What documents help us get a DIP quickly?

Have recent bank statements (3–6 months), latest filed accounts, management accounts to date, and for asset or invoice finance, supplier quotes or aged debtor reports. Open Banking consent often speeds up affordability checks.

Which finance types offer the fastest indicative DIPs?

Unsecured working capital and asset finance are often the quickest for an indicative DIP, commonly within 2–24 hours. Invoice finance is frequently 24–48 hours, depending on ledger data and customer concentration.

Do you provide loans or financial advice?

No. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We match your profile to suitable lenders or brokers. Any finance is provided by third parties and is subject to their eligibility checks, underwriting, and terms.

How quickly can our firm get an indicative Decision in Principle (DIP)?

Q: How quickly can our firm get an indicative Decision in Principle (DIP)?

Straightforward cases can receive an indicative DIP in 2–4 business hours after a complete enquiry, and often the same working day. Complex cases or facilities that require valuations typically take 24–72 hours. Exact timings depend on the provider, your sector, the finance type, and data completeness.

Q: Will getting an indicative DIP harm our credit score?

Most providers use soft searches for an indicative DIP and these do not impact personal credit scores. Some products or higher limits may require a hard search later, and the provider will tell you before proceeding.

Short answer: many firms receive an indicative DIP the same business day

With Best Business Loans, straightforward cases can receive an indicative Decision in Principle in as little as 2–4 business hours after you submit a complete Quick Quote, and often the same working day. Complex cases, larger amounts, or facilities that require valuations typically take 24–72 hours. Timings depend on provider criteria, your sector, facility type, and how complete your information is at the point of enquiry.

We do not provide loans or credit decisions ourselves; we introduce you to suitable lenders or brokers who issue any DIP. An “indicative DIP” sets out non-binding terms subject to full assessment, affordability checks, and underwriting.

Typical same-day indicative DIP windows by finance type

Unsecured term loans / working capital: 2–24 hours for an indicative DIP.
Asset and equipment finance: 2–24 hours for credit-approved indication; longer if supplier quotes or valuations are needed.
Invoice finance: 24–48 hours for indicative terms; may be quicker with ledger data ready.
Revolving credit facilities: 1–2 working days for indicative limits and pricing.
Vehicles & fleet finance: Same day to 48 hours, depending on asset type and documentation.

All times assume UK business hours, prompt responses, and complete information. No timescales are guaranteed, and all finance is subject to status and provider assessment.

What “indicative” really means

An indicative DIP is not a binding offer, approval, or guarantee of funding. It is a preliminary view of eligibility, likely structure, and guide pricing. Final terms can differ once underwriting, documents, and any security checks are completed.

What speeds up — or slows down — an indicative DIP

The speed of an indicative DIP is driven by how quickly a provider can confirm initial eligibility and price risk. Providers move fastest when they can verify core facts from reliable sources and when the facility is simple to structure. Advanced preparation is the fastest route to a same-day outcome.

Below is a practical view of what helps and what hinders the timeline.

What speeds up a same-day indicative DIP

Complete, accurate information: Company name, registration, trading address, ownership, and a clear finance purpose.
Recent financials: Management accounts to date, last filed accounts, and up-to-date bank statements (3–6 months).
Open Banking consent: Many lenders can soft-check affordability in minutes with read-only access.
Credit clarity: Disclosure of any CCJs, arrears, forbearance, or historic events, with context for mitigation.
Asset details (where relevant): Quotes, spec sheets, VRNs, serial numbers, or asset lists.
Ledger data (invoice finance): Aged debtor and creditor reports, top customer concentration, and DSO.
Single decision-maker: A nominated contact ready to answer quick clarifications during business hours.

What can slow a DIP to 24–72 hours

Large or complex structures: Group companies, multiple shareholders, or cross-guarantees to assess.
Security and valuations: Real asset valuations, debenture reviews, or site visits.
Uneven performance: Loss-making periods, rapid growth, or seasonal volatility that needs extra analysis.
Sector risk flags: Higher-risk categories can require deeper underwriting or policy sign-off.
Data gaps: Missing accounts, unclear cash flow, or discrepancies that need reconciling.
Out-of-hours enquiries: Late evening or weekend submissions may roll into the next working day.

Our role is to match your profile to providers who can move at the speed you need, in your sector, with the right product fit. That reduces dead ends and accelerates time-to-DIP.

Soft search vs hard search at the DIP stage

Most providers use soft credit checks or affordability screening early on, which do not impact personal credit scores. Some products or higher limits may require a hard search later in the process. We will always aim to introduce you to providers who are transparent about checks and timing.

What to prepare now to get an indicative DIP within hours

Being “application-ready” is the single best way to secure a fast, indicative DIP. While requirements vary, here is a concise checklist for common business finance types we help you explore through our network.

Unsecured term loan or working capital

Limited company or LLP details, including SIC, incorporation date, and ownership.
Latest filed accounts and management accounts for the current year-to-date.
3–6 months of business bank statements in PDF or via Open Banking.
Purpose of funding, amount, preferred term, and expected monthly repayments coverage.
Director information, including any material credit events to disclose upfront.

Asset and equipment finance

Supplier quote or pro forma invoice with asset specs, serial numbers, or VRN.
Proof of trading history and recent bank statements; management accounts where available.
Details of any deposit, part-exchange, or existing asset finance commitments.
For refinance, asset list and estimated market values, plus original agreements if applicable.

Invoice finance (factoring or discounting)

Aged debtor and creditor reports, turnover split, and top 10 customers by value.
Bank statements and management accounts to demonstrate trading pattern and margins.
Standard payment terms, dispute processes, and concentration levels.
Details of any current invoice facility or previous experience with invoice finance.

Make sharing data effortless

Be ready to authorise Open Banking for faster affordability checks and to share PDFs instantly. Confirm who will provide follow-up answers during working hours so providers can progress without delay.

If your firm is in a regulated profession or specialist sector, include any relevant accreditation or oversight detail. For instance, law firms may streamline underwriting by referencing SRA authorisation details and client money handling frameworks.

Our fastest route to an indicative DIP: timeline and steps

We use intelligent matching to connect you with suitable providers quickly. Here is a realistic timeline many UK SMEs experience when they submit a complete enquiry during business hours.

Our typical same-day timeline

0–15 minutes: Submit the Quick Quote with core details about your company and funding need.
15–60 minutes: Our AI-assisted triage identifies relevant funders actively lending in your sector and product area.
1–4 hours: You are introduced to a suitable lender or broker for initial review and indicative terms discussion.
4–24 hours: Subject to data completeness, many providers can issue an indicative DIP or heads of terms the same day.
1–5 days (post-DIP): Full underwriting, verifications, and final offer, depending on complexity and valuations.

Times vary by provider and demand; not all cases can be turned around in one day. We focus on relevance and responsiveness so you see options without repeating yourself to multiple firms.

How our introductions work

We are an independent introducer and do not provide loans directly. After our AI system has assessed your details, we introduce you to one or more providers that may be suitable for your profile and funding purpose. You stay in control, and there is no obligation to proceed.

Want sector-specific guidance? If you are a law firm exploring practice funding or cash flow solutions, see our information for solicitors loans and professional services finance. Specialist providers can often move faster because they understand your sector nuances.

Business hours and expectations

Same-day indicative DIPs are most likely for enquiries submitted Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm UK time. Evening or weekend enquiries are processed the next working day. Rapid follow-up to provider queries keeps your place in the queue.

FAQs, compliance and next steps

Below are concise answers to common questions about indicative DIPs and timelines. These are general insights; specific outcomes depend on provider policies and your business profile.

Is an indicative DIP a guarantee of funding?

No. An indicative DIP is a preliminary, non-binding view based on limited information. Final approval and pricing are only confirmed after full assessment, underwriting, and any required valuations.

Will a DIP harm my credit score?

Most lenders use soft searches at the indicative stage, which do not affect personal credit scores. Some products or higher limits may require hard searches later, which will be disclosed by the provider before proceeding.

What is the fastest way to get a DIP?

Submit a complete Quick Quote, provide recent bank statements via Open Banking, share management accounts, and prepare asset or ledger details where relevant. Respond promptly to clarifications during business hours.

How much can we reasonably request at DIP stage?

Ask for the amount you genuinely need and can afford based on cash flow. Providers will assess turnover, margins, debts, and projected repayments to gauge affordability and risk.

Can start-ups or sole traders get a DIP via your platform?

We currently support established UK limited companies and LLPs in non-property trading sectors. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages.

What happens after we receive an indicative DIP?

You will review outline terms, provide additional documents as requested, and progress to underwriting. If acceptable, the provider will issue a final offer detailing rates, fees, covenants, and conditions.

Key takeaways

Many firms receive an indicative DIP the same working day when data is complete.
Unsecured and asset finance can move in 2–24 hours; invoice finance often takes 24–48 hours.
Open Banking and ready-to-share documents are the biggest accelerators.
An indicative DIP is not a binding offer; final terms follow underwriting.
Submit your Quick Quote to see relevant options quickly and without obligation.

Important information and fair, clear, not misleading

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We do not provide loans, credit decisions, or financial advice. Any finance is provided by third-party lenders or brokers and is subject to their eligibility checks, underwriting, affordability assessments, and terms.

An indicative DIP is not an offer or approval and may change after full assessment. Rates, fees, and timescales are illustrative, not guaranteed, and can vary by provider, product, sector, and individual circumstances.

Please ensure you consider total costs, fees, repayment obligations, and security requirements before proceeding. If in doubt, seek independent professional advice.

Next step: Complete your Quick Quote now for an eligibility check and a faster route to an indicative DIP. It is free to submit, secure, and there is no obligation to proceed.

Updated: October 2025