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We work with these established lenders. Each has different strengths. We compare them for your situation and introduce you to a suitable fit, and you don't have to figure this out alone.
YouLend holds a strong Trustpilot rating with thousands of reviews. Many businesses return for repeat funding.
UK business funding providers compared
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison. All data verified March 2026. Filter by your needs to find the perfect match.
| Provider | Amount | Factor Rate | Approval | Personal Guarantee | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £5,000 - £500,000 | 1.10 - 1.35x | 24-48 hours | Required (not asset-based) | All business types | 4.8(8952) | |
![]() | £3,000 - £500,000 | 1.15 - 1.40x | 24-48 hours | Required (not asset-based) | Restaurants and cafes | 4.8(865) |
| £1,000 - £1,000,000 | 1.08 - 1.25x | 24 hours | Required (not asset-based) | Small businesses (£3k+ monthly revenue) | 4.8(10742) | |
| £5,000 - £3,000,000 | 1.20 - 1.45x | 24-48 hours | Required (not asset-based) | Larger businesses (£15k+ monthly) | 4.1(780) | |
| £10,000 - £500,000 | Term loan - 6.9% APR+ | 3-5 days | Required (not asset-based) | Businesses wanting traditional loans | 4.6(16355) |

Detailed provider comparison
Advantages
- Fast approval and funding
- E-commerce platform integration
- Flexible repayment (varies with sales)
- No fixed monthly payments
- Multiple funding rounds available
- Unsecured (no property collateral, PG required)
Disadvantages
- Higher cost than traditional loans
- Factor rates can be 1.3-1.35x for newer businesses
- Requires consistent sales data
- Personal guarantee required

Advantages
- Fast decisions (24-48 hours)
- Specialist in hospitality sector
- Dedicated account managers
- No early repayment penalties
- Transparent pricing
- Unsecured (no property collateral, PG required)
Disadvantages
- Higher minimum revenue required
- Personal guarantee required
- Longer trading history required
Advantages
- Lowest factor rates available
- Very flexible - choose repayment type
- Open banking integration
- Excellent Trustpilot rating
- FCA authorized lender
- Unsecured (no property collateral, PG required)
Disadvantages
- May require more documentation
- Limited for very new businesses
- Personal guarantee required
Advantages
- Higher funding amounts available
- Established lender (15+ years)
- Works with challenged credit
- Multiple funding products
- Unsecured (no property collateral, PG required)
Disadvantages
- Personal guarantee required
- Higher factor rates
- Higher minimum revenue requirement
Advantages
- Traditional term loan structure
- Lower APR than MCA
- Transparent pricing
- FCA authorized
- Peer-to-peer model
- Unsecured (no property collateral, PG required)
Disadvantages
- Slower than MCAs
- Personal guarantee required
- Fixed payments (less flexible)
- More stringent credit checks
Popular head-to-head comparisons
See detailed side-by-side breakdowns of the most compared providers
YouLend vs 365 Finance
Competitive rates across all business types
YouLend vs iwoca
Lower minimum revenue, better rates, no PG under £50k
365 Finance vs iwoca
365 better for hospitality, iwoca better for retail
MCA vs Traditional Loan
MCA faster, loan cheaper long-term
How to choose the right provider
Start with your industry
- Best rates? YouLend (often the cheapest, works with all business types)
- Restaurant / hospitality? 365 Finance (sector focus)
- Retail? iwoca (flexible, lower minimums)
- Larger amounts? Capify or Funding Circle
Understand personal guarantees
- Personal guarantee is common, and directors can be personally liable
- Unsecured: no property taken as collateral, but you are personally liable under the guarantee
- Terms vary by lender: always read the full agreement before signing
Speed vs cost
- Need funds quickly? 365 Finance or iwoca are often fastest
- Want lower cost? Funding Circle may suit (term loan style)
- Balance of speed and cost? iwoca is often competitive
Monthly revenue
- Under £5k/month? iwoca (from around £3k minimum turnover)
- £5k–£15k/month? YouLend or iwoca often fit
- £15k+/month? More lenders may be available
Disclaimer: All comparison information verified from lender websites as of March 2026. Funding amounts confirmed from official lender homepages. Factor rates, approval times, and minimum requirements are indicative and may vary based on your individual application. Exact terms, rates, and eligibility requirements are subject to lender assessment and approval. All lenders require personal guarantees. A personal guarantee means you are personally liable for the outstanding amount if your business cannot repay. Contact us for personalized quotes and the most current information.
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