in principle within 24 hours and full approval at 72 hours. Funds are drawn immediately after e-signature, helping to stabilise working capital; for sector-specific guidance, see our page on logistics business loans.
For invoice finance, the same logistics firm could activate a facility inside three days and receive advances on verified invoices the same day thereafter. Many UK providers can also blend invoice finance with fuel cards or asset finance for trailers and HGVs, which may require coordinated onboarding steps.
What can delay funding—and how to avoid it
Common causes of delay
- Incomplete packs: Missing bank statements, expired ID, or absent supplier quotes cause underwriting pauses.
- Inconsistent data: Bank entries that don’t match management accounts trigger verification queries.
- Legal complexity: Debentures, cross-company guarantees, or refinances with multiple parties add time.
- Sector-specific risks: High chargeback exposure, long debtor cycles, or contract dependencies need deeper assessment.
- Limited availability: Slow responses to provider questions often stretch decision timelines by days.
Checks you should expect
Responsible providers will run KYC, AML, credit, and fraud checks, and verify affordability and business purpose. For invoice or asset finance, they may validate debtor quality, contracts, and asset details. These checks are standard safeguards that protect your business and the lender and ensure a fair, transparent offer.
Ready-to-go document checklist
- Company details: Registered name, trading address, Companies House number.
- Directors/owners: Valid photo ID and proof of address for KYC.
- Financials: Last 3–12 months’ business bank statements; management accounts; latest filed accounts.
- Tax status: VAT and PAYE positions, plus any Time to Pay arrangements.
- Purpose: Summary of funding use, amount, and preferred term.
- For asset finance: Supplier quote, asset details/serials, and delivery timelines.
- For invoice finance: Aged debtor list, sample invoices, and key customer concentrations.
Having this pack ready at the time of introduction is the single biggest factor in achieving near-immediate offers and rapid payout. It also helps you compare proposals on a like-for-like basis.
FAQs, compliance notes, and next steps
Frequently asked questions on funding speed
Can I get same-day funding? Yes, for some unsecured loans and top-ups, same-day payout is possible after approval and e-signing. This assumes your documents pass KYC and underwriting immediately.
What if I’ve got a recent dip in cash flow? Lenders can still help if you explain the cause and show a sensible recovery plan. Underwriting may ask for more context and could take an extra day or two.
Do personal guarantees slow things down? Not usually, provided identity checks and e-signatures are completed promptly. Legal advice on guarantees, if required, can add time, but many SMEs complete this same day.
Is there a way to speed up asset finance? Share complete supplier quotes early, confirm delivery dates, and be available for quick sign-off. Some providers can coordinate with suppliers for faster drawdowns.
How do you ensure offers are fair and clear? We only introduce you to providers who set out total costs, fees, and key risks in plain English. You’ll receive pre-contract information so you can make an informed decision.
Important information and compliance notes
- Best Business Loans is an independent introducer using AI-driven matching to connect UK businesses with suitable lenders or brokers.
- We do not provide loans or credit broking services ourselves and we do not give financial advice.
- Eligibility, rate, term, security, and timing depend on provider assessment and your circumstances.
- Where a regulated activity is required, introductions are made to appropriately authorised firms.
- All promotions aim to be clear, fair, and not misleading; always review full terms before proceeding.
What to do next
If speed matters, start with an Eligibility Check and Decision in Principle so you know what’s realistic before you commit. Complete our Quick Quote with up-to-date documents to reduce friction and speed underwriting. You stay in control, and there’s no obligation to accept any offer.
Key takeaways
- Fastest payouts: same day to 72 hours for many unsecured facilities, once fully approved.
- Asset or structured finance: allow 2–10 working days, depending on valuations and legal steps.
- Speed depends on complete documents, responsive communication, and product type.
- We introduce you to relevant providers; you compare offers and choose what fits your cash flow.
About this content
Updated October 2025. This page provides general information for UK companies and is not financial advice. Always consider independent professional advice where appropriate.