Can we still get finance if the firm has a CCJ or historic credit issues?
The short answer — yes, but it depends on context
Yes, many UK businesses can still obtain finance even with a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or a history of adverse credit, but approval depends on several factors. Lenders weigh recency, severity, affordability, and the overall strength of your business case rather than relying on credit data alone. Best Business Loans does not provide loans; we introduce you to suitable lenders and brokers who actively consider firms with imperfect credit.
What lenders consider beyond a credit score
Lenders commonly review how recent the CCJ is, whether it’s satisfied or on a payment plan, the number and value of judgments, and the underlying cause. They also look at cash flow stability, trading performance, sector resilience, and the presence of security or guarantees. Clear evidence of affordability and up-to-date financials can outweigh a historic blip.
When a CCJ is less of a barrier
A satisfied CCJ, supported by 6–12 months of improved performance and clean bank conduct, is often accepted by specialist lenders. Even unsatisfied CCJs can be considered if sensible repayment arrangements are in place and affordability is proven. Established firms with assets, order books, or strong debtor books are typically assessed on the full picture.
Finance appetite varies by product type
Facilities secured on assets or receivables tend to be more available than fully unsecured loans. Invoice finance, asset finance, and refinance options focus on the strength of the collateral and debtor quality. Where working capital facilities are required, lenders may mitigate risk with personal guarantees (PGs), debentures, or caps on exposure.
How Best Business Loans helps
Our AI-driven platform quickly matches your profile to finance providers who can consider CCJs and historic credit issues. We save you time by introducing you to lenders and brokers who are more likely to engage given your circumstances. Submitting a Quick Quote is free, with no obligation to proceed.
Important: fair, clear and not misleading
Approval is never guaranteed and terms depend on provider criteria, security, and affordability. Missing payments may affect your credit rating, and for secured lending your asset may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments. We are an independent introducer, not a lender, and we do not provide regulated financial advice.
Finance options that can work with a CCJ or adverse credit
Invoice finance and factoring
Invoice finance releases cash against your outstanding invoices, with decisions primarily based on debtor quality and concentration. It can be suitable even with historic credit issues if your end customers are creditworthy and your ledger is well managed. Many providers will onboard firms with satisfied CCJs or workable repayment plans.
Asset finance and refinance
Asset finance (or refinance) secures borrowing against equipment, vehicles, or machinery, which helps lenders reduce risk. Firms with CCJs can still be eligible if assets are tangible, valued, and insurable, and if repayments are affordable. Refinance can also consolidate existing agreements into a more manageable structure.
Secured business loans
Secured facilities use property or other high-value assets as collateral, enabling lenders to consider cases with adverse credit. Security does not guarantee approval, but it can widen options and improve pricing relative to unsecured routes. Be aware that providing security carries risk to the asset if repayments are missed.
Merchant cash advance (card-based funding)
Where turnover is card-heavy, a merchant cash advance can be repaid via a small percentage of daily card sales. Lenders focus on card takings and trading profile rather than credit history alone. This can be attractive if cash flow fluctuates and a flexible repayment structure is needed.
Revolving credit and short-term working capital
Some specialist providers will consider revolving credit facilities or short-term loans despite CCJs, typically with PGs. Expect tighter limits, higher scrutiny of bank statements, and robust affordability tests. Transparent use of funds and clear repayment plans improve the case.
Sector-specific considerations
Providers often have appetite for asset-rich or B2B sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and professional services. For example, specialist lenders exist for professional practices, including firms needing solicitors loans to manage cash flow or fund growth. Our matching process helps connect you with providers active in your sector today.
What may be harder with a recent, unsatisfied CCJ
Fully unsecured, long-term term loans can be harder to secure immediately after a CCJ. Building a track record of improved conduct and providing additional comfort (e.g., PGs or security) can help. Alternative products might provide a stepping stone to later unsecured borrowing.
How to strengthen your application with a CCJ
Show recent financial control
Provide 6–12 months of clean bank statements demonstrating stable trading, no persistent excesses, and prudent cash management. Maintain timely HMRC payments or agreed time-to-pay arrangements with evidence of adherence. Lenders value evidence of regained control after historic issues.
Prepare strong documentation
Share recent management accounts, aged debtor/creditor reports, and a simple cash flow forecast showing headroom. Provide copies of the CCJ record, settlement proof, or active repayment plan details. Clear, organised paperwork accelerates underwriting and builds confidence.
Explain the story behind the numbers
Offer a short, factual explanation for adverse events, such as a one-off bad debt, a project overrun, or the pandemic’s impact. Emphasise the corrective actions taken and the structural improvements made since. Keep it concise, consistent, and supported by evidence.
Offer credible security or comfort
If available, propose asset security, director PGs, or debentures to reduce lender risk. For invoice finance, highlight debtor quality, credit limits, and contractual stability. For asset finance, provide asset details, valuations, and maintenance records.
Right-size the request and purpose
Align the facility size with provable affordability and a clear use of funds that drives revenue or savings. Consider phased funding or a smaller initial limit to demonstrate performance and unlock more later. Lenders appreciate pragmatic asks and measurable outcomes.
Checklist before you enquire
- Up-to-date management accounts and bank statements.
- CCJ status (satisfied or repayment plan), with documents.
- Evidence of HMRC compliance or time-to-pay arrangements.
- Asset list and values, or debtor ledger if seeking invoice finance.
- Brief business plan or funding rationale with forecasts.
What to expect — timelines, terms, and common questions
How fast can funding land?
Indicative decisions on some facilities can be reached in 24–72 hours once documents are complete. Asset-backed or invoice-backed funding can be relatively quick; complex secured loans may take longer due to valuations and legal work. Early, accurate paperwork is the biggest time-saver.
How do CCJs affect pricing and structure?
Adverse credit often leads to more conservative limits, slightly higher costs, or requests for security or PGs. As performance improves and risks fall, terms can be renegotiated or refinanced to better pricing. Demonstrating good conduct post-funding is the route to improved terms.
Does a satisfied CCJ make a big difference?
Yes, a satisfied CCJ typically improves lender comfort, especially when paired with clean conduct since settlement. Evidence of settlement and a short rationale are helpful. Multiple satisfied CCJs can still be acceptable if current affordability is strong.
What about an unsatisfied CCJ?
An active repayment plan is better than inaction; provide proof and ensure payments are up to date. Some products, such as invoice finance or secured facilities, can still be viable. The emphasis shifts to collateral quality and cash flow robustness.
Are there sector nuances?
B2B sectors with contractual revenue, recurring invoices, or durable assets typically have more options. Providers may have specific appetites for construction, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. Niche lenders can assess sector risk more pragmatically than generalist providers.
Compliance, transparency, and your next step
We aim to keep information fair, clear and not misleading in line with FCA, ASA and Google policies. Eligibility, costs, and approval are always subject to provider review, due diligence, and your business profile. Submit a Quick Quote to check likely options and potential Decision in Principle routes without any obligation.
How Best Business Loans supports firms with adverse credit
Our role as an independent introducer
Best Business Loans is a UK business finance introducer that uses AI matching to connect you to relevant lenders and brokers. We don’t lend money or give regulated financial advice; we help you navigate options efficiently. Your enquiry is handled confidentially and only shared with suitable partners aligned to your needs.
Our four-step matching process
- Complete a Quick Quote: share basic details, facility type, and funding need.
- AI analysis: our system matches your profile with active providers.
- Introductions: we connect you with lenders or brokers suited to your circumstances.
- You decide: compare options, consider terms, and proceed only if it fits.
When we’re a good fit
We commonly help established UK SMEs needing cash flow support, equipment or vehicle funding, invoice finance, or refinancing. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. If you have a CCJ or historic credit issues, we prioritise providers who take a holistic view.
What you can do today
Gather your latest bank statements, management accounts, and a brief explanation of any credit events. Decide which facility types best fit your goals: invoice finance, asset finance, refinance, merchant cash advance, or secured lending. Submit your Quick Quote for a free eligibility check and potential Decision in Principle discussions.
Key takeaways
- Finance can still be available with a CCJ or adverse credit if affordability and collateral are strong.
- Satisfied CCJs plus clean recent conduct improve options and pricing.
- Invoice finance, asset finance, refinance, secured loans, and merchant cash advances are commonly viable routes.
- Organised documents, clear use of funds, and realistic asks speed decisions.
- We introduce you to relevant providers; approval and terms depend on their criteria and due diligence.
FAQs
Can we get finance with an unsatisfied CCJ?
Often yes, especially where there’s a repayment plan in place and strong affordability, though lenders may prefer security or PGs. Invoice finance or secured options can be more accessible in this scenario. Each case is assessed individually.
Which products are most flexible with adverse credit?
Invoice finance, asset finance/refinance, merchant cash advance, and secured loans are frequently considered. Providers look closely at collateral, card takings, or debtor strength. Unsecured long-term loans can be harder immediately post-CCJ.
Will there be a credit check?
Providers typically run credit checks as part of due diligence. Some brokers may start with a soft search, but final decisions usually involve full checks. Transparency helps avoid surprises later.
What documents help speed approval?
Recent bank statements, management accounts, debtor/creditor lists, HMRC status, and CCJ settlement or plan evidence. A simple cash flow forecast and brief business rationale are also useful. Asset details or invoices are key for secured and invoice-backed options.
Could I lose an asset if I secure the loan?
Yes, with secured lending your asset may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments. Ensure the facility is affordable and stress-tested for cash flow. Read terms carefully and seek independent advice if needed.
How quickly can funds be accessed?
Some facilities can provide indicative decisions in 24–72 hours once documents are complete. Legal or valuation steps may extend timelines for secured loans. Early preparation shortens the process.
Is Best Business Loans regulated?
We operate as an independent introducer to commercial finance providers and do not offer regulated consumer credit to individuals. We follow “fair, clear and not misleading” principles in our communications. For regulated products, you will deal directly with authorised providers.
Do you charge fees?
It’s free to submit a Quick Quote and there’s no obligation to proceed. Some lenders or brokers may charge fees; they will disclose these clearly. You remain in control throughout.
Updated: October 2025