How quickly could I get an indicative Decision in Principle (DIP)?

An indicative DIP can often be issued the same day, typically within 1–4 working hours once initial checks are complete. More complex or larger cases may take 24–72 hours.

Is a DIP guaranteed funding?

No. A DIP is non-binding and subject to full underwriting, verification, affordability checks, and final approval by the lender.

Will checks affect my credit score?

Initial checks are usually soft and do not impact your credit score. A hard search is generally performed only if you choose to proceed, and you will be informed beforehand.

What speeds up eligibility and DIPs?

Submitting complete information, enabling Open Banking, providing recent bank statements and management accounts, and being clear about your funding purpose typically speed up outcomes.

How quickly could I get an eligibility overview or an indicative Decision in Principle?

Q: How quickly could I get an eligibility overview?

Many businesses receive an eligibility overview within minutes during UK business hours. Timing depends on information completeness and provider availability.

Q: Do you provide loans directly?

No. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer using AI-led matching to connect UK businesses with suitable lenders and brokers.

Short answer: minutes for eligibility, hours for an indicative Decision in Principle

In many cases, you could receive an initial eligibility overview within minutes of submitting our Quick Quote form during UK business hours. An indicative Decision in Principle (DIP) can often follow the same day, typically within 1–4 working hours once basic checks are completed. Timings vary by lender, product type, loan size, and the completeness of your information.

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender. We help you connect with suitable UK finance providers and brokers who can issue eligibility outcomes or indicative DIPs.

What is an eligibility overview?

An eligibility overview is a fast, early indication of whether your business is likely to meet high‑level criteria for certain types of finance. It’s based on the information you provide and the lender or broker’s current appetite and policies. It is not a credit offer or a guarantee of funding.

What is an indicative Decision in Principle (DIP)?

An indicative DIP is a non‑binding statement from a finance provider that, subject to verification and underwriting, they are comfortable in principle with your application. It usually outlines an estimated amount, term, and broad pricing guide. A DIP is always subject to evidence checks, affordability, and final underwriting.

What we do — and what we don’t

We don’t provide loans directly or make lending decisions. We match your profile to appropriate lenders and brokers and help you get to a clear, fast answer. You stay in control and can choose whether to proceed.

Important compliance note

All timings are indicative and not guaranteed. A DIP is not an offer of finance and is subject to status, credit and fraud checks, and the lender’s final decision.

What affects how fast you’ll get a result?

Speed depends on the type of funding you need, the amount, and how complete your information is at the point of enquiry. It also depends on the provider’s processes, their sector focus, and time of submission. Here are the main factors that influence timelines.

Key speed drivers

Information completeness: Full and accurate details accelerate viability checks.
Funding type: Unsecured working capital is usually fastest; asset-backed and refinance may take longer.
Loan size: Larger facilities tend to require deeper underwriting and additional due diligence.
Credit profile: Stronger profiles often move faster, especially where soft searches are clear.
Open Banking and digital statements: Enabling secure data-sharing can cut hours or days.
Sector profile: Lenders with active appetite for your industry can respond more quickly.
Trading history and financials: Clear accounts, healthy cash flow, and up-to-date filings help.
Time of day: Enquiries during business hours are processed faster than evenings or weekends.
KYC/AML checks: Identity and ownership verification must complete before a DIP can be issued.

Typical timelines by funding category

Unsecured working capital and small business loans: Eligibility in minutes; indicative DIP in 1–4 working hours.
Invoice finance: Eligibility in minutes; indicative DIP same day once ledger data is reviewed.
Asset finance and equipment finance: Eligibility same day; indicative DIP in 4–24 hours subject to asset details.
Vehicle and fleet finance: Eligibility same day; indicative DIP in 4–24 hours depending on vehicle type and age.
Refinance or consolidation: Eligibility same day; indicative DIP in 24–72 hours due to settlement and valuation checks.
Growth Guarantee Scheme: Eligibility in 24–72 hours; indicative DIP in 1–5 business days subject to scheme criteria.

These timings are illustrative and based on typical experiences across providers. Individual lenders may be faster or slower depending on demand and underwriting policy.

Fair, clear, and not misleading

We present realistic ranges so you can plan sensibly. No outcome is guaranteed and all final agreements depend on lender approval. You should only proceed if the facility is suitable and affordable for your business.

Step-by-step: from Quick Quote to an indicative DIP

Our process is designed to remove friction and get you a clear early view of your options. Here’s how it usually works from start to finish. You can pause at any time with no obligation.

1) Complete your Quick Quote (2–4 minutes)

Tell us what you need, your sector, trading history, and an approximate funding amount. You can note special circumstances that may help lenders understand your position. The more precise you are, the faster we can match you.

2) AI-led matching and human review (minutes)

Our system compares your profile to current market criteria across lenders and specialist brokers. We then add a practical sense-check for sector fit and product suitability. You’ll only be introduced to providers likely to engage.

3) Rapid eligibility feedback (minutes to 1 hour)

For many cases, you’ll get an eligibility overview in near real-time. Where a provider needs one or two simple clarifications, we’ll request them promptly. This stage often happens within business hours on the same day.

4) Provider soft checks and document request (1–4 hours)

To move towards a DIP, providers may run soft credit checks and ask for recent bank statements and management accounts. Open Banking and digital uploads speed this up considerably. Clear cash flow and trading evidence accelerates a positive outcome.

5) Indicative Decision in Principle (same day)

Once initial checks are complete, an indicative DIP can be issued. It typically covers an estimated amount, term, possible structure, and guidance on pricing. You can then decide whether to proceed to full underwriting.

What happens after a DIP?

If you wish to proceed, the lender will complete full underwriting, which may include affordability assessments, director ID checks, and any necessary valuations. For asset or vehicle finance, asset details or invoices are typically required. For invoice finance, ledger reviews or debtor quality checks may be included.

Will this impact my credit file?

Eligibility checks and initial matching are usually based on soft searches and won’t leave a visible footprint to other lenders. A hard search is generally only performed if you choose to proceed, and you will be told in advance. Providers will explain what they need and when.

What you’ll need ready — and how to speed it up

Being well-prepared can shave hours off your timeline. Lenders prioritise complete, consistent applications backed by credible data. Use these tips to get an early, clear answer.

Essential items for faster decisions

Business details: Legal name, company number, trading start date, and registered address.
Funding purpose: A concise, specific explanation of how the funds will be used.
Amount and timeframe: The approximate facility size and when you need it.
Financials: Last 3–6 months’ business bank statements and latest management accounts.
Filed accounts: Most recent annual accounts and confirmation statement if applicable.
Owner/Director info: ID verification details and shareholding structure.
Asset or invoice details: Quotes, asset specs, or aged debtor listings if relevant.
Open Banking: Securely connect for rapid cash flow review where possible.

Best practices for rapid eligibility and DIPs

Be consistent: Match your figures across statements, accounts, and application answers.
Explain variances: Briefly note seasonality, one-off costs, or growth spikes in your cash flow.
Answer promptly: Fast replies to clarifications can keep you at the front of the queue.
Choose business hours: Submitting earlier in the day can accelerate same-day outcomes.

Sector considerations

Some lenders are specialists in particular industries, which can speed up decisions. For example, providers focused on agriculture may turn around decisions quickly when the funding case is clear. If you operate in farming or agri‑services, explore our guidance for agriculture business loans.

Transparent expectations

If the amount is large or the structure is complex, expect a careful review. That additional attention helps you avoid mismatched finance later. Clear, complete information generally leads to faster and better outcomes.

FAQs, compliance, and your next steps

Below are concise answers to common questions about eligibility overviews and indicative DIPs. If you’re ready to begin, submit a Quick Quote and we’ll guide you to suitable next steps. It’s fast, secure, and without obligation.

How quickly could I get an eligibility overview?

Often within minutes during business hours, subject to the details you provide. Where a provider needs clarifications, it may extend to within the hour. You’ll be kept informed along the way.

How quickly could I get an indicative DIP?

Frequently the same day, often within 1–4 working hours once initial checks are satisfied. Some asset-backed or larger cases may take 24–72 hours. Turnaround depends on lender processes and data completeness.

Is a DIP a guarantee of funding?

No, a DIP is indicative and non-binding. It’s always subject to underwriting, verification, and affordability assessments. Final terms can change after full review.

Will an eligibility check affect my credit score?

Initial checks are usually soft and not visible to other lenders. Hard searches typically happen only if you proceed to a full application. You will be told before a hard search is carried out.

Do you provide loans directly?

No, we are an independent introducer. We connect you to lenders or brokers who are actively lending in your sector. You decide whether to proceed.

Can you support start-ups or sole traders?

We currently focus on established UK businesses. We don’t support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. Our matching is best for trading companies with a track record.

What if I apply outside business hours?

You can submit any time, but processing typically starts on the next working day. Submitting in the morning can help secure same-day outcomes. Providers’ hours vary.

Key takeaways

Eligibility overview: often minutes; indicative DIP: often 1–4 working hours, same day.
Speed improves with complete data, Open Banking, and clear funding purpose.
A DIP is not an offer; final approval follows full underwriting and checks.
We introduce you to suitable providers; you remain in control at every step.

Compliance and fairness

Information on this page is for guidance and is not advice. We aim to ensure promotions are clear, fair, and not misleading, in line with UK standards. All finance is subject to status, eligibility, affordability, and the lender’s terms.

Start now — get your fast eligibility overview

It takes just a couple of minutes to submit your Quick Quote. You’ll receive an eligibility overview promptly, and if suitable, an indicative DIP can often arrive the same day. There’s no obligation to proceed and your details are handled securely.