How long does it take from eligibility check to funds being released?

Most UK business finance funds within 1 to 7 working days after you pass an eligibility check, depending on product type and document readiness. Simple unsecured loans and merchant cash advances can fund the same day post-approval; facilities that require security filings or valuations can take 5 to 15 working days.

Does an eligibility check guarantee approval and funding?

No. An eligibility check is an initial screen based on your profile and criteria fit. Approval depends on full underwriting, affordability, documents, and any security or guarantees required. Only a signed agreement confirms funding.

Can I get same-day business funding in the UK?

Yes, for certain unsecured loans and merchant cash advances once approved and e-signed, especially when you provide Open Banking access for instant verification. Same-day is not guaranteed and depends on provider cut-offs and your case complexity.

What causes delays after approval?

Delays are often due to missing bank statements, unresolved underwriting queries, settlement figures for existing facilities, security registrations, valuations, or multiple directors needing e-sign and ID verification. Weekends and bank holidays can also affect payout times.

How can I speed up funding?

Have ID, recent bank statements (via Open Banking), latest accounts, management figures, and any asset invoices ready. Respond quickly to underwriting questions, ensure all directors are available to e-sign, and provide clear explanations for any credit or revenue anomalies.

How long does it usually take from Eligibility check to funds being released?

Q: Will the eligibility check affect my credit score?

Initial checks are typically soft searches and do not impact your score. A hard search may be placed at full application or offer stage. Ask the provider when any hard search will occur.

In the UK, once you pass an initial eligibility check, most business finance can be released within 1 to 7 working days, depending on the facility type and how ready your documents are. Simple unsecured or merchant cash advance facilities can fund the same day after approval; more structured products with security, debentures, or guarantees can take 5 to 15 working days. Timescales are indicative, subject to status, underwriting, and provider processes.

The end-to-end timeline at a glance

The journey from eligibility check to cash in your account is a sequence of quick checks, documents, underwriting, signing, and payout. Each step can be rapid if your information is complete and you respond promptly. Delays usually occur when lenders need clarifications, security to be registered, or third-party verifications.

Typical UK funding timeframes after passing eligibility

Unsecured cashflow loan: 24 hours to 3 working days after approval (same-day possible with Open Banking and e-sign).
Revolving credit facility/overdraft alternative: 2 to 5 working days for approval and drawdown access.
Merchant cash advance: Same day to 48 hours post-approval, once card processor set-up is confirmed.
Invoice finance (new facility): 3 to 7 working days to set up; first draw often within 24 hours of onboarding.
Asset finance (hire purchase/lease): 2 to 7 working days; add time for valuations or supplier invoices.
Refinance/restructure with debenture or guarantees: 5 to 15 working days due to legal and Companies House filings.

What “eligibility check to funds” really means

An eligibility check is an indicative screening based on your profile, sector, turnover, credit signals, and purpose. It’s not an approval or an offer, but it does shortcut you to providers who are likely to say “yes”. Once a lender has what they need, decisions can be very fast—funding speed is mostly about completeness and clarity.

Important compliance reminder

All timescales depend on the lender, your business profile, and third parties, and are not guaranteed. Financial promotions should be clear, fair, and not misleading; consider this guidance general information, not advice.

What happens after an eligibility check? Step-by-step to payout

After your details are matched, lenders or brokers request standard documents and may use Open Banking to speed up verification. Clear, up-to-date paperwork can shave days off your timeline. Here’s the typical flow once you look eligible.

1) Soft search and pre-match (minutes to hours)

Providers run soft checks, sector filters, and affordability indicators to gauge appetite. No commitment or hard credit footprints occur at this stage. If criteria align, you progress to document collection.

2) Documents and KYC/AML (same day to 2 working days)

Expect requests for ID, proof of address, bank statements (3–12 months), latest accounts, and management figures. Open Banking access can replace PDFs, often verifying instantly. For VAT/PAYE loans or invoice finance, HMRC summaries and aged debtor/creditor reports may be needed.

3) Underwriting and affordability (1 to 5 working days)

Underwriters assess cash flow, existing commitments, and business performance. They may ask brief questions about dips in revenue, seasonality, or one-off costs. Complex cases or additional security can extend this stage.

4) Offer and e-sign (same day to 1 working day)

If approved, you’ll receive an offer with terms, fees, and conditions—sometimes conditional on guarantees or security filings. Most providers use e-sign for speed. Read carefully and assess affordability before you sign.

5) Funds release and settlement (same day to 2 working days)

Once conditions are met, funds are triggered by Faster Payments or BACS. Same-day payouts are common for unsecured facilities and merchant cash advances. Bank holidays and cut-off times can push settlement into the next working day.

Factors that can extend timeframes

Security registration (debenture/fixed charge) or PG signing logistics.
Valuations, supplier pro formas, or audit confirmations for asset finance or invoice finance.
Multiple directors/shareholders needing e-sign and ID verification.
Address or name mismatches with Companies House/HMRC records.
CCJs, arrears, or recent losses requiring extra context or mitigation.

How long do different funding types usually take?

Each finance product has a distinct set-up path, which drives the speed from eligibility to funds. Knowing what to expect helps you pick the route that balances speed with suitability. Below are realistic UK timeframes and what helps you move faster.

Unsecured cashflow loans (working capital/growth)

Usual time from eligibility to funds: 24 hours to 3 working days after approval. Fastest when you use Open Banking, provide clear use-of-funds, and have up-to-date accounts. Delays arise if affordability is tight or other lenders need settlement statements.

Revolving credit facilities (line of credit)

Usual time: 2 to 5 working days to set up access, then instant draw. Providers verify inflows/outflows to size your limit. Expect a slightly longer onboarding than a term loan, but faster access once live.

Merchant cash advance (card takings)

Usual time: same day to 48 hours post-approval, particularly for well-established card volumes. Coordination with your card processor can influence setup speed. Best for retail, hospitality, and ticketing businesses with steady card sales.

Invoice finance (factoring or discounting)

Usual time: 3 to 7 working days for facility set-up; first draw often within 24 hours once live. Onboarding includes book verification and debtor quality checks. Having aged debtor reports and customer concentrations ready accelerates things.

Asset finance (hire purchase/lease/refinance)

Usual time: 2 to 7 working days, depending on asset type and supplier paperwork. New kit with clear invoices and serials funds quicker than used assets needing valuation. Delivery or acceptance certificates can be gating items for payout.

Government-backed options (e.g., Growth Guarantee Scheme)

Usual time: 5 to 15 working days due to additional scheme eligibility checks and documentation. These facilities can be competitively priced but rarely same-day. Strong financials and a clear purpose speed things up.

Sector note: Hospitality and seasonal businesses

Hotels, restaurants, and venues often see faster decisions when seasonality is explained with actuals and forward bookings. If you run accommodation, see our guidance on sector-fit options here: hotel and hospitality business finance. Clear occupancy and card takings data typically improve underwriting confidence.

How to speed up your payout

Fast funding favours businesses that are prepared, responsive, and transparent. The right documents and digital permissions help providers validate quickly. Use this checklist to compress your timeline.

Have these documents and details ready

Photo ID for directors/PSCs and proof of UK address.
Business bank statements for the last 3–12 months (Open Banking access preferred).
Last filed accounts plus recent management accounts.
VAT/PAYE summaries if relevant; aged debtors/creditors for invoice finance.
Asset invoices/quotes, serial numbers, or supplier details for asset finance.
Existing finance schedule and settlement figures if refinancing.
Short summary of use-of-funds and expected ROI or cost savings.

Say “yes” to Open Banking and e-sign

Open Banking can verify turnover, cash flow, and affordability in minutes. E-signatures cut days off posting or scanning contracts. Together, they’re the single biggest speed lever after eligibility.

Pre-empt questions and remove red flags

Explain any CCJs, missed payments, or revenue dips up front with dates and reasons. Provide evidence for one-off costs or temporary closures. Clarity reduces back-and-forth and builds lender confidence.

Be responsive to underwriter requests

Assign one owner to reply to queries within hours, not days. Keep all directors available for ID checks and signatures. Ask for cut-off times so you don’t miss a same-day payout window.

Know what cannot be rushed

Companies House filings, security registrations, and valuations may need third-party timelines. Bank holidays and weekends pause many payment rails. Plan a buffer if you’re funding a time-critical purchase or payroll.

Fair expectations, FAQs, and how Best Business Loans helps

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender or broker. We use AI-assisted matching to connect UK businesses with suitable providers; there is no obligation, and we do not provide regulated advice. Promotions aim to be clear, fair, and not misleading in line with FCA and ASA standards.

Does an eligibility check guarantee funding?

No—eligibility means you appear to fit a provider’s basic criteria, subject to underwriting. Approval depends on affordability, credit profile, documents, and any security requirements. Only a signed agreement confirms funding.

Can I get same-day business funding?

Yes, for some unsecured loans and merchant cash advances after approval and e-sign. You’ll need clean bank data via Open Banking and rapid ID checks. Same-day is not guaranteed and depends on provider cut-offs.

What most often delays funds being released?

Missing statements, mismatched ID records, unanswered underwriting questions, and settlement figures from existing lenders. Security filings, valuations, and multiple director signatures also add time. Weekends and bank holidays can push payments to the next working day.

Will the eligibility check affect my credit score?

Initial checks are typically soft searches and won’t impact your score. A hard search may occur at full application or offer stage. Always ask your provider when a hard footprint will be placed.

How long after signing do funds arrive?

Many unsecured providers release funds the same day or within 24 hours of e-sign. Asset finance and invoice finance may require extra steps like supplier confirmations or notice of assignment. Plan for 1 to 2 business days for the actual bank transfer.

How does Best Business Loans support faster outcomes?

We guide you on documents, use Open Banking where possible, and match you to active lenders in your sector. That saves time contacting multiple providers yourself. You stay in control of which options you pursue.

Key takeaways

From eligibility to funds, expect 1 to 7 working days for most non-property business finance.
Same-day payouts are possible for simple unsecured and card-takings facilities after approval.
Documents, Open Banking, and fast responses are the biggest accelerators of funding.
Security, valuations, and multi-director sign-offs are the most common delay factors.
Timescales are indicative only and subject to lender processes and status.

Ready to check your options? It’s free to submit a Quick Quote for an eligibility check and Decision in Principle. Share a few details about your business and funding goal, and we’ll connect you with suitable UK providers.

Important information: BestBusinessLoans.ai does not offer loans directly and does not provide financial advice. We introduce businesses to lenders or brokers who may be able to help, and we may receive an introducer fee if you proceed. Finance is subject to status, affordability checks, and provider terms. Please consider independent professional advice if you’re unsure a product is right for you.