How long does it take to receive funds or get the asset supplied?
Short answer — typical timescales at a glance
How long it takes to receive funds or have an asset supplied varies by finance type, lender processes and the supplier’s lead time. Decision-in-principle (DIP) outcomes can be returned in hours to a couple of days, while full drawdown or asset delivery commonly takes anywhere from 24 hours up to several months for complex equipment. Read on for detailed, practical timescales, the steps that affect speed, and tips to speed up the process.
Typical timescales by finance product
Different products move at different speeds because of the risk, paperwork and checks involved. Below are typical ranges you can expect from application to funds or asset delivery.
Asset finance (leasing, hire purchase, chattel mortgage)
Decision-in-principle: usually within a few hours to 48 hours for straightforward cases. Final approval and documentation: commonly 2–10 business days once the lender has all paperwork. Funds release / supplier payment: typically 3–14 days after final sign-off, but supplier lead time for delivery or installation may extend this significantly.
Invoice finance (factoring / discounting)
Onboarding and initial decision: often 24–72 hours for established businesses with clear receivables. First advance: usually available within 24–72 hours of contract signing and submission of invoices. Ongoing advances: can be near real-time once the facility is established and verified.
Unsecured business loans and working capital
Short-term unsecured loans: decisions in 24–72 hours and funds in 2–7 business days for many lenders. Larger or more complex term facilities: due diligence can extend approval to 1–3 weeks. Times vary with credit checks, director indemnities and supporting accounts.
Merchant cash advances and alternative short-term facilities
Decisions and offers can often be delivered within 24 hours and funds within 1–3 business days. These products trade speed for cost, so ensure you understand the total cost before accepting an offer.
Commercial mortgages and property finance (if relevant)
Although Best Business Loans does not arrange property finance directly, typical commercial mortgage timelines are much longer and often take 4–12 weeks from offer to completion due to valuations, legal searches and conveyancing. We can signpost specialist brokers who manage these schedules.
Key stages that determine how quickly you’ll get funds or the asset
Understanding each stage helps you set realistic expectations and identify bottlenecks. Below are the common stages and how they typically affect timings.
1. Initial enquiry and Quick Quote / DIP
A clear, accurate Quick Quote speeds matching and delivers a faster decision-in-principle. Many lenders and brokers provide DIPs within hours to two days when you supply accurate turnover, finance purpose, and credit history summaries.
2. Documentation and verification
Provision of company accounts, proof of identity, VAT returns and supplier quotations significantly speeds approval. Missing or inconsistent documents are the single largest cause of delays and can add days or weeks to the process.
3. Credit checks, underwriting and conditions
Underwriting time depends on facility complexity and the lender’s risk appetite. Simple cases are automated and quick; complex cases needing manual underwriting or additional security (personal guarantees, director resolutions) will take longer.
4. Valuation, inspection and supplier checks
Asset finance often requires valuations and sometimes on-site inspections for high-value or specialised equipment. Scheduling these checks can add several business days to weeks depending on availability and travel requirements.
5. Legal documentation and finance agreement
Some lenders use standardised e-sign agreements that finalise quickly; others require solicitor input or formal charge registration, which extends the timeline. Plan for extra time where legal checks are required.
Why asset supply times can exceed fund release
Even when finance is approved rapidly, the physical supply of equipment or assets is a separate process that depends on the supplier. Below are common reasons for delays and typical ranges to expect.
Manufacture and customisation
Off-the-shelf items: typically 1–4 weeks for delivery depending on stock and courier schedules. Custom-built machinery or bespoke installations: can take 6–26 weeks or more, depending on design, manufacturing and testing cycles.
Shipping, import and customs
International supply introduces potential delays from shipping schedules, customs clearance and import documentation. Allow an additional 1–6 weeks for international shipments, with longer lead-times for larger or regulated equipment.
Installation, commissioning and training
Some assets require professional installation and on-site commissioning. Scheduling engineers or installers can add days to weeks after delivery, and commissioning delays directly affect when the asset becomes operational.
Supplier finance terms vs lender payment terms
Suppliers may request deposits, staged payments or payment on delivery. Lenders typically pay the supplier directly on drawdown or reimburse after delivery, so timing depends on agreed supplier terms and how the finance facility is structured.
For guidance on asset finance options that can match supplier timelines, see our asset finance overview: https://bestbusinessloans.ai/loan/asset-finance/.
Practical steps you can take to speed up funds or asset delivery
Preparation and proactive communication are the fastest ways to reduce delays. Use the checklist below to improve your timeline.
1. Prepare a complete document pack
Provide recent accounts, VAT returns, bank statements and ID documents at the outset. A complete application removes most administrative delays and allows underwriters to make faster decisions.
2. Get a clear supplier quote and lead-time
A formal supplier quotation with delivery dates, installation requirements and terms lets lenders structure the drawdown accordingly. Ask suppliers for estimated dispatch dates in writing.
3. Choose lenders or brokers who specialise in your sector
Sector-specialist lenders and brokers are familiar with typical supplier cycles and paperwork, which shortens underwriting time. Consider providers with digital portals and experience in rapid decision-making.
4. Accept electronic signing and remote verification
E-signatures and digital identity checks speed the legal stage. Where possible, accept lenders’ standard e-agreements to avoid solicitor delays.
5. Consider staged or partial payments
For long lead-time orders, ask lenders about staged drawdowns so your supplier can start work with a deposit. Staged funding can often be arranged where the lender accepts supplier invoices or progress claims.
What Best Business Loans does to help — and what you should expect next
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps match UK businesses to lenders and brokers; we do not provide finance ourselves. Our AI-driven Quick Quote identifies suitable funding routes and highlights realistic timelines based on lender and supplier profiles.
How we speed the process
Our platform uses your Quick Quote data to suggest lenders with the right experience and speed for your case. We also provide guidance on documentation and typical lead times so you can prepare before engaging lenders or suppliers.
What we do not do
We do not promise funding or control lender or supplier schedules. Final approval, terms and payment timing are determined by the matched lenders and suppliers after their individual checks and contracts.
Next steps and recommended action
Complete our Quick Quote to get an eligibility check or Decision-in-Principle and see likely timescales for your specific case. If you need help compiling documents or understanding supplier terms, request a broker introduction via our platform.
Key takeaways
- Decision-in-principle can be quick (hours–48 hours) for many products, but full drawdown and asset delivery depend on verification, legal steps and supplier lead times.
- Asset finance funds often arrive in 3–14 days post-approval, but custom equipment can take months to manufacture and install.
- Invoice finance and merchant cash advances are among the fastest ways to access funds, often within 24–72 hours after acceptance.
- Prepare documentation, confirm supplier lead times, and choose sector-experienced lenders to speed the process.
- Best Business Loans helps you match to suitable lenders and brokers—complete a Quick Quote to start an eligibility check and get a realistic timeline for your needs.
Ready to see likely timings for your business? Complete our Quick Quote for a free eligibility check and a Decision-in-Principle recommendation. Submitting accurate supplier quotes and financial documents at the start will produce the fastest, most reliable estimate.