Can I get funding if I already have a Bounce Back Loan, CBILS, or other existing finance?
Short answer
Yes — having a Bounce Back Loan (BBL), CBILS or other existing finance does not automatically stop you from getting further funding. Lenders and brokers will assess your overall debt, affordability, security and the purpose of new funding before making a decision.
How existing government-backed loans affect new funding
Does a Bounce Back Loan or CBILS block new credit?
No. A BBL or CBILS does not automatically bar you from new lending, but it is a material factor for most lenders. Underwriting will consider the size of the outstanding government loan, your monthly repayment burden and whether you are up to date with payments.
Why lenders care about government-backed support
Lenders view government-backed facilities as existing liabilities that affect capacity to service further debt. Some mainstream banks and specialist lenders apply additional scrutiny where government support is in place because it can indicate past stress or an elevated risk profile.
Practical implications for applicants
Expect questions about why you took the support, how it was used, and your plan to repay existing and future borrowing. Being transparent and providing clear financial forecasts improves your chance of a positive outcome.
What lenders typically check when you already have debt
Affordability and cash flow
Lenders will run affordability tests based on cash flow, turnover and profit. They’ll compare your current repayments plus proposed repayments against cash available to determine sustainable borrowing levels.
Security and guarantees
Whether the existing finance is secured or unsecured matters. Secured loans reduce some risk for lenders, but heavy secured borrowing can limit the availability of further secured finance against the same assets.
Credit history and arrears
Payment history is critical — current or historical arrears will reduce lender appetite and may restrict you to specialist or higher-cost options. A clean repayment record improves your options.
Types of finance you might still access
Refinance or consolidation
If your current arrangements are expensive or fragmented, refinancing or consolidating multiple facilities is often possible. Consolidation can simplify repayments and sometimes reduce monthly costs if you secure a longer-term product.
Unsecured and short-term facilities
Some lenders offer unsecured business loans or overdrafts even when government-backed loans exist, provided affordability is proven. These are typically smaller or priced to reflect higher risk.
Asset, invoice and specialist finance
Asset finance, invoice finance and equipment hire are commonly available because they rely on assets or receivables rather than broad credit capacity. If you need working capital, consider these products as realistic options.
Learn more about short-term and working capital solutions such as cashflow loans on our cashflow loans page: https://bestbusinessloans.ai/loan/cashflow-loans/.
Practical steps to improve your chances
Prepare accurate financials
Gather recent bank statements, management accounts, cash-flow forecasts and details of existing debts. Lenders want up-to-date evidence that demonstrates your ability to meet combined repayments.
Be transparent about existing finance
Always declare Bounce Back Loans, CBILS and other facilities at application stage. Failure to disclose material liabilities can lead to declined applications or future legal issues.
Consider a broker or specialist lender
Specialist lenders and experienced brokers often have more flexible underwriting and sector knowledge. A broker can match you to providers who are actively lending to businesses with existing government-backed loans.
Improve affordability where possible
Reduce personal drawings, extend payment terms with suppliers, or increase revenue-generating activity to show improved debt service capacity. Small operational changes can materially influence lender decisions.
How Best Business Loans can help and compliant next steps
We don’t supply loans — we help you find them
Best Business Loans is an introducer that uses AI matching and a network of lenders and brokers to present suitable options. We do not lend directly and we are not a regulated lender or financial adviser.
What we ask for in a Quick Quote
Our Quick Quote asks for business details, funding purpose, amounts and a snapshot of existing liabilities. With that information our system can identify likely matches and provide a Decision in Principle or eligibility check.
Clear, fair and compliant communication
We aim to be clear, fair and not misleading in line with FCA and ASA guidance. Any introductions we make are to regulated firms where appropriate, and you will be informed which providers are authorised to carry out regulated activities.
Next steps — get a Quick Quote
If you already have a BBL, CBILS or other finance and want to explore options, complete our Quick Quote for a free eligibility check. Our system will match you with lenders or brokers who may be able to help, subject to their underwriting checks and terms.
Key takeaways
- Having a BBL or CBILS does not automatically prevent you from getting further finance.
- Lenders assess affordability, security, repayment history and purpose of new funds.
- Options include refinancing, asset finance, invoice finance and specialist lending.
- Prepare accurate documents and be transparent about existing liabilities.
- Use a Quick Quote to get tailored introductions to lenders or brokers.
Ready to check eligibility? Submit a Quick Quote to receive a free, no-obligation match to lenders and brokers who may be able to help your business. We will only share your details with relevant and trusted finance partners.