Accountants’ business loans — what fees can accountants expect from brokers or lenders?

Summary: Accountants typically encounter several types of charges when using brokers or lenders: arrangement/origination fees, broker commissions or client fees, success/performance fees, introducer/referral fees, ongoing servicing or renewal fees, and third‑party costs (legal, valuation, insurance) — plus possible early‑repayment charges. Ranges vary by product, lender and deal size; for commercial facilities from around £10,000 upwards expect arrangement fees commonly from a small fixed fee up to roughly 0.5%–3% of the facility as a guide, and broker commissions often quoted in the 0.5%–2% band (indicative). Always ask for a written fee schedule and the total cost of borrowing. Ready to compare options? Complete a Free Eligibility Check and Get Quote Now.

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Quick answer: the short, plain-language summary

Accountants introduced to brokers or lenders by UK Business Loans can expect a combination of costs: a lender arrangement (origination) fee, any broker commission or client fee, possible success fees, ongoing servicing or renewal fees for facilities (especially invoice/asset finance), and third‑party pass‑through costs (legal, valuations). Ranges depend on loan type, size and security — think of the fee picture as a mix of one‑off and recurring charges. Always request an itemised fee schedule showing who pays what and whether fees are added to the facility or deducted from drawdown. To compare net offers quickly, request a Free Eligibility Check.

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How UK Business Loans works for accountants

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects accounting practices and other limited companies with specialist lenders and commercial brokers. We don’t provide loans or regulated financial advice — our role is to match your funding need with lenders/brokers who specialise in business finance for firms like yours (loans and finance facilities from around £10,000 upwards).

When you complete our short enquiry, we use the details you supply to identify the most suitable panel partners. Submitting the enquiry is not an application and does not affect your credit score — it simply allows our partners to assess whether they can help and get back to you with a quote or questions. If you’re ready to receive tailored proposals, start a Free Eligibility Check.

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Why fee structures vary for accountants

Fee structures differ because lenders and brokers price risk, administration and product features differently. Key factors that change fees include:

• Type of finance — unsecured term loan, secured commercial mortgage, invoice finance, asset finance or overdraft — each has different typical charges.
• Loan size and term — smaller facilities often carry higher percentage fees; larger loans can have lower margins.
• Security and complexity — loans secured on property or specialised assets may require valuations and legal work (extra cost).
• Credit profile & trading history — higher risk profiles usually attract higher arrangement fees or margins.
• Urgency and turnaround — expedited deals often incur higher fees.
• Broker vs direct lender — brokers may be paid by the lender, by the client, or a mix; direct lender fees are usually arrangement + interest margin.

Common finance types accountants seek: working capital loans, invoice finance, asset & equipment finance, commercial mortgages for office fit‑outs, and refinance solutions.

The main types of fees accountants can expect (detailed)

Arrangement / Origination fees

What it is: A one‑off fee charged by the lender to set up the facility and cover underwriting and documentation.

Who usually charges it: The lender.

Indicative range: Commonly a small fixed fee or broadly c.0.5%–3% of the loan value for many commercial loans; for smaller facilities it may be a higher percentage or a fixed amount. Invoice finance often has lower setup charges but may include account onboarding fees.

How it’s billed: Upfront, deducted from the loan, or added to the facility. VAT may apply to some setup charges — ask for VAT treatment in writing.

Tip: Negotiate to reduce or waive if you bring repeat business or are offered better commercial terms elsewhere.

Broker fees or commission

How brokers are paid: Either by commission from the lender (a percentage of the loan or margin) or an upfront fee charged to the client — sometimes a blended model applies.

Indicative range: Market ranges vary widely — often a fixed fee to a percentage band (roughly 0.5%–2% of facility value is common in many commercial settings). For complex arrangements, fees can be higher; for referral/introduction-only brokers, commissions may be modest.

Disclosure: Reputable brokers will disclose their fee/commission structure and provide a written engagement/fee schedule. Always request this before committing.

Success fees / performance fees

Applied only on drawdown: Success fees are payable when the deal completes and are attractive to lenders/brokers as they align payment to outcome.

Indicative structure: A capped percentage or fixed fee; ensure caps and triggers are clear (e.g., charged only on funds drawn down, not on offers).

Pros/cons: Lower risk up front for the borrower but ensure the success fee doesn’t make the total cost unaffordable.

Introducer / referral fees

Paid between intermediaries: Some referrers receive a fee from brokers or lenders for passing a lead on. These are typically between intermediaries and should not be charged to your facility without disclosure. If these reduce what a lender pays to a broker, check whether that affects the net cost to you.

Ongoing servicing fees and renewal fees

When it applies: Invoice finance, asset finance and overdrafts often have monthly service, administration or renewal fees. These can be fixed monthly sums or percentages of turnover/advance.

Indicative examples: Invoice finance providers may charge a servicing fee of 0.5%–2% of invoiced turnover per month plus interest on the advance. Asset finance can have admin fees on top of interest.

Insurance, legal and valuation fees

Third‑party costs: Borrowers often pay legal costs, mortgage searches, property or asset valuations, insurance premiums or EPCs for property loans. These are typically charged at cost and invoiced separately or deducted from drawdown.

Early repayment, exit or termination fees

Break costs: Fixed-rate or structured facilities sometimes include exit or early‑repayment charges to compensate the lender for lost margin — check whether these are a percentage of outstanding balance, a fixed amount or a calculation based on interest rate movements.

Important note: All ranges above are indicative. Always ask lenders and brokers for worked examples showing total borrowing cost over the proposed term (including fees, interest and any ongoing charges).

Practical examples for accountants

Example 1 — Small practice needs a £50,000 overdraft/working capital top-up:

• Arrangement fee: £250–£750 fixed or 1% of facility (indicative)
• Broker fee: Possible one‑off £500 flat fee or 0.5% (£250) if commission is charged to client
• Ongoing: Monthly servicing £20–£40
• Outcome: Compare offers by total cost in year one (fees + interest), not headline interest alone.

Example 2 — Mid‑sized practice seeks £300,000 invoice finance line:

• Onboarding / set up: £500–£2,000
• Commission: often paid by funder to broker (may be reflected in margin); if client‑paid, could be 0.5%–1.5% of limit
• Ongoing: servicing fee 0.5%–1.5% of invoiced turnover monthly + advance interest
• Tip: Ask for expected cashflow examples at different utilisation levels to compare net cash received.

What accountants must ask lenders and brokers — checklist

Before agreeing, request the following in writing:

• Full fee schedule showing one‑off and ongoing fees and who pays each
• Whether arrangement fees are deducted from drawdown or payable separately
• Broker commission details: who pays, whether VAT applies, and whether commission affects the rate offered
• Any success or introducer fees and caps
• Third‑party costs estimate (legal, valuation, searches)
• Early repayment/exit charge calculation method
• Repayment illustrations showing total cost over the term and APR where applicable
• Timeline from offer to drawdown and required security

Quick copy‑and‑paste questions:

• “Please provide a complete fee schedule showing all charges (arrangement, broker, success, ongoing, third‑party) and VAT status.”
• “Confirm whether any fees will be deducted from the loan, added to the balance, or charged separately.”
• “Provide a worked example of total cost for the proposed facility at 50% and 90% utilisation over 12 months.”

How UK Business Loans helps you get clear fee information

We vet partners who regularly work with accountancy and professional services firms and ask them to provide transparent fee breakdowns. When you complete our short enquiry we match you with lenders/brokers who can give you clear written fee schedules and worked examples for your situation. The process is free and without obligation — completing the form starts the matching process and does not affect your credit file.

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Transparency & best practice

Good practice from brokers and lenders includes early disclosure of commissions, VAT treatment, and a clear illustration of total borrowing cost. Responsible intermediaries provide a written engagement letter or fee schedule before charging fees. If anything is unclear, request confirmation by email and escalate or choose an alternative partner if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

Will using a broker cost my firm more?

Not necessarily. Many brokers are paid by lenders and charge no client fee; others charge clients for their advisory time. A competent broker can save time and potentially lower the total cost by sourcing more competitive offers. Always request a written fee and commission disclosure.

Do introducer fees reduce the amount I receive?

Introducer fees are usually paid between intermediaries and should not be deducted from your facility without disclosure. Confirm how any referral or commission arrangements affect the net amount you receive.

Are broker fees subject to VAT?

Often yes — many intermediary fees are subject to VAT. Ask for a VAT invoice and your broker’s VAT registration number so you can confirm treatment.

Does completing the enquiry affect our credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry to UK Business Loans is an information request and does not impact your credit record. Lenders may carry out credit checks later if you apply for an actual facility.

How quickly will I get quotes after submitting the form?

Many matches generate contact within hours during business hours; complex deals may take a few days. We’ll connect you to the most suitable partners and they will outline fees and next steps.

Next steps — get clear quotes and compare

If you’d like an accurate comparison tailored to your firm’s needs, complete a short enquiry now. We’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can provide written fee schedules and worked cost examples.

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Legal & disclosure: UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers — we do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Completing an enquiry does not constitute an application and does not affect your credit score. Confirm all fees, VAT treatment and terms in writing with any broker or lender before proceeding.

Learn more about funding options tailored to accountants via our industry page on accountants business loans: Accountants business loans.

1. How much are arrangement/origination fees on UK business loans? — Arrangement fees commonly range from a small fixed fee up to roughly 0.5%–3% of the facility (often higher percentage or fixed amounts on smaller loans), so always ask for the lender’s written fee schedule and VAT treatment.

2. How do brokers get paid and will using a broker cost my firm more? — Brokers are paid by the lender, by the client, or a blend of both, and using a broker does not necessarily cost more—request full disclosure of commissions or client fees in writing.

3. Does submitting a Free Eligibility Check or enquiry affect our credit score? — No — submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans is not an application and does not impact your credit file.

4. What fees should accountants expect for invoice finance or asset finance lines? — Expect onboarding/setup charges, ongoing servicing or renewal fees (commonly 0.5%–2% of turnover for invoice finance) plus interest on advances and possible admin fees for asset finance.

5. Are broker fees and intermediary charges subject to VAT? — Many intermediary fees are subject to VAT, so ask for the broker’s VAT registration number and a VAT invoice to confirm treatment.

6. How quickly will lenders or brokers provide quotes after I submit an enquiry? — Many partners respond within hours during business hours, with complex deals sometimes taking a few days to produce detailed quotes and worked examples.

7. What loan amounts can UK Business Loans help me access? — UK Business Loans matches businesses to lenders offering facilities from around £10,000 up to multi‑million-pound commercial funding.

8. Will I have to pay any third‑party costs on top of lender and broker fees? — Yes — expect pass‑through third‑party costs such as legal fees, valuations, insurance and searches, typically charged at cost and sometimes deducted from drawdown.

9. How should I compare competing loan offers to find the true cost? — Compare itemised fee schedules and request worked examples showing total borrowing cost (fees, interest, ongoing charges and APR) at realistic utilisation levels.

10. Are early‑repayment or exit fees common on commercial facilities and how are they calculated? — Early‑repayment or break costs are common on fixed‑rate or structured facilities and can be a percentage, fixed amount or a calculation based on interest‑rate movements, so get the exact formula in writing.