Does submitting a Quick Quote on BestBusinessLoans.ai affect my credit score?

No. Completing a Quick Quote does not trigger a credit check and has no impact on your credit score. If you proceed with a matched lender or broker, they may ask for your consent to perform a soft or hard search at a later stage.

What is the difference between a soft search and a hard search?

A soft search is used for eligibility checks or a Decision in Principle and does not affect your score or show to other lenders. A hard search is usually performed for a full application or final approval and can have a small, temporary impact on your score.

Who performs any credit checks during the process?

Only the lender or broker you choose to engage with runs credit checks, and only with your explicit consent. Best Business Loans does not conduct credit searches at the Quick Quote stage.

Can I ask for a soft search first?

Yes. You can request that providers use a soft search for early eligibility. Proceed to a hard search only when you are comfortable with the provider and likely terms.

Does Open Banking access affect my credit score?

No. Read-only Open Banking connections do not affect your credit score. Providers may request this to speed up assessment, and it should only be done via secure, regulated interfaces with your consent.

Does 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. Completing our online enquiry is an initial, no‑obligation step that uses the information you provide to understand your needs and match you with suitable finance providers. We do not perform a credit check at this stage.

However, if you choose to proceed with a lender or broker we introduce, they may ask to run a soft or hard search with your consent. A soft search does not impact your score, while a hard search can have a small, temporary effect on your personal credit file and may be visible to other lenders.

In short: your Quick Quote itself does not trigger a credit check, but later steps with finance providers might, once you agree to continue. We aim to keep you fully informed so you can decide what is right for your business at every stage.

Soft search vs hard search – what to expect

A soft search is typically used for eligibility checks or a Decision in Principle. It leaves no mark visible to other lenders and does not change your score. A hard search is usually performed when you submit a full application or accept an offer and can be visible to others for up to 12 months.

For business finance, providers may review both business and personal credit data, depending on the product and whether a personal guarantee is required. Your consent and clear disclosure should come before any credit check is run by a provider.

Who runs the credit check?

Credit searches are only conducted by the lender or broker you choose to engage with after your Quick Quote, and only with your explicit permission. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not carry out credit searches as part of the initial enquiry.

Key point

Your Quick Quote is risk‑free for your credit score. Any credit search happens later, by a provider, and only with your consent.

How credit checks work in UK business finance

UK finance providers typically use credit reference agencies to assess risk. For personal credit, these include Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. For business credit files, common agencies include Experian Business, Equifax Business, Creditsafe, and Dun & Bradstreet.

Soft searches are used to pre‑assess eligibility and give an indication of likely outcomes. They help you avoid unnecessary hard checks while establishing whether your business might qualify. Hard searches provide the lender with a deeper view for underwriting a formal application.

Multiple hard searches in a short period can be viewed by some lenders as a sign of credit‑seeking behaviour. That is why it’s sensible to minimise hard checks by using guided eligibility steps first and only proceeding to full applications for well‑matched options.

Personal and business credit profiles

Many UK SME finance products look at both the business’s credit profile and, where relevant, the personal profile of directors or guarantors. The weighting of each can vary by lender, industry, and product type. Asset finance, invoice finance, and cashflow loans may apply different criteria.

For limited companies, business credit scores consider payment performance, filed accounts, trading history, sector risk, and existing credit obligations. For directors, personal credit history may be reviewed if a personal guarantee is required or if the business is younger or has thin file data.

When does a hard search usually occur?

As a rule of thumb, hard searches occur when you submit a full application, accept an in‑principle offer subject to underwriting, or pass to final approval. Providers will normally give you a clear notice at the point of consent. If you are unsure, ask for a soft search first.

Compliance note

All credit checks should be fair, clear, and not misleading. You should be told what type of search is being performed, why it is needed, and how it may be recorded.

What happens after you submit a Quick Quote?

Best Business Loans uses the details you share to help match your business with relevant lenders or brokers. This saves you time contacting multiple providers and helps you focus on realistic options. We do not promise the lowest rates, but we do aim to introduce providers that are actively lending to businesses like yours.

After your match, you can choose whether to speak to a provider. If you wish to proceed, they may request further information such as management accounts, bank statements, or consent for a soft search. You remain in control and can pause or opt out at any time before a credit check.

If a provider needs a hard search to progress, they will ask for your explicit consent first. This is the moment to confirm whether a soft search is possible instead, or to proceed only when you are comfortable the option is suitable for your needs and budget.

Decision in Principle and eligibility checks

Many providers can give an indication such as an eligibility outcome or Decision in Principle using a soft search. This can help you compare routes without risking your credit score. It is not a guarantee of approval or final terms, which depend on full underwriting.

You might also be asked for sector details, asset values, debtor books, or project costs. Accurate information increases the chance of a reliable indication and reduces the need for repeated checks later on.

Industry example: printing and fabrication

Businesses in print, signage, and fabrication often finance presses, cutters, and finishing equipment. Providers in this field may focus on asset value, age, and resale liquidity as well as financials. If your company operates here, see our guide to printing business loans and equipment finance for sector‑specific pointers.

Transparency matters

We are clear that submitting a Quick Quote is free, does not affect your credit score, and carries no obligation to proceed. You choose if, when, and with whom to continue.

How to protect your credit score during the finance journey

Start with soft‑search eligibility wherever possible. Ask providers to confirm the type of search before giving consent. Only proceed to hard searches for options you feel confident are a strong fit after reviewing costs and terms.

Provide accurate, up‑to‑date information in your Quick Quote and to providers. Inaccuracies can lead to declines later, increasing the chance of repeated checks. Being consistent reduces friction and helps you reach a decision faster.

Limit concurrent full applications. Staggering applications helps avoid multiple hard searches in a short period. Use your eligibility outcomes to shortlist rather than applying widely all at once.

Practical steps to stay credit‑smart

Check your business and personal credit reports before applying and correct any errors.
Keep filings current and pay suppliers on time to support your business credit profile.
If asked, request a soft search for early assessments and a hard search only at final application.
Ask lenders how long searches remain visible and how they record business enquiries.
Avoid unnecessary new credit card limits or overdraft changes during underwriting.

Understanding Open Banking and document requests

Some providers may request read‑only bank data access via Open Banking to speed up assessment. Granting read‑only access does not itself affect your credit score. You should only connect through secure, FCA‑regulated interfaces and revoke access if you decide not to proceed.

Similarly, sharing management accounts, VAT returns, or invoices helps providers underwrite without multiple searches. More data can sometimes reduce the need for a hard check until you are closer to final approval.

Clear, fair, not misleading

All finance information you receive should be clear on fees, interest, total payable, and any security or guarantees required. If anything is unclear, ask for a written breakdown before consenting to a credit search or proceeding.

FAQs, key takeaways, and next steps

Does BestBusinessLoans.ai run a credit check when I submit a Quick Quote? No. Your Quick Quote does not trigger a credit check and has no impact on your credit score. If you engage with a matched lender or broker, they will ask your permission before any soft or hard search.

Will a soft search affect my score? No. A soft search does not affect your score and is generally not visible to other lenders. It is used for eligibility and indicative offers.

When might a hard search occur? Typically when you submit a full application, accept a conditional offer, or move to final underwriting. Providers will request explicit consent before running a hard search.

Who we are and how we help

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps UK companies find relevant finance providers using AI‑driven matching. We do not offer loans directly and we do not promise the lowest rates. Our goal is to help you identify suitable options quickly and make informed decisions.

Submitting a Quick Quote is free, secure, and without obligation. Your details are handled confidentially and shared only with relevant finance professionals connected to your enquiry.

Key takeaways

Submitting a Quick Quote on BestBusinessLoans.ai does not affect your credit score.
Soft searches by providers do not impact your score; hard searches can have a small, temporary effect.
You control consent for any credit check and can ask for a soft search first.
Accurate information and selective applications help protect your credit profile.
We introduce suitable providers so you can compare routes without unnecessary checks.

Ready to check your eligibility?

It takes minutes to submit your Quick Quote and get matched with relevant UK finance providers. There is no obligation to proceed, and your credit score is not affected by the enquiry. Start your journey to smarter business finance today with a free, eligibility‑first approach.

Important information

Information on this page is for UK businesses, does not constitute financial advice, and is provided for general guidance only. Finance is subject to status, affordability, and lender criteria. Rates, fees, and terms are set by providers and may change.

Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer. We aim to ensure all communications are fair, clear, and not misleading, in line with FCA, ASA, and Google advertising standards. Updated October 2025.