Printing business loans — typical rates & fees (UK)

Summary: Typical costs for printing businesses vary by product and company status. Indicative ranges: asset finance 3%–12% p.a.; secured equipment loans 4%–12% APR; unsecured loans 6%–30% APR; invoice finance 0.5%–3.5% per month; merchant cash advances (MCAs) very high effective costs (factor 1.2–1.6x); overdrafts base+3–6%; bridging 0.5%–2% per month; commercial mortgages 3%–7%. Actual pricing depends on company size, trading history, security, term and lender. Complete our Free Eligibility Check to get matched with lenders/brokers who specialise in print: Get Quote Now.

Why printing businesses borrow

Printers borrow for capital expenditure (presses, digital kit, finishing equipment), recurring working capital (paper, ink, consumables for large runs), invoice smoothing for long payment terms, premises fit-out or acquisition, and to refinance or consolidate existing equipment leases. The right product depends on purpose: equipment-heavy purchases often suit asset finance; ongoing cashflow needs point to invoice finance or overdrafts.

Types of finance commonly used by printing businesses

• Asset finance / hire purchase / leasing — for presses, cutters and finishing kit; terms usually 2–7 years.
• Secured equipment loans — term loans secured against machinery or company assets; common for larger purchases.
• Invoice finance / factoring — release cash tied up in unpaid invoices; advance rates typically 70%–90%.
• Unsecured business loans — quicker access for smaller amounts where security isn’t provided.
• Merchant cash advance (MCA) — repaid via a percentage of card takings; rapid but expensive.
• Overdrafts & business credit cards — flexible short-term cover for day-to-day needs.
• Bridging loans & commercial mortgages — short-term bridging for property or longer-term mortgages for premises.

Usual rates and fees — by product

Figures below are indicative (last updated October 2025). Actual rates and fees depend on trading history, turnover, security, term, lender appetite and application details. Use these ranges for budgeting only.

Asset finance, hire purchase & leasing

Typical interest: 3%–12% p.a. (new equipment and strong credit at the lower end; older/used kit and weaker credit higher). Arrangement fees commonly 0–3% of amount. Documentation or admin fees £0–£500; operating leases may include return or mileage clauses.

Example (illustrative): a £150,000 press on hire purchase over 5 years at 6% p.a. might produce monthly repayments in the region of £2,900–£3,100 depending on fees and capital structure. For tailored pricing, Get Quote Now.

Equipment loans (secured)

Typical interest: 4%–12% APR for established limited companies with two-plus years’ accounts. Fees can include valuation and legal charges and occasional arrangement fees. Secured loans often offer longer terms and lower rates than unsecured alternatives.

Unsecured business loans

Typical interest: 6%–30% APR depending on size, credit profile and lender. Arrangement fees frequently range 0–10% and sometimes are rolled into the loan. Good for smaller quick needs, but the effective cost can be significantly higher than secured options.

Invoice finance / factoring

Costs described in two ways: a discount/advance fee on invoices and a service or management fee. Typical ranges: 0.5%–3.5% per invoice per month (equivalent annualised cost varies based on invoice age) plus service fees of 0.5%–1.5% monthly. Set-up fees can be £0–£2,000. Advances usually 70%–90% up front.

Example: charging 2% on invoices and drawing £50k in invoices could cost c. £1,000 in one month’s fees but improve cash availability and enable larger runs.

Merchant cash advance (MCA) & short-term merchant loans

MCAs typically use factor rates (repay 1.2x–1.6x the advance) and collections are daily/weekly from card takings. Effective APRs can exceed 50%–100%+ depending on term and repayment speed. Origination fees 0–10%. MCAs are fast but substantially more expensive — use with caution.

Overdrafts & business credit cards

Arranged overdrafts often priced at base rate + 3%–6% (variable); unarranged or penalty rates are much higher. Business credit cards typically 18%–30% APR; transfer and cash fees may apply.

Bridging loans & commercial mortgages

Short-term bridging: 0.5%–2.0% per month interest (interest-only), plus arrangement and exit fees. Commercial mortgage rates commonly range 3%–7% depending on LTV and covenants; arrangement fees 1%–2% plus valuation and legal costs.

How borrower status affects rates and fees

Price is driven by several status-related factors:

• Established limited companies (2+ years, £500k+ turnover, profitable): best pricing and broader access to secured equipment finance and commercial mortgages (example: equipment finance 4%–7% APR).
• New businesses (under 2 years): higher pricing, specialist lenders or shorter terms; unsecured options or higher-fee asset finance are common (expect 15%+ APR in many cases).
• Businesses with adverse credit: expect higher rates and stronger security requirements; some lenders charge additional fees or require bridging/refinance routes.
• Large, creditworthy companies: may access competitive commercial mortgages, multi-year asset finance and invoice discounting at the lower end of ranges.

Practical illustration: an established printer with £1.5m turnover and healthy accounts could access secured equipment finance at c. 4%–7% APR. A start-up or recently restructured company may be quoted 15%+ APR for unsecured or specialist lending.

Typical one-off and ongoing fees to expect

• Arrangement / facility fee: 0–3% (asset finance) or 0–10% (unsecured loans).
• Valuation / inspection fees: £50–£500 depending on asset size.
• Legal fees: for security documentation on secured loans — may be charged to borrower.
• Set-up / onboarding fees: common with invoice finance and factoring (£0–£2,000).
• Monthly servicing / admin charges: small monthly fees on some facilities.
• Early repayment charges: check terms — some fixed-term deals include penalties.
• Missed payment / default fees: higher charges and increased interest may apply.

Always ask lenders for a clear cost breakdown and a representative example before proceeding. Our enquiry form is only to match you with lenders/brokers — it is not a loan application.

How to shop for the best rates

To get competitive pricing:

1. Prepare 12–24 months of management accounts, VAT returns, and a list of assets/invoices.
2. Gather equipment quotes to show lenders the purchase value.
3. Compare total cost (APR or factor rate), upfront fees and early repayment terms — not just headline monthly payments.
4. Ask about deposit, residual values (for leases) and whether personal guarantees are required.
5. Seek multiple quotes from lenders/brokers who understand printing; complete a Free Eligibility Check to be matched quickly: Free Eligibility Check.

Why use UK Business Loans

We don’t lend money or give regulated financial advice. Instead, we match printing businesses with specialist lenders and brokers who understand your sector and funding needs. Our service is free and quick — complete a short enquiry (takes around two minutes) and receive tailored responses from providers who can quote competitively for amounts from £10,000 upwards. Get Quote Now.

Frequently asked questions

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Get matched — next steps and compliance note

Ready to compare real quotes? Complete our short enquiry to be matched with lenders and brokers who specialise in printing finance. It’s free, non-binding and takes around two minutes: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. The figures on this page are indicative only. For full costs and terms ask the lender or broker you are introduced to for a written breakdown before agreeing any finance.

Indicative rates & fees at a glance (quick reference)

Product	Typical rate / cost	Typical fees	Typical term
Asset finance (new press)	3%–8% p.a.	Arrangement 0–2%	2–7 years
Equipment loan (secured)	4%–12% APR	Valuation/legal fees	1–7 years
Unsecured business loan	6%–30% APR	Arrangements 0–10%	1–5 years
Invoice finance / factoring	0.5%–3.5% per invoice/month	Set-up £0–£2,000; service fee 0.5%–1.5%	Revolving
Merchant cash advance (MCA)	Factor 1.2x–1.6x (very high APR)	Origination 0–10%	Short-term / daily collections
Overdraft	Base + 3%–6% (variable)	Arrangement/renewal fees possible	Revolving
Bridging / commercial mortgage	Bridging 0.5%–2%/month; mortgages 3%–7%	Arrangements 1%–2% + valuation/legal	Months (bridging) / Years (mortgage)

For a broader industry overview and further sector guidance see our dedicated printing sector page on printing business loans.

1) What do printing business loans typically cost?
Typical costs vary by product and borrower but expect ranges such as asset finance 3%–12% p.a., secured equipment loans 4%–12% APR, unsecured loans 6%–30% APR, invoice finance 0.5%–3.5% per month, MCAs factor 1.2–1.6x, overdrafts base+3–6%, bridging 0.5%–2% per month and commercial mortgages 3%–7%.

2) Which finance type is best for buying a printing press?
Asset finance (hire purchase or leasing) or a secured equipment loan is usually best for presses because they spread cost over 2–7 years and often offer lower rates than unsecured options.

3) What rates can I expect for secured equipment loans for printers?
Established companies typically see secured equipment loan rates of around 4%–12% APR depending on credit, term and security.

4) Can printing businesses use invoice finance to smooth long payment terms?
Yes — invoice finance commonly advances 70%–90% of invoice value and charges around 0.5%–3.5% per invoice per month plus service fees.

5) Are merchant cash advances (MCAs) suitable for printing businesses?
MCAs are fast but very expensive — factor rates typically 1.2x–1.6x (effective APRs often 50%–100%+), so use only when speed outweighs cost.

6) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score and is it an application?
No — completing UK Business Loans’ enquiry is not a loan application and doesn’t affect your credit score, though lenders may run checks later if you choose to proceed.

7) How quickly can I get funding for a press or equipment?
Asset finance can often be arranged within days with paperwork ready, whereas larger secured loans or commercial mortgages usually take several weeks.

8) Do lenders require personal or director guarantees for printing business loans?
Many lenders may request director or personal guarantees—especially for smaller, new or lightly secured businesses—so expect this possibility on some deals.

9) What documents do I need to apply for printing sector finance?
Prepare 12–24 months of management accounts, VAT returns, company details, equipment quotes and a list of existing assets or invoices to speed matching and quotes.

10) How can I get the best rates and fees for a printing business loan?
Compare total cost (APR or factor rate), obtain multiple quotes, provide strong trading history and accurate asset/invoice documentation, and use a free eligibility check to be matched with lenders who specialise in printing.