Can you help if my retail business has imperfect credit or previous missed payments?

Short answer: yes — here’s how we support UK retailers with imperfect credit

Yes, we may be able to help you find funding partners even if your retail business has a poor or thin credit history, historic defaults, or missed payments. We are not a lender, but we use AI-driven matching to introduce you to lenders and brokers who actively consider real-world trading performance alongside credit files. Approval is never guaranteed, but many providers on our network assess affordability, sales trends, and assets — not just your score.

Retail is a fast-moving sector where card sales, seasonality, and stock cycles often matter more than a single missed payment in the past. That is why we look at your business profile holistically before connecting you with relevant providers. Our goal is to save you time, reduce declined applications, and point you toward realistic options.

If you trade primarily in-store, online, or a mix of both, there are specialist funding types tailored to retailers. Some options can flex with your takings or be secured against assets to reduce risk for the lender. You remain in control of what you pursue, and there is no obligation to proceed.

Who we can typically help

• UK limited companies or LLPs in bricks-and-mortar retail and eCommerce with 12+ months’ trading.
• Retailers with imperfect credit, historic CCJs, or prior late payments, where trading is stable or improving.
• Businesses seeking working capital, stock purchases, refurbishment, equipment, vehicles, or cash flow support.

Important limits to be aware of

We do not provide loans directly and we do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. Any finance introduced will be subject to lender criteria, credit and affordability checks, and your specific circumstances. Information here is for guidance only and is not financial advice.

Updated: October 2025

What types of finance could be realistic for retailers with credit blips?

Lenders who work with retailers often prioritise turnover, average transaction value, payment processing data, and stock levels. Several finance types can accommodate imperfect credit if the business is otherwise viable. Below are common routes retailers explore via our partner network.

Merchant cash advance (card takings advance)

Repayments flex as a small agreed percentage of your future card sales, which can ease pressure during quieter weeks. Credit score matters, but strong and consistent card volumes can offset some historic issues. This option suits shops, salons, cafés, and eCommerce brands with steady card receipts.

Unsecured business cash flow loans

Short-to-medium term loans may still be possible if you can evidence affordability, stable revenues, and a clear use of funds. Rates and limits will vary based on risk, and directors’ guarantees are common. Lenders may offer smaller initial facilities that can step up after a proven track record.

Asset finance for equipment and vehicles

Hire purchase or leasing can be easier to secure because the asset provides security. Retailers use this for display equipment, refrigeration, POS systems, delivery vans, and warehousing kit. Payments are fixed and predictable, which can help with budgeting.

Invoice finance for B2B retail supply chains

If you wholesale to other retailers or supply trade buyers on terms, invoice finance can unlock cash tied up in receivables. Imperfect credit can be mitigated when end-customers have strong credit quality. This can bridge long payment terms and reduce cash flow strain.

Secured lending and refinance

Where suitable security exists, such as unencumbered assets, some lenders will consider advances despite past blips. Refinancing existing agreements can also consolidate costs and extend terms. This route depends on valuations and liens, and will not suit every business.

Which option is “best” for poor credit?

There is no universal winner because each retailer’s profile, security position, and sales mix is different. The practical aim is affordability, flexibility, and speed without risking core trading. Our role is to introduce you to providers aligned to your sector, size, and purpose of funds.

For a sector-specific overview, see our retailers section here: Retailers business loans and finance options.

What do lenders look at beyond your credit score?

Specialist retail lenders rarely make decisions on a score alone. They seek a balanced, fair view of how your shop or online store actually performs, and whether new funding is sustainable. The factors below commonly influence outcomes.

Core trading signals

• Monthly turnover trends, including seasonality and year-on-year comparisons.
• Card processing data, refund rates, chargebacks, and basket size.
• Gross margin stability and stock turn velocity.

Affordability and resilience

• Existing finance commitments and debt service coverage ratios.
• Cash flow forecasts that factor in realistic sales and costs.
• Contingency planning for slow months and supplier delays.

Business profile and controls

• Length of trading, premises stability, and any expansion plans.
• Quality of bookkeeping, bank statements, and management accounts.
• Evidence of remedial steps taken after previous missed payments.

How previous missed payments are viewed

Isolated or historic blips are often considered in context, especially if they are explained and resolved. A clear story matters, including what happened and what has changed operationally since. Persistent or recent arrears will limit options, but not always to zero.

Transparency helps you avoid declines and mismatches. Be ready to share bank statements, VAT returns, and evidence of stabilising cash flow. If you are recovering from supply chain shocks or energy cost spikes, note the specific drivers so underwriters can weigh them fairly.

How to improve your eligibility before you apply

A few practical steps can strengthen your case and may widen your options. These actions also speed up decisioning because lenders can underwrite you with clarity. You do not need to do everything below, but each tick helps.

Quick wins that often make a difference

• Prepare three to six months of business bank statements and your latest filed accounts.
• Export clean card processing reports showing volume, refunds, and batch settlement times.
• Document your purpose of funds and expected ROI, such as stock uplift ahead of peak season.
• Clear small overdue supplier balances where possible to improve affordability.
• Separate personal and business spending to remove noise from bank statements.

If you have credit blips

• Write a short explanation for any missed payments, including dates and resolution steps.
• Provide evidence of stabilisation, such as revised supplier terms or new energy contracts.
• Consider starting with a smaller facility to prove performance before scaling.

Documentation checklist

• Photo ID for directors and proof of business address.
• Management accounts, aged debtor/creditor lists where relevant, and VAT/PAYE status.
• Asset lists or quotes if seeking equipment or vehicle finance.

Be wary of over-borrowing

Borrow only what your cash flow can comfortably service and stress-test for slower months. Avoid stacking multiple short-term facilities unless advised by a professional who understands your total exposure. Responsible borrowing today preserves your options tomorrow.

What to expect from our AI matching — and what we don’t do

Our platform is designed to streamline your search and introduce you to suitable, active providers. We focus on clarity, speed, and relevance, especially for retailers who have been told “no” elsewhere. Here is how it works and what to expect.

How our process works

• Complete a short Quick Quote form with your trading details and funding purpose.
• Our AI analyses your profile and shortlists lenders or brokers aligned to retail and your criteria.
• We introduce you to the most relevant options so you can compare and decide without pressure.

What we don’t do

• We don’t offer loans ourselves, set rates, or guarantee approval or the lowest price.
• We don’t share your information widely; we introduce only to relevant, selected partners.
• We don’t support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages.

Who we can help — sector scope and eligibility

• UK retailers and eCommerce businesses trading 12+ months, structured as a limited company or LLP.
• Shops, salons, food-to-go, convenience, specialty retail, D2C brands, and multichannel sellers.
• Finance purposes including stock, fit-out, equipment, vehicles, marketing, and cash flow smoothing.

Transparency, compliance, and fair messaging

• Any quotes are indicative until a lender completes its checks, which may include soft or hard credit searches.
• Terms and availability depend on your business performance, credit history, and security position.
• We act as an independent introducer and may receive a commission from partners if you proceed.
• Nothing here is financial advice; consider speaking to your accountant or adviser before you commit.

Key takeaways

• Imperfect credit does not automatically rule out retail funding, especially where sales are stable or growing.
• Options that flex with card takings or use assets as security can reduce reliance on your score.
• Strong documentation, a clear use of funds, and an honest explanation of past blips improve outcomes.
• Our AI matching introduces you to relevant lenders and brokers so you can compare next steps quickly.

Ready to check eligibility?

Submit your Quick Quote to see which providers are open to your retail profile right now. There is no obligation to proceed, and you will stay in control at each stage. If you need help before you apply, our UK support team can point you in the right direction.