Cashflow loan amounts in the UK — what funding you can access with UK Business Loans
Summary: If your limited company or SME needs working capital, typical cashflow funding arranged via UK Business Loans starts at £10,000 and can run into millions depending on the product. This page explains the common funding ranges by product (unsecured short‑term loans, invoice finance, merchant cash advances, overdrafts, asset and bank facilities), what determines the available amount, practical examples, and how to get a free, no‑obligation eligibility check and quotes.
By UK Business Loans — last updated 1 Nov 2025
At a glance — typical cashflow funding amounts
Quick snapshot of indicative ranges (UK Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders/brokers — ranges shown are typical and illustrative):
| Product | Typical amounts |
|---|---|
| Short‑term cashflow loans (unsecured) | £10,000 – £500,000 |
| Invoice finance / factoring | £10,000 – £2,000,000+ |
| Merchant cash advances (MCAs) | £10,000 – £500,000 |
| Business overdrafts & revolving facilities | £10,000 – £250,000+ |
| Asset & equipment finance (used as working capital) | £10,000 – £5,000,000 |
| Bank working capital facilities | £25,000 – £10,000,000+ |
What do we mean by “cashflow loans”?
“Cashflow loans” is a broad term for funding designed to keep day‑to‑day operations running when cash is tight: paying suppliers, covering payroll, buying stock, or bridging invoice payment delays. These products differ from longer‑term investment loans (used for capital projects) and from pure asset finance (which is secured against equipment). Cashflow finance focuses on liquidity and speed.
What cashflow loan types does UK Business Loans match you with?
We introduce limited companies, LLPs and established SMEs to lenders and brokers offering a range of cashflow solutions. Below are the main product types and the funding you can typically expect.
Short‑term business loans (unsecured)
Typical amounts: £10,000 – £500,000. Terms usually 3 months–5 years. These are quick to arrange through specialist lenders and are suited to businesses with predictable short‑term repayment capacity. Typical eligibility: minimum turnover, trading history, healthy card or bank transactions and acceptable credit profile.
Invoice finance / factoring
Typical facility sizes: £10,000 – £2,000,000+. Invoice finance provides an advance against unpaid invoices — lenders typically advance 70–90% of invoice value (the “advance rate”). Facility size depends on the value and quality of your invoice book (monthly invoicing determines ongoing capacity).
Merchant cash advance (MCA)
Typical amounts: £10,000 – £500,000, set against card turnover. Repayments are taken as a percentage of card sales. Speed is a key advantage; cost varies with sales volatility and advance size. Best where card receipts are strong and regular.
Business overdrafts & revolving facilities
Typical limits: £10,000 – £250,000+. Flexible for day‑to‑day fluctuations. Overdrafts suit businesses needing occasional shortfalls; banks and specialist lenders set limits based on cashflow forecasts and relationship history.
Bridging & short‑term secured facilities
Typical amounts: £25,000 – several million depending on security. Where quick, larger sums are needed and you can provide security (property, receivables), secured bridging can be arranged faster than some longer bank facilities.
Typical cashflow loan amounts: a practical breakdown
Here are three illustrative examples to make ranges easier to understand. Figures are examples only.
Example 1 — Retailer needing seasonal stock
A limited company retailer needs £25,000 to buy seasonal stock arriving before sales. Routes we may introduce:
- Short‑term unsecured loan: £10k–£50k, funded in days if eligible.
- Merchant cash advance: £10k–£50k, sized to card turnover; flexible repayment.
Example 2 — B2B manufacturer bridging large invoices
An established manufacturer issues large invoices to wholesalers and needs £200,000 to bridge cash until payment. Likely routes:
- Invoice finance: facility sized to monthly invoiced amount; advances typically 70–90% of invoice values — a £200k need is commonly met by a £500k+ facility if monthly invoices support it.
- Short‑term secured facility: if invoices are to reliable counterparties, a lender may provide a tailored bridge against those receivables.
Example 3 — Established SME expanding operations
An SME wants a £750,000 revolving working capital line to smooth supplier payments and support growth. Likely route:
- Bank or specialist lender revolving facility or overdraft: £250k–£1m+ depending on turnover, security and accounts.
- Combination of invoice finance + overdraft to maximise flexibility.
Factors that push available amounts up or down:
- Annual turnover and consistent monthly cash inflows
- Profile and creditworthiness of your debtors (invoice quality)
- Length of time trading and management experience
- Security you can offer (business assets, property)
- Existing debt levels and credit history
How lenders and brokers set the facility size
Lenders and brokers size facilities by assessing affordability and risk. Common metrics include:
- Debt Service Coverage / monthly net cashflow — can the business comfortably meet repayments?
- Advance rates — for invoice finance, how much of invoices can be advanced?
- Collateral value — if secured, how much can be lent against assets?
- Sector risk and concentration — dependence on a small number of large customers may limit size.
- Historic and projected turnover — lenders model future cashflows to size facilities.
That’s why a short enquiry that shares turnover, monthly receipts and the type of funding needed helps lenders give realistic quotes quickly.
How to decide which cashflow product and amount is right for you
Use this quick checklist to match needs to products:
- How long do you need the money? (days/weeks = MCA or invoice finance; months = short‑term loan; ongoing = overdraft or revolving line)
- How predictable is your repayment stream? (predictable sales suit unsecured loans; invoice finance suits high invoice exposure)
- Can you offer security? (security expands borrowing capacity)
- Is speed essential? (MCAs and specialist short‑term lenders can fund fastest)
- Are cost and transparency key? (compare APRs, fees and recovery terms carefully)
Need help matching the right product? Get a free eligibility check and we’ll introduce you to lenders/brokers who specialise in your sector.
What to expect when you complete an enquiry
Our process is straightforward:
- You complete a short enquiry form (a few business details and the amount/type required).
- We match you with suitable lenders/brokers who can provide quotes and will contact you directly.
- Compare quotes, ask questions and decide — there is no obligation to proceed.
Response times: many brokers respond within hours; funding speed varies by product — some MCAs/invoice finance can be in place within days, bank facilities take longer.
Representative ranges and cost transparency
Below are two illustrative scenarios (not offers):
- Small retail: £25,000 unsecured short‑term loan, typical cost depends on lender — illustrative interest from 8%–30% APR depending on credit profile and term.
- Established B2B: £500,000 invoice finance facility advancing 80% of invoices — fees include facility fee, interest on drawn amounts and collection fees; effective cost varies.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow for cashflow?
Typical ranges start at £10,000 and vary by product (see snapshot). The exact maximum is set by the lender based on turnover, security and debtor profile.
Will applying affect my credit score?
Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not impact your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform credit checks later if you apply directly with them.
Can new businesses apply?
Many lenders work with young companies, but facility size and product options are influenced by trading history and financial evidence.
How quickly can I get funds?
Speed depends on product: some MCAs and specialist short‑term loans can fund in days; invoice finance often within a week; bank facilities normally take longer.
Do you charge to match me with lenders?
Our service is free for businesses. Lenders/brokers set their own fees and will disclose costs when they give quotes.
What documents are normally required?
Common documents: recent bank statements, historic invoices, business accounts or management accounts, proof of ID for directors and a brief project or use‑of‑funds statement.
Next steps — get a fast, no obligation quote
If you need working capital from £10,000 upwards, complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can help. It’s free, confidential and there’s no obligation to proceed.
Legal & compliance
UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. We connect businesses with lenders and brokers who provide quotes and terms. All offers, eligibility and terms come from those third parties. This page aims to be clear, fair and not misleading. Before accepting any loan you should read the lender’s terms and, if appropriate, seek independent advice.
Want to learn more about the mechanics of invoice finance and cashflow products? See our detailed page on cashflow loans.
1. How much can I borrow for cashflow in the UK? — Typical cashflow loan amounts start at around £10,000 and vary by product, from £10k–£500k for short‑term unsecured loans and MCAs, £10k–£2m+ for invoice finance, £10k–£250k+ for overdrafts, and £25k–£10m+ for bank working capital facilities.
2. What types of cashflow loans can I access through UK Business Loans? — We match businesses with a range of UK cashflow products including short‑term unsecured loans, invoice finance/factoring, merchant cash advances (MCAs), overdrafts and revolving lines, bridging and secured short‑term facilities, and asset/equipment finance.
3. How do lenders decide the facility size they’ll offer my business? — Lenders and brokers size facilities based on affordability and risk using metrics such as turnover and monthly cash inflows, debtor quality (for invoice finance), debt service coverage, collateral value, sector concentration and trading history.
4. Will submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans affect my credit score? — No — completing our free, no‑obligation enquiry does not impact your credit score, although partner lenders may perform credit checks later if you proceed with an application.
5. How quickly can I get funds once I enquire? — Response to your enquiry is usually within hours, with funding speed depending on product (some MCAs and specialist short‑term loans can fund in days, invoice finance often within a week, and bank facilities typically taking longer).
6. Can start‑ups or new businesses get cashflow finance through your service? — Yes — many lenders we work with consider start‑ups and young companies, but available facility sizes and product options depend on trading history, turnover and supporting financial evidence.
7. What documents will I typically need to apply for a business loan or invoice finance? — Commonly requested documents include recent business bank statements, historic invoices (for invoice finance), business accounts or management accounts, proof of ID for directors, and a short use‑of‑funds statement.
8. Do you charge businesses to be matched with lenders and brokers? — No — UK Business Loans is a free introducer service and there’s no obligation to accept any quotes from lenders or brokers.
9. Can I get business finance if I have bad credit? — Possibly — some specialist lenders and brokers work with businesses with imperfect credit histories, though borrowing amounts, costs and eligibility will vary.
10. How does invoice finance work and how much of my invoices will be advanced? — Invoice finance releases liquidity by advancing a percentage of your unpaid invoices (typically 70–90% advance rate), with the overall facility sized to the value and quality of your invoice book.
