Do you guarantee approval if I pass the eligibility check?
The short answer: no, passing eligibility does not guarantee approval
No, we do not guarantee approval if you pass our eligibility check. Passing eligibility means your business appears to match the general criteria that lenders in our network often look for, based on the information you provide. Final approval always rests with the lender or broker after full underwriting and verification.
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and comparison-style service, not a lender. We help you navigate the market and connect you with suitable finance providers using AI-driven matching. Any funding decision, rate, and amount are determined by the provider and can change after they assess supporting documents and conduct credit, affordability, and compliance checks.
This approach is designed to be fair, clear, and not misleading. It aligns with UK regulatory guidance that financial promotions must not overpromise or imply guaranteed outcomes. Our aim is to save you time, present relevant options, and help you make an informed decision with confidence.
What “eligible” means in practice
“Eligible” indicates a potential fit based on initial details, not a binding offer or firm quote. It is an early-stage filter to avoid mismatches and reduce unnecessary applications. It helps you focus on providers more likely to consider your case.
Who actually approves your finance?
Approval decisions are made by the lender or broker we introduce you to. They follow their own underwriting policies, which may change over time with market conditions and sector appetite. As a result, similar businesses may receive different outcomes from different providers.
What our eligibility check actually assesses
Our quick eligibility process triangulates your details against the typical criteria applied by commercial lenders and brokers. It looks at your business profile, funding purpose, requested amount, and sector. Where possible, it considers risk indicators and common thresholds that influence appetite and pricing.
The aim is to highlight funding routes that may be viable, such as asset finance, invoice finance, cash flow loans, refinance, or specialist products. It can also help identify where extra information may be needed to strengthen your case. This is guidance, not advice, and not a commitment to lend.
Providers often prioritise established, asset-backed, or evidence-based cases. If you operate in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, or hospitality, matching can be more precise. If you are a start-up, sole trader, franchise, or seeking property finance, our service currently does not support those applications.
Typical factors assessed at a high level
- Time trading and business structure (Ltd company or LLP preferred)
- Annual turnover, gross margin stability, and profitability trends
- Cash flow patterns and existing credit commitments
- Directors’ or owners’ credit profiles and any CCJs
- Sector, trading model, and funding purpose
- Assets available for security (where relevant) and leverage levels
- Requested amount vs. affordability and term preferences
What the eligibility check does not do
It is not a full underwriting assessment and does not constitute an offer or agreement in principle. Some providers may run a soft credit search later, with your consent. Final terms depend on documents, credit checks, fraud screening, and the lender’s real-time risk appetite.
Why lenders still need to underwrite after eligibility
Eligibility outcomes are predictive and directional; they narrow your options but cannot replace underwriting. Lenders must comply with their own policies, anti-fraud checks, and risk models. They also need to understand the precise use of funds and how repayment will be maintained through changing trading conditions.
Underwriting typically involves reviewing bank statements, management accounts, filed accounts, liabilities, and payment behaviour. If asset-based, they will examine asset valuations, invoices, or equipment specs. If unsecured, greater emphasis is placed on affordability, business strength, and director profiles.
Market conditions also move. Appetite by sector, debt service coverage, and pricing can shift quickly with interest rates, inflation, or supply chain pressures. A case that looked strong at eligibility may require a different structure, security, or term once the underwriter reviews the full file.
What lenders often request to finalise a decision
- Last 3–12 months of business bank statements
- Latest filed accounts or management accounts
- Debtor and creditor ledgers, where relevant
- Details of existing finance agreements and liabilities
- Proof of ID and address for directors/owners (KYC/AML)
- Asset details, invoices, or quotes (for asset/equipment finance)
- Business plan or funding rationale for larger or complex cases
Common reasons an approval or quote can change
- Bank statements do not match the stated turnover or cash flow
- New liabilities or missed payments appear during checks
- Sector appetite tightens or pricing shifts before completion
- Security or asset valuation differs from expectations
- Final KYC/AML checks require additional verification
How to improve your chances after passing eligibility
Even though approval is never guaranteed, you can meaningfully strengthen your case. Provide accurate, consistent information across your enquiry and documents. Prepare your records early to avoid delays and rework.
If you are unsure which route fits best, our team can help you understand typical requirements before you apply. You can also review options and background information on funding types, including small business loans for established UK SMEs. The goal is to present a clear, well-supported case that aligns with lender expectations.
For many trading businesses, a strong paper trail is decisive. Make it simple for underwriters to see what you need, why you need it, and how repayments will be met. Well-prepared applications tend to achieve cleaner outcomes and quicker decisions.
Practical steps that usually help
- Get your management accounts, VAT returns, and bank statements ready.
- Explain the funding purpose and business impact in two or three sentences.
- Confirm existing liabilities, including limits, terms, and monthly costs.
- Provide accurate director information and ensure ID documents are valid.
- If asset-backed, gather quotes, invoices, or asset details up front.
What to avoid that can hinder approval
- Submitting inconsistent figures across forms and documents
- Multiple simultaneous applications causing excessive hard searches
- Understating liabilities or omitting recent arrears/CCJs
- Vague funding rationales with no clear ROI or cash flow plan
FAQs, compliance notes, and your next step
We value transparency and straight answers, especially on topics that affect financial decisions. Below are concise responses to the most common questions. These are general summaries and not financial advice.
Our service is free to use, and there is no obligation to proceed with any introduction. If you choose to progress, we may receive an introducer fee from the provider; this does not affect your choice and will not change your obligation to review all terms carefully.
If you need extra guidance, our UK support team can help you prepare before you submit your details. That can reduce back-and-forth and help lenders review your case more quickly. You remain in control of which option you choose, and when.
Will the eligibility check affect my credit score?
Our initial matching process does not involve a hard credit search. Some providers may conduct a soft credit search when you progress, which does not impact your score. Any hard search would only occur with your consent when you decide to apply.
How long does approval typically take?
Simple cases can receive decisions in hours or a few days once documents arrive. More complex or larger funding requests may take longer due to valuation, legal, or compliance steps. Timescales also depend on how quickly information is supplied and verified.
Are you a lender or financial adviser?
We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice. We operate as an independent introducer, using AI and a professional network to connect you with suitable providers. Any regulated activity is carried out by the lender or broker you choose, who will be authorised where required.
Do you guarantee the lowest rates or specific outcomes?
No, we do not guarantee the lowest rates or any approval outcome. Pricing is set by providers based on risk and market conditions. We focus on relevance, speed, and clarity so you can compare suitable options efficiently.
What costs should I consider?
Always review the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) or equivalent cost metrics, fees, early repayment terms, and any security requirements. The provider will present charges in their documentation before you accept. Ask for clarifications on anything unclear and compare like-for-like offers.
Key takeaways
- Passing eligibility is a positive signal, not a promise of funding.
- Lenders make approval decisions after full underwriting and verification.
- Accurate information and prepared documents improve your outcomes.
- We are an introducer, not a lender; there is no obligation to proceed.
- Check costs, terms, and implications carefully before you commit.
Next step: check your options in minutes
Complete a Quick Quote to see which providers may suit your business and funding purpose. You will get matched without obligation, and you decide if and when to progress. Fast, secure, and built for established UK companies that value clarity and control.
Important information and fair-presentation notice
All information on this page is provided in UK English and is intended for UK businesses. We aim to ensure our content is clear, fair, and not misleading, in line with FCA, ASA, and Google advertising standards. This page provides general information, not financial advice; always evaluate provider terms and seek professional advice if needed.
Updated: October 2025 — Information is general and may change. Always verify current criteria and terms with your chosen provider before committing.