Let’s be honest: most small business owners don’t have perfect credit.
And guess what? That doesn’t mean you can’t access the funds you need.
At Fenbridge Finance, we speak to UK businesses every day who are growing, hiring, or pivoting — but worry their credit score will block them from funding.
Here’s the good news: there are fast, flexible ways to secure funding without perfect credit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 5 smart options that work in the real world.
1. Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)
Speed: ⚡ Fastest
Best for: Retail, hospitality, or any business taking card payments
A Merchant Cash Advance lets you borrow money against future card sales. It’s not a loan — it’s an advance.
You repay it daily or weekly as a small % of your card takings.
✅ No fixed monthly repayments
✅ No need for perfect credit
✅ Approval based on revenue, not score
2. Invoice Finance
Speed: ⚡ Quick (usually within 48 hours)
Best for: Businesses that invoice clients on terms
If your customers are slow to pay (30, 60, 90 days), invoice finance gives you up to 90% of that money up front.
You get cash today, and your lender collects when the client pays.
✅ Credit checks focus on your customers, not you
✅ Unlock tied-up capital instantly
✅ Can be ongoing or single-invoice only
3. Asset Finance
Speed: ⚡ Quick (usually within a week)
Best for: Purchasing vehicles, machinery, or tech
If you need equipment to grow — or want to release value from what you already own — asset finance could be your answer.
There are also sale & leaseback options if you want to raise cash fast from existing assets.
✅ Less credit focus — assets are the security
✅ Low rates compared to unsecured lending
✅ Multiple structures available (hire purchase, leasing, etc.)
4. Unsecured Business Loans
Speed: ⚡ Often within 48–72 hours
Best for: Cash injections, stock, staff, marketing
Unsecured loans don’t require property or vehicles as collateral. If you’ve got solid cash flow, lenders may approve you based on your revenue — not your credit history.
✅ No personal or business assets required
✅ Fixed monthly repayments
✅ Can boost your business credit long term
What Can Your Business Really Afford to Borrow?
5. Guarantor or Co-Signed Funding
Speed: ⚡ Medium-fast (depends on documents)
Best for: Startups or those with limited trading history
If your business is strong but your credit isn’t, having a guarantor or co-signer with a stronger financial profile can help unlock better rates and higher funding limits.
✅ Great for new businesses
✅ Flexible options available
✅ Builds your credibility for future borrowing
When Credit Does Matter — and How to Plan Ahead
Some products (like commercial mortgages or long-term secured loans) will still weigh your credit score more heavily.
But even then, don’t count yourself out.
We often help clients:
- Fix reporting errors on their credit file
- Show lenders compensating strengths (strong profit margins, low overheads, repeat customers)
- Rebuild their score over time while using other funding to grow
Fenbridge Finance: Real-World Solutions, Fast
At Fenbridge, we’re not here to sell you a product. We’re here to help you get what your business needs — fast, honestly, and without judgment.
📧 info@fenbridgefinance.co.uk
📞 0330 043 0681
Or send us a quick message — and we’ll help you explore your options with no obligation.