Do you receive commission from providers, and does that impact our total cost?
The short answer and how our commission works
The short answer
Yes — as an independent introducer, Best Business Loans may receive a commission from lenders or brokers when you proceed with a finance agreement we introduce. Using our platform and submitting a Quick Quote is free for your business. In most cases, the commission we may receive does not increase the price you pay compared with going direct, and any broker fees will be disclosed to you clearly and in writing before you decide.
What we do — and what we don’t do
We do not lend money, set lender pricing, or add mark-ups to finance products. Our role is to help you identify suitable finance types, match you to relevant providers, and introduce you so you can compare options. You remain in control of your choice and proceed only if a provider’s terms meet your needs.
Who typically pays what
There are two common models in UK business finance. In many cases, the lender or broker pays an introducer commission out of its own commercial budget, without changing your quoted rate or fees. In some cases, a broker may charge you a transparent arrangement fee; if that applies, you will see it in your documents before you sign anything.
Our commitment to transparency
We aim to ensure all promotions and explanations are fair, clear, and not misleading. You will always know who the provider is, what the key costs are, and whether any broker fee may apply. If you ask, we will explain how we are remunerated for your introduction in plain English.
Why this often won’t change your total cost
Lenders allocate budgets for marketing and distribution, including paying introducers and brokers. This is typically separate from pricing and does not alter the headline cost you are offered. Your total cost is usually determined by risk profile, product type, loan term, and market conditions — not by the existence of an introducer commission.
Commission types in UK business finance — what to expect
Lender-paid commission
Many lenders pay a fixed fee or a percentage-based commission to introducers for successful applications. This payment is made by the provider and is not added to your quoted interest rate or fees. It functions similarly to a marketing or distribution expense within the lender’s business model.
Broker or arranger fees
Some brokers charge an arrangement or success fee to the business customer for complex or specialist cases. If a broker fee is applicable, it will be disclosed upfront and usually appears as a fixed amount or a percentage of the finance arranged. You will have an opportunity to review and decline before any commitment.
Hybrid and renewal models
Occasionally, providers operate hybrid models where a modest broker fee applies alongside a lender-paid commission. In some sectors, renewal or repeat commissions may apply if you refinance or extend with the same provider later. In all cases, the provider or broker should outline these terms before you proceed.
Typical scenarios
- Standard asset finance with lender-paid commission and no customer-paid broker fee.
- Complex structured finance arranged via a specialist broker with a disclosed broker fee.
- Invoice finance where pricing is based on your ledger quality and lender risk appetite, with introducer remuneration handled separately.
- Sector-specific funding where specialist brokers add value on eligibility and documentation, sometimes with a transparent arrangement fee.
How this maps to your quote
Your formal quote will identify the interest rate or discount rate, any arrangement fees, and other costs. If a broker fee applies, it should be itemised. If no customer-paid fee applies, your total cost is determined by the lender’s pricing and the product terms you accept.
Impartiality, conflicts of interest, and how we prioritise your needs
How we choose which providers to introduce
Our AI-enabled process prioritises eligibility, suitability, and sector relevance over remuneration. We match by funding type, lender criteria, sector appetite, and deal size rather than by commission rates. Our goal is to increase your chance of approval and reduce time wasted on unsuitable applications.
What if a lower-commission option is better for you?
If two providers are suitable, we do not default to the one that pays higher commission. We look at total fit — pricing, structure, flexibility, speed, documentation needs, and service track record. Where appropriate, we can introduce you to more than one option so you can compare and decide.
Important disclosure: independence and remuneration
Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer and is not tied to any single lender or broker. We may receive commission from providers when you take out finance following our introduction. This does not influence the information we present; we aim to act in your interest by focusing on suitability and clarity.
Why transparency matters for UK businesses
In line with UK standards for fair promotions, we encourage transparent disclosure by our network partners. You should be able to see costs, fees, and terms before you sign. If anything is unclear, ask for written confirmation and do not proceed until you are comfortable.
Keeping your options open
You are not obliged to proceed with any provider we introduce. You can compare offers, request explanations, and choose to go direct if you prefer. Our service exists to save you time and present credible options — your choice remains yours.
Does commission affect my APR or total amount payable?
Direct vs. introduced — what businesses typically see
For many common business finance products, the price you receive is the same whether you go direct or are introduced. Providers often standardise pricing for risk bands and deal sizes, independent of introducer remuneration. That means commission does not usually change your APR or total amount payable.
When costs can vary
Costs can differ due to product structure, collateral, term length, or changes in risk assessment across providers. A broker’s own fee, if applicable, would be disclosed separately and is not the same as the introducer commission paid by a lender. If a broker fee is proposed, ask whether it offers added value such as access to niche funders or improved terms.
How we help you control total cost
By narrowing your search to viable providers, we help reduce declines and unnecessary hard credit checks. We also help you compare structures, not just rates, because fees, covenants, and flexibility can materially affect total cost over time. Where possible, we encourage providers to present their most competitive terms based on your profile and use case.
What you will always see in writing
The formal offer from a provider or broker should detail the interest rate, fees, repayment schedule, and any security or covenants. If a customer-paid broker fee applies, it will be shown before you commit. You should never need to guess your total cost — ask for a total amount payable illustration where relevant.
Sector note: professional services and visibility of fees
Transparency is especially important in regulated and professional sectors such as legal services. If you are exploring funding for a law firm, you can review our guidance on finance options for solicitors here: business finance for solicitors. Clear, written fee disclosure is standard among reputable providers in these sectors.
Transparency, compliance, and practical FAQs
Plain-English summary
We may receive commission from providers when you proceed with a finance agreement following our introduction. Using Best Business Loans is free, and this commission typically does not change the rate or fees you are quoted by the provider. If a broker fee to you applies, it will be disclosed upfront so you can make an informed decision.
Do you charge me a fee?
Best Business Loans does not charge you for using our platform or submitting an enquiry. Some brokers in our network may charge a customer fee for complex cases, which will be disclosed before you proceed. You are free to decline if the terms do not work for you.
Can your commission change the rate I’m offered?
In most cases, no — the provider’s pricing is based on risk and product terms, not on introducer commission. Lenders generally fund introducer commissions from their own budgets and do not add that to your rate. If a customer-paid fee applies, it will be shown separately for your approval.
Will you tell me the exact commission?
If you ask, we will explain how we are remunerated for your introduction. The provider or broker will also disclose any fees payable by you in their documentation. We aim to keep all information fair, clear, and not misleading.
Are you FCA authorised?
Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer and does not itself offer loans or regulated advice. Any regulated activity will be undertaken by providers or brokers who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority where required. Our communications are written to follow UK standards for fair, clear, and not misleading financial promotions.
How to get a Quick Quote or Decision in Principle
Complete our Quick Quote form to check eligibility with no obligation. Our AI-powered matching will connect you with providers who are active in your sector and deal size. You can then review terms, ask questions, and decide whether to proceed.
Key takeaways
- We may receive commission from providers if you go ahead with a finance agreement we introduce.
- Using our platform and submitting an enquiry is free for your business.
- In most cases, provider-paid commission does not increase your rate or total cost.
- If a broker fee applies, it will be disclosed upfront and shown in writing.
- We prioritise suitability, transparency, and your control over the final decision.
Important notices and good-practice commitments
We do not guarantee the lowest rate and we do not provide financial advice. Eligibility, rates, and terms depend on your business profile, credit status, and provider criteria. Finance is subject to status, approval, and agreement with the provider’s terms and conditions.
Start your finance journey with confidence
It takes minutes to submit a Quick Quote and check your eligibility. Our introductions are no-obligation and designed to save you time, reduce friction, and help you compare relevant options. Begin now and let our AI matching connect you with credible lenders and brokers who understand your sector.
Updated: October 2025