Quick answer: which is the fastest first step?

Start with a Quick Quote — it requires minimal information and gets you matched to lenders and brokers fast. A Free Eligibility Check is the next-best parallel step to filter likely matches. A Decision in Principle is useful later when you need a conditional, near-formal approval — it usually takes longer because lenders perform checks and request documents.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Why speed matters

Businesses need funding quickly for many reasons: to cover cashflow gaps, fulfil a large contract, buy stock for a seasonal spike, or secure time-sensitive opportunities. The faster you get matched with the right lenders or brokers, the better your chance of closing a deal at terms that work for you.

UK Business Loans doesn’t provide loans — we connect businesses with suitable lenders and brokers so you don’t waste time applying to unsuitable providers. Our Quick Quote and Eligibility Check are designed to deliver speed and accuracy so you can act fast.

What each option means

Quick Quote

A Quick Quote is a short enquiry form asking core details (amount required, time trading, turnover and contact details). It’s a rapid way to tell our network what you need so lenders and brokers can assess whether they can help. Because it’s high-level, it’s fast to complete and often results in contact from partners within hours.

Benefits: minimal input, fastest route to receive offers or calls; ideal for urgent working capital needs. Limitations: indicative only — not a formal offer or credit decision.

Free Eligibility Check

An Eligibility Check digs slightly deeper to see which lenders are likely to accept your case based on business age, turnover bracket, sector and credit position. This step reduces wasted time by focusing conversations only with providers that fit your profile.

Benefits: better-quality matches, more targeted lender interest; helps brokers prepare a more accurate quote. Timing: typically minutes to a few hours for an initial assessment.

Decision in Principle (DIP)

A DIP is a conditional approval from a specific lender after they’ve reviewed more detailed information. A DIP gives you a near-formal indication of terms and amount, and is commonly requested for larger commercial loans, refinancing or when a landlord/third party asks for proof of funding.

Benefits: near-formal assurance, useful for negotiations. Timing: ranges from same day with some lenders to 24–72 hours or more, depending on documentation and checks required.

Speed comparison & practical guidance

• Quick Quote — Time to start: 2 minutes; Info required: basic; Outcome: fast contact/indicative quotes; Best for: urgent needs under straightforward criteria.
• Eligibility Check — Time to start: 5–10 minutes; Info required: a few more details on turnover, trading history; Outcome: filtered matches; Best for: narrowing options for medium / complex cases.
• Decision in Principle — Time to start: variable (hours–days); Info required: lender paperwork and checks; Outcome: conditional approval; Best for: larger loans, refinancing or formal requirement.

Recommended practical route for most businesses: complete a Quick Quote (fast) and run an Eligibility Check in parallel — move to a Decision in Principle only once you’ve shortlisted a lender/broker and need formal assurance.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

Best first step by business need

Urgent short-term working capital

Start: Quick Quote → Eligibility Check. Expect contact within hours; funds can be arranged quickly by specialist short-term lenders or invoice/asset finance partners.

Medium / large commercial finance (property, developments)

Start: Eligibility Check → DIP. These deals often need underwriting and security checks; allow 24–72 hours for an initial DIP and longer for full approval.

Refinance or structured facility

Start: Eligibility Check → DIP with supporting accounts and current loan details. Prepare to share recent accounts and statements to speed the process.

Start-ups, limited companies or businesses with credit history issues

Start: Quick Quote to get specialist brokers involved quickly — they’ll run an Eligibility Check and route your case to lenders who accept the profile.

Step-by-step fastest route with timings

1. Complete our Quick Enquiry form (about 2 minutes). Provide amount required (from £10,000), business registration, turnover band and contact details. Get Quote Now.
2. Receive matched lender/broker contact — often within hours during business hours. Expect a call or email to clarify details.
3. Run a Free Eligibility Check with the matched partner — same day filtering improves the quality of offers.
4. Request a Decision in Principle when you need conditional approval or formal terms — allow 24–72 hours depending on lender checks.

Following these steps helps you move from enquiry to conditional offer efficiently without submitting long applications to unsuitable lenders.

What you’ll need to apply

Keep this checklist handy to speed things up:

• Company name and registration number
• Estimated annual turnover and time trading
• Funding required (amount and purpose) — we handle requests from around £10,000 and up
• Basic director details and contact info
• High-level credit summary (any CCJs, company insolvency history)

Note: submitting a Quick Quote/Eligibility Check via our site does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks later during formal application stages.

Compliance & transparency

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We operate a free, no-obligation matching service and receive a fee when referrals lead to completed enquiries.

We aim to be fair, clear and not misleading. Before you proceed with any lender, read their terms and the provider’s privacy policy. By submitting an enquiry you consent to your details being shared with selected lenders and brokers who may contact you about finance options.

Consent text example: “I consent to UK Business Loans sharing my details with selected lenders and brokers so they can contact me about finance options. I understand this is an introduction service and not a loan offer.”

Trust signals & next steps

• Free, no-obligation Quick Quote & Eligibility Check
• We connect you to lenders and brokers experienced in commercial and business finance
• Typical initial contact: within hours during business hours
• Minimum typical funding we arrange: approximately £10,000 and upwards

Ready to begin? Get Quote Now — it takes 2 minutes

Learn more about our range of options, including secured and unsecured business loans, asset and invoice finance, and more on our business loans page for context around products and providers: business loans.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the fastest first step to get business loan offers?

A Quick Quote — it’s quickest to complete and gets you matched to lenders/brokers often within hours. Follow it with an Eligibility Check to refine matches.

Will submitting a Quick Quote affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your business or personal credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later during formal applications.

How long until lenders contact me?

Often within a few hours during business hours. For larger or specialist funding requests, expect 24–72 hours as brokers underwrite the case.

Does UK Business Loans charge for quotes?

No — our matching service is free to businesses. We receive fees from partners when enquiries progress through to completed matches.

Should I request a Decision in Principle?

A DIP is useful when you need a formal conditional approval — for example, to show a landlord, investor or for a property purchase. For most urgent needs, start with a Quick Quote and Eligibility Check first.