Which pub business loans are the quickest for UK pubs right now?

Summary: If your pub needs money fast, the quickest options in the UK are typically merchant cash advances (MCA), specialist online short-term business loans, overdrafts or business credit cards (for existing facilities), and targeted asset or invoice finance where eligible. Decision and funding times vary: MCAs can be decided in hours and funded within 1–3 days for strong card-take profiles; online short-term loans often make decisions in 24–72 hours and fund within 1–5 days; invoice and some asset finance can release cash in 24–72 hours for simple cases. Use our quick enquiry to get matched to lenders and brokers who can often respond within hours. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

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Quick summary: fastest loan types for pubs (at a glance)

• Merchant cash advance / revenue-based finance — decision in hours for strong card takings; funds in 1–3 days; good for urgent cashflow but higher cost.
• Online short-term business loans — decision 24–72 hours; funds 1–5 days; flexible for general cash needs from about £10k upwards.
• Invoice finance — if you invoice customers, simple setups can release funds same-day or within a few days.
• Asset & equipment finance — fast for standard used/new kit; decision 24–72 hours in many cases.
• Bridging / property-secured loans — can be fast where property underwriting is straightforward; timings vary.
• Overdrafts & business credit cards — instant to 48 hours if you already have bank relationships.

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Why speed matters for pubs

Pubs operate on tight margins and rely on steady takings. Unexpected events (broken refrigeration, urgent repairs, licensing compliance, staff cover) or seasonal windows for refurbishment can make slow funding extremely costly — lost trading days quickly outweigh loan interest. Fast finance gets you back trading and protects takings. That said, speed often comes at a price, so balance urgency with cost.

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Fast loan types explained

Merchant cash advance (MCA) / revenue-based finance

What it is: An advance paid against future card takings; repayments taken as a fixed percentage of daily card sales.

Speed: Decisions can be made within hours for businesses with consistent card volumes; funds often in 24–72 hours.

Typical amounts: From around £10k up to several hundred thousand depending on takings.

Pros: Extremely fast, flexible repayments tied to sales, little paperwork if card terminal statements are available.

Cons: Can be significantly more expensive than a traditional loan (factor rates rather than simple APR); reduces daily cashflow while repaying.

Use for: Emergency cashflow, urgent equipment replacement or stocking for pivotal trading periods.

Online short-term business loans (unsecured/secured)

What it is: Short-duration loans from fintech and specialist lenders; some offer streamlined applications and quick decisions.

Speed: Many lenders decide in 24–72 hours and fund within 1–5 days when documents are in order.

Typical amounts: From £10k upwards (our network arranges loans from £10k+).

Pros/cons: Faster and cheaper than MCA in many cases; still pricier than long-term borrowing; suitable for short-term working capital, bridging cashflow or small refurbishments.

Asset & equipment finance

What it is: Finance secured against the equipment you buy — ideal for kitchen kit, cellar equipment, furniture or fit-out work.

Speed: Standard assets can be underwritten quickly — often decisions in 24–72 hours and funds on delivery by lender.

Pros: Preserves cash, matches financing to asset life; sometimes tax-efficient.

Cons: Not suitable for general working capital; requires clear invoice/asset details.

Invoice finance

What it is: Immediate cash on unpaid invoices (factoring or discounting).

Speed: For pubs with B2B invoices, providers can onboard and release funds in 1–7 days for straightforward portfolios.

Pros/cons: Excellent for businesses with sizeable trading invoices; not relevant if most sales are cash/card retail takings.

Bridging / property-secured fast loans

What it is: Short-term property-backed lending for purchases or urgent property works.

Speed: Quick when documentation and valuers are aligned — can be 3–10 days in some scenarios but depends on property checks.

Overdrafts & business credit cards

What it is: Revolving short-term facilities from banks; fastest when you already hold a banking relationship.

Speed: Instant for existing facilities; new facilities usually 24–72 hours with the bank.

Quick comparison table

Product	Decision time	Funds	Typical cost signal	Best for
Merchant cash advance	Hours	1–3 days	High	Emergency cashflow, high card takings
Online short-term loan	24–72 hrs	1–5 days	Medium–High	Working capital, short-term refurb
Asset finance	24–72 hrs	On delivery	Low–Medium	Equipment, fit-outs
Invoice finance	1–7 days	Same-day to days	Medium	B2B billing pubs/events
Bridging	3–10+ days	Days–weeks	Medium–High	Property purchase/urgent works
Overdraft/credit card	Instant–48 hrs	Immediate	Variable	Short-term expenses

Typical timelines and what speeds up approval

To shorten decision and funding times, prepare the following before enquiring:

• Last 3 months’ business bank statements (highlight big card takings)
• Latest filed accounts or recent management accounts
• Recent VAT returns if applicable
• Card terminal statements showing daily takings (for MCA)
• Invoices, quotes or supplier invoices for equipment/refurb
• Proof of identity and address for directors
• Lease/rent agreement and licence documents where relevant

Working with a broker who knows the pub sector often shortens underwriting — brokers pick lenders from their panels that move fast on hospitality cases.

Who can provide the quickest deals — lenders & brokers to consider

Fast lenders come in different shapes: specialist fintechs, MCA providers, asset finance houses, invoice funders and specialist hospitality brokers. If speed is critical, approach firms that regularly fund hospitality businesses — they understand the seasonal cycles, licensing issues and typical cashflow patterns.

For a focused rundown on pub-specific options see our dedicated resource on pubs business loans which outlines lenders and broker approaches for the sector.

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Costs and risks — fast ≠ cheap

Fast funding usually costs more. Examples are illustrative only: an MCA’s factor rate may equate to a high APR once accelerated repayments and fees are included. A short-term online loan may have higher monthlyised rates than a 3–5 year bank loan. Always compare total cost of credit, repayment profile and cashflow impact.

Representative note: costs vary by lender and by business circumstances. Figures here are illustrative — exact terms depend on credit profile, sector, security and lender policies.

Choosing the right fast finance for your pub — quick checklist

• Need funds within 72 hours? Consider MCA or an online short-term lender.
• Need equipment for immediate use? Asset finance avoids a large cash outlay.
• Have unpaid B2B invoices? Invoice finance can release funds quickly.
• Buying property or needing urgent structural works? Bridging may fit but confirm valuations and exit plan.
• Worried about cost? Speak to a broker to compare slightly slower but cheaper alternatives.

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Real-life example: Pub funding timeline (anonymised)

The Crown (anonymised) needed £40,000 for urgent cellar refurbishment mid-season. We matched the owner with a specialist asset finance broker who secured a lender decision in 48 hours and funds in 3 days. The pub returned to full service within two weeks and avoided lengthy trading losses.

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FAQs — quick answers to common concerns

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks later if you proceed.

How quickly will lenders contact me after I enquire?

Many brokers and fintech lenders contact applicants within hours during business hours. Decision and funding times depend on product and documents provided.

Can I get a loan with imperfect credit?

Some specialist lenders and brokers work with non-standard credit histories, but terms and speed vary. We’ll match you to partners who can advise on realistic options.

Can start-up pubs get quick funding?

Start-ups without trading history may find MCAs and invoice finance less applicable. Asset finance, equipment leasing or specialist start-up lenders may be options; expect more documentation and sometimes slower decisions.

Do I need to secure loans against property?

Not always. Many short-term and MCA products are unsecured, but secured bridging and property-backed loans will usually require security and can be subject to valuations.

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Next steps — how UK Business Loans helps you get funds faster

1. Complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes) — no obligation and won’t affect your credit score.
2. We match your details to suitable lenders and brokers experienced with pubs.
3. Expect contact — compare offers and decide which is right for you.

Our service is free to use. We introduce you to lenders and brokers who will give offers directly — you choose whether to proceed.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Loan availability, terms and costs vary by lender and your business profile. Loans we arrange typically start from around £10,000. Completing an enquiry does not guarantee loan approval. Representative terms depend on the lender and your circumstances.

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Last updated: 31 October 2025 • Author: Jane Smith — Hospitality finance specialist

1. Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score? — No — submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score, although lenders may run credit checks if you proceed to a formal application.

2. How quickly can I get funds for an urgent pub repair or cashflow shortfall? — Merchant cash advances can be decided in hours and funded in 1–3 days, while online short-term business loans typically decide in 24–72 hours and fund in 1–5 days depending on documents and eligibility.

3. Which fast loan types are best for pubs? — The quickest options for pubs are merchant cash advances (MCA), specialist online short-term loans, overdrafts/business credit cards (if you already have them), invoice finance for B2B sales, and asset or equipment finance for urgent kit purchases.

4. Are fast pub loans more expensive than traditional loans? — Typically yes — faster funding options usually carry higher costs, so always compare total cost of credit, repayment frequency and cashflow impact before choosing.

5. How much can a pub borrow through the lenders you match me with? — Our network typically arranges business loans from around £10,000 up to several hundred thousand (or more for property-secured deals), depending on takings, security and lender criteria.

6. Can a start‑up pub get quick funding? — Start‑ups without trading history may find MCAs and invoice finance less applicable but can often access asset finance, specialist start‑up lenders or secured facilities with additional documentation and possibly slower decisions.

7. What documents speed up a quick business loan or MCA decision? — Have the last 3 months’ business bank statements, card terminal statements, recent accounts or management accounts, VAT returns, ID for directors, lease/licence documents and any supplier invoices or quotes ready.

8. Can I get a fast business loan with bad credit? — Yes — some specialist lenders and brokers work with imperfect credit profiles, though terms, costs and funding speed will vary and may require security or higher rates.

9. How does UK Business Loans help, and is the enquiry an application? — UK Business Loans is a free introducer that matches your short online enquiry (it is not a formal loan application) to suitable FCA-regulated lenders and brokers who will contact you to discuss actual offers.

10. How soon will lenders or brokers contact me after I enquire online? — Many brokers and fintech lenders contact applicants within hours during business hours, with subsequent decision and funding times depending on the product chosen and how quickly you supply required documents.