Is a Quick Business Loan Without a Personal Guarantee Possible?
Summary: Yes — in many cases it’s possible to get fast business finance that does not require a director personal guarantee (PG). Short-term unsecured loans, invoice finance, asset finance, merchant cash advances and some peer-to-peer or marketplace loans often offer no-PG routes for businesses with strong cashflow, good invoices or valuable assets. Trade-offs usually include higher rates, lower limits or shorter terms. UK Business Loans helps match companies (loans from about £10,000 and upwards) to lenders and brokers that specialise in no-PG solutions — start a Free Eligibility Check to see what’s available for your business: Get Quote Now.
What a personal guarantee (PG) actually means
A personal guarantee (PG) is a legal promise by a company director or owner to be personally liable if the business cannot repay the loan. Lenders ask for PGs to reduce their risk, particularly where a company’s assets or trading history are limited.
“No personal guarantee” means the lender will not require directors to be personally liable. That does not always mean the loan is completely unsecured — lenders commonly use other protections such as:
- security against business assets (plant, stock, vehicles or property);
- higher pricing or fees to reflect increased risk;
- shorter repayment terms or tighter covenants; or
- reliance on predictable revenues (card turnover, recurring invoices) rather than director guarantees.
UK Business Loans does not lend money. We introduce you to specialist lenders and brokers who can explain the specific terms that apply.
Which loan types commonly come without a PG?
Several business finance products are commonly arranged without a director PG — suitability depends on your business profile, loan size and the quality of available security.
1. Unsecured business loans (small to mid amounts)
- Fast online lenders offer unsecured facilities where a PG is not always required, typically for businesses with strong turnover and trading history.
- Typical limits vary by lender; many partners start considering no-PG offers from around £10,000 upwards.
- Pros: quick decisions, simple process. Cons: higher rates and shorter terms compared with PG-backed loans.
2. Invoice finance / invoice factoring
- Advances are made against unpaid invoices; funding is based on the strength of your debtor book rather than director guarantees.
- Often no PG, but the lender will take security over invoices and may place controls on collections.
3. Asset finance & hire-purchase
- Loans are secured against the asset being purchased (vehicles, machinery, equipment).
- Commonly available without a director PG for standard-sized deals — the asset itself provides the security.
4. Merchant cash advances / card-based advances
- Repayments are tied to card sales. Approval is driven by card turnover and processing history rather than personal guarantees.
- Very fast funding is possible, but costs can be high and repayments are often daily or weekly.
5. Peer-to-peer and marketplace lenders
- Some platforms and alternative lenders will place unsecured commercial loans without PG requirements depending on investor appetite.
6. Bridging and property-backed loans
- Some bridging lenders accept property or other commercial security and may waive director PGs in specific cases.
7. Non-debt alternatives
- Crowdfunding or equity investment avoids personal guarantees entirely but dilutes ownership (not a loan).
For more general options and to see how different products compare, you can review our business loans information or start a tailored enquiry. If you want a tailored match, Get Quote Now.
Search for detailed product pages such as our dedicated business loans overview to learn more about secured and unsecured options.
When no-PG loans are most likely
A no-PG outcome is more likely when several of the following apply:
- Established turnover and consistent profitability or predictable card/invoice income;
- Strong business credit history and tidy company accounts;
- High-quality invoices or assets that can stand as security;
- Loan size within lender thresholds for unsecured facilities (many lenders cap no-PG offers);
- Operating in lower-risk sectors with stable demand;
- Using a specialist broker who knows which lenders will consider no-PG applications.
Typical trade-offs and costs
No-PG loans transfer more risk to the lender, so expect some combination of:
- Higher interest rates and facility fees;
- Lower maximum loan amounts compared with large secured or PG-backed facilities;
- Shorter repayment terms or earlier maturities;
- More restrictive covenants or reporting requirements;
- Possibility of additional security (business assets, invoices) instead of a personal guarantee.
Always compare APR, arrangement fees, early repayment charges and total cost of credit before deciding.
How quickly can you get a no-PG loan?
Speed depends on the product and how quickly you can supply documentation:
- Online unsecured loans & merchant cash advances: decision in hours; funds in 24–72 hours in many cases.
- Invoice finance and asset finance: once eligibility and documentation are verified, facilities can be set up in 1–5 days for straightforward cases.
- P2P and marketplace loans: 2–14 days while investor matching and due diligence complete.
- Bridging or larger arrangements: often longer because of valuations and legal work.
Need a quick indication? Start a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to lenders who can respond rapidly.
Real (anonymised) examples
- Construction subcontractor: used invoice finance with no director PG to bridge 30–60 day client payments — funding released within 48 hours after invoices verified.
- Café operator: took asset finance for new coffee machines with the machines as security — lender did not require a PG and decision came in two days.
- E-commerce retailer: merchant cash advance based on card turnover; funds delivered within 24 hours and repayments continue as a small percentage of daily card receipts.
How UK Business Loans helps you find quick no-PG options
UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects you with lenders and brokers who specialise in the types of finance described above. Our typical process:
- Complete a short enquiry — under two minutes;
- We match you to a shortlist of suitable lenders/brokers based on sector, loan size (from about £10,000) and product needs;
- Selected partners contact you with no-obligation quotes and next steps — often within hours during business hours;
- Compare offers and progress the option that fits your cashflow and strategy.
Submitting an enquiry via our service does not commit you to an application and will not affect your credit score. Ready to compare no-obligation quotes? Get Quote Now.
Practical steps to improve your chances of a no-PG loan
- Keep business accounts and VAT returns up to date;
- Prepare a 3–12 month cashflow forecast showing how repayments will be met;
- Collate recent bank statements, debtor lists and aged invoices;
- List and photograph assets you could use as security with approximate values;
- Be open about past credit issues — many specialist lenders will consider imperfect profiles if other strengths exist.
Frequently asked questions
Will applying affect my credit score?
No. Completing our enquiry and receiving introductions does not affect your business or personal credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only once you apply directly to them.
How large a loan can I get without a PG?
It varies. No-PG arrangements are common for smaller to medium amounts; many lenders consider facilities from around £10,000 and upwards depending on product and security.
Do loans without PGs cost more?
Often they do — expect higher interest or fees, or shorter terms. However, the best route balances cost against the benefit of avoiding personal liability.
Can new businesses get no-PG funding?
Availability for start-ups is more limited, but some asset finance, invoice-discounting and specialist lenders will consider younger businesses depending on trading history and asset strength.
How quickly will lenders respond via UK Business Loans?
Many partners respond within hours; the exact speed depends on the lender, product and how quickly you can supply documents.
Compliance & transparency
UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Our service is free and there is no obligation to proceed after receiving quotes. By submitting your details you agree that UK Business Loans may share your information with selected lenders and brokers to arrange quotes and contact you by phone or email. Enquiries do not affect your credit score.
Ready to explore no-PG business finance?
Complete a short, no-obligation enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who may be able to offer quick, no-personal-guarantee options. Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.
1. Is UK Business Loans a lender? — No — we are an introducer that matches UK businesses to FCA-regulated lenders and brokers and do not lend or provide regulated financial advice.
2. Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score? — No — completing our short enquiry is not an application and won’t affect your personal or business credit score, though lenders may check credit if you apply to them.
3. Can I get a quick business loan without a personal guarantee (no-PG)? — Yes — many unsecured loans, invoice finance, asset finance, merchant cash advances and some P2P or marketplace loans can be arranged without a director personal guarantee depending on your business profile.
4. How much can I borrow without a personal guarantee? — No-PG options typically suit small to medium amounts, with many partners considering facilities from around £10,000 upwards depending on product, security and business strength.
5. How fast can I get funds for a no-PG or quick business loan? — Times vary by product — online unsecured loans and merchant cash advances can fund in 24–72 hours, while invoice and asset finance often complete in 1–5 days once documentation is provided.
6. Do loans without personal guarantees cost more? — Often yes — lenders usually price the extra risk into higher interest rates, fees or shorter terms compared with PG-backed facilities.
7. Can start-ups or businesses with bad credit get no-PG funding? — It’s possible — some specialist lenders and products (e.g., asset finance, invoice discounting or niche brokers) will consider newer or imperfect-credit businesses if other strengths exist.
8. What documents should I prepare to improve my chances of a no-PG loan? — Prepare up-to-date accounts, recent bank statements, VAT returns, aged debtor lists/invoices, asset details and a 3–12 month cashflow forecast to speed assessment and matching.
9. How does UK Business Loans match me to lenders and is the service free? — Complete a brief, no-obligation form and we’ll instantly connect you to suitable, trusted lenders and brokers at no cost, with partners often responding within hours.
10. What types of business finance can you connect me to? — We connect businesses to a wide range of finance including unsecured business loans, invoice finance, asset/equipment finance, merchant cash advances, bridging/property finance, P2P marketplace loans and sustainability or expansion funding.
