Fast overview — which finance routes get you a CNC machine quickest

Need speed? Here are the options ranked by how fast you can usually get a quote and fund delivery:

1. Asset finance / Hire Purchase (HP) — very common for CNCs. Specialist asset finance houses and brokers can give indicative quotes within hours; formal decisions often in 24–72 hours once documentation is supplied. You usually take ownership at the end of the term.
2. Equipment leasing — rapid for new or low‑cost machines. Indicative pricing in hours; contracts signed quickly; good when you want low upfront cost and don’t require ownership.
3. Operating lease / Hire — fastest if you don’t need ownership and want bundled maintenance. Approval and delivery can be very quick for standard packages.
4. Business loan from an online lender — quick when you already have a banking relationship or use fintech lenders; funds in days for qualified applicants, but not always optimised for machinery security and VAT treatment.
5. Invoice finance / short‑term bridge — useful if you need interim cash while awaiting longer finance; can be arranged quickly but more costly.

For most manufacturing businesses buying CNC equipment, a specialist asset finance route (HP or hire/lease) arranged via a broker usually balances speed, cost and flexibility. Ready to compare quotes? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Quick comparison: pros, cons and typical timescales

• Hire Purchase / Asset Finance
  • Who it suits: businesses that want eventual ownership and to claim capital allowances.
  • Timescale: indicative quote within hours; decision 24–72 hours.
  • Deposit: sometimes 0–20% depending on credit and lender.
• Leasing (Operating / Finance Lease)
  • Who it suits: cash‑conscious firms wanting low upfront cost and maintenance packages.
  • Timescale: quote in hours; contracts signed within days.
  • Ownership: typically retained by lessor (operating lease) or subject to final purchase options (finance lease).
• Business Loan (unsecured/secured)
  • Who it suits: firms that prefer a single repayment and need additional capital beyond the machine cost.
  • Timescale: a few days to a week depending on lender.
• Bridge or invoice finance
  • Who it suits: businesses that need cash now while waiting for longer finance.
  • Timescale: very fast, but higher cost.

Want to compare tailored offers fast? Compare offers — Get Quote Now

Step‑by‑step: how to finance a CNC machine as fast as possible

1. Get an accurate purchase pro‑forma (0–1 day)

Ask your supplier for a pro‑forma invoice showing the exact make/model, new or used status, price, delivery and installation costs, warranty and VAT status. Lenders need this to value the asset and issue an accurate quote.

2. Prepare the documents lenders want (same day)

Common documents to have ready:

• Company registration number and VAT registration (if applicable)
• Latest accounts (last 1–2 years where available) and recent management accounts
• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
• Purchase quote / pro‑forma invoice from supplier
• Evidence of trading — recent invoices or order book
• Director ID (passport/driving licence) and proof of address

Having these ready lets brokers submit to multiple lenders immediately and speeds decisioning.

3. Choose the right product for speed and cost (same day)

If you want ownership and can wait 24–72 hours, hire purchase via an asset finance specialist is often best. If speed and low upfront cashflow impact are top priorities, leasing or an operating hire may get you on the shop floor fastest. If you already have a strong bank relationship, an unsecured/secured business loan can also be fast.

4. Use a single enquiry to be matched to specialist lenders/brokers (hours – 1 day)

UK Business Loans simplifies the process: complete a short enquiry form and our system matches you to lenders and brokers who specialise in manufacturing equipment finance. That removes the time‑consuming task of researching dozens of lenders and increases the chance of a rapid, competitive response.

5. Fast approval tactics (1–3 days)

• Be realistic about affordability and provide clear forecasts.
• Offer a modest deposit if you can — it speeds underwriting.
• Give supplier contact details and expected delivery/installation dates.
• Consider a personal guarantee if directors are prepared — it can unlock quicker approvals and better pricing.

Ready to be matched and receive same‑day contacts from brokers? Get a Same‑Day Quote – Free Eligibility Check

What lenders look for when financing CNC equipment

Lenders’ priorities differ, but the common factors are:

• Machine details: age, condition (new vs used), model and supplier reputation.
• Price & VAT: total cost including installation, transport and commissioning.
• Business performance: turnover, profit/loss, cashflow and bank conduct.
• Security: asset only, or additional security required.
• Directors’ credit: good credit histories make approvals faster and cheaper.
• Purpose & use: how the CNC will improve capacity or contracts — lenders like clear use cases.

Specialist asset finance providers and brokers focused on manufacturing are generally faster at valuing and approving CNC finance than high‑street banks. If you want specialist help for manufacturing machinery, see our manufacturing business loans page for more sector details: manufacturing business loans.

Typical costs, charges and contract terms to expect

Below are indicative ranges — actual offers depend on lender, credit profile, asset age and term.

• Rates for asset finance: typically 4%–12% APR (varies widely by credit and deposit).
• Term lengths: commonly 24–60 months for CNC machines.
• Fees: arrangement fees (£0–£500+), valuation fees for used machines, documentation fees.
• Early settlement: lenders may apply a settlement calculation or fee — check terms.
• Balloon/residual payments: sometimes used to lower monthly payments — understand ownership implications.

These figures are illustrative only. For personalised pricing based on your balance sheet and the specific CNC, Get personalised quotes — Free Eligibility Check.

Tax & accounting considerations for manufacturers

Key points to discuss with your accountant:

• Capital allowances: owned assets are usually eligible for capital allowances; recent reliefs may apply — check current HMRC rules.
• Leasing: operating lease payments are typically an operating cost; finance leases may be capitalised depending on accounting standards.
• VAT: VAT on purchases is usually reclaimable by VAT‑registered businesses; leasing VAT treatment differs — ask your VAT advisor.

UK Business Loans does not provide tax or accounting advice — speak to your accountant for tailored guidance.

Speed checklist — documents to have ready now

• Supplier pro‑forma / quote (make/model, price, delivery & install)
• Company registration number and VAT registration (if applicable)
• Latest accounts and recent management accounts
• 3–6 months of business bank statements
• Director ID and proof of address
• Delivery schedule and any maintenance/warranty details

Have these ready to get the fastest possible response. Ready? Get Your Fast Quote

Real‑world example (short case study)

An engineering workshop needed a new 5‑axis CNC to fulfil a contract. They submitted a short enquiry via a UK Business Loans match form in the morning. A specialist broker called the same day, requested the supplier pro‑forma and 3 months’ bank statements. A conditional credit decision followed within 48 hours and the hire‑purchase agreement was signed. The machine was delivered and commissioned in 7 days. Indicative deal: 36‑month term, modest deposit, monthly payments structured to match cashflow.

Want to see if you can get similar timings? See if you can get similar terms — Free Quote

FAQs

Can I get CNC finance with limited trading history?

Yes. Specialist asset finance providers and brokers often consider applications for businesses with limited history if you supply clear management accounts, a deposit or director support. Submit a short enquiry to see which partners can help.

How quickly will I hear from lenders after I submit the form?

Many matched brokers/lenders contact businesses within hours during business hours. Full approvals typically take 24–72 hours once all documents are provided.

Do I need a deposit?

Not always. Some asset finance deals offer low or no deposit options, but a deposit can improve pricing and speed approval.

Is UK Business Loans a lender?

No. We are an introducer. We connect your enquiry to lenders and brokers who may contact you with quotes. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not affect your credit score.

Can I finance a used CNC machine?

Yes. Many lenders and specialist asset finance houses fund used machines. Age, condition and valuation will affect terms and availability.

What if my credit record is imperfect?

Different lenders have different appetite for prior credit issues. Being transparent, offering a deposit or director support, and using specialist brokers raises the chance of a positive outcome. Get a tailored check via our enquiry form.

Next steps — how to get your no‑obligation quotes

1. Complete a short enquiry form (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match you to specialist lenders and brokers experienced in manufacturing and equipment finance.
3. You’ll receive rapid contact and indicative quotes — compare and decide. There is no obligation to proceed.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Our service is free to businesses; submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit file. For a fast, no‑obligation quote, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check