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EMERGENCY BUSINESS LOANS

Get back on track quickly with emergency business funding

Need to repair broken equipment fast, or bag a last-minute bulk-buy deal? An emergency loan can help your business through the ups and the downs.

  • No assets needed as collateral

  • Approval in as little as 24-48 hours

  • Choose from a range of finance options, from unsecured loans to merchant cash advances

 Apply now

Already a Tide member? You can apply for a business loan and other finance directly within the Tide app.

Tide has joined forces with Funding Options, becoming the largest credit marketplace in the UK. 

Providing over £1.6 billion in funding to more than 43,000 UK businesses, we’re on a mission to help business owners grow with confidence. 

Why use Tide to get construction finance?

From online applications to a wide range of lending partners, we’ve built a smarter way for businesses to access the emergency finance they need to thrive.

Protect your credit score

Check your loan options with total peace of mind. Applying for a loan through Tide has no impact on your credit score, allowing you to see what you qualify for without affecting your financial footprint.

Compare options easily

Gain access to our network of over 80 trusted lenders to find the right fit. By comparing multiple offers in one place, you'll have a better chance of securing a deal that aligns with your specific business goals and cash flow needs.

Apply online in minutes

Save valuable time by applying for a loan through our online process. Our intuitive application is designed to take just a few minutes, allowing you to bypass the paperwork and get back to growing your business in no time.

Access a range of business finance options from our trusted partners

What are the benefits of emergency business loans?

Quick access

Get finance fast, often within 24-48 hours, to tackle urgent business needs.

No collateral

You won’t need to secure the loan against assets, reducing risk to your business.

Flexible usage

Use the money for any purpose, from covering wages to seizing new opportunities.

Adaptable repayments

Enjoy fixed interest rates and repayment plans that fit your cash flow.

Business continuity

Keep your business running smoothly during changing times with reliable financial support.

What can emergency business loans be used for?

Cash flow gaps

Late customer payments or seasonal dips can leave you struggling to cover your outgoings. Emergency loans can bridge the gap.

Unexpected bills and expenses

Sudden expenses can catch you off guard. Quick funding helps you meet deadlines and avoid penalties or disruptions.

Broken equipment

If essential machinery or vehicles break down, repairs can’t wait. Use the finance to fix or replace equipment, so you can get back to work.

Damaged premises

Leaks, storms, or structural damage can make your workspace unsafe or unusable. A quick loan can fund repairs, helping you reopen quickly.

Lost or damaged stock

Fire or contamination can ruin your inventory, leaving you unable to fulfil orders. Emergency funding lets you restock fast and keep customers happy.

Bulk buys

Get a sudden chance to buy stock at a discount or fulfil a large order? These loans let you act quickly, so you don’t miss out.

Are you eligible for an emergency business loan?

To be eligible for any type of business loan or credit from Tide, you must:

  • Be over 18

  • Be a UK resident

  • Have a UK-based business

  • Have a UK bank account

What do you need to apply for an emergency business loan?

  • Basic information about your business, such as how old it is, and your annual revenue 

  • Information on directors and shareholders

  • Bank statements covering the past year

Depending on your business and the finance you need, the criteria may differ.

How to apply for an emergency business loan

With access to over 80 lenders, Tide will find a lender tailored to your business - and the process is simple.

  1. Tell us how much you need to borrow We’ll ask you how much you need, what it’s for, and for some basic information about your business.

  2. Compare loans without impacting your credit score We’ll connect you to the largest network of lenders in the UK, so you can view affordable credit options that suit the unique needs of your business.

  3. Apply in minutes Once approved, you’ll receive a quote from a lender you matched with.

  4. Get a decision and credit is released Depending on the type of finance you’ve applied for, the money could be released to the equipment supplier in around 24 hours.

Apply now

We've already helped businesses secure more than £1.6 billion

We’ve provided funding to more than 43,000 businesses across the UK, as part of our mission to help business owners grow with confidence.

What is an emergency business loan?

An emergency business loan is a short-term financing option designed to give your business quick access to cash when you need it most.

Unlike traditional business loans, emergency loans are all about speed. Approval and funding can happen in as little as 24-48 hours, once basic checks have been completed.

They’re built to give you a quick injection of working capital, with terms that usually range from a few months to a couple of years.

Emergency loans can be secured (where you offer collateral to reduce risk and get better interest rates) or unsecured (where you don’t need assets but interest rates may be higher).

The application process is usually more streamlined than traditional loans, with less paperwork and faster decisions based on your trading history.

The trade-off for this speed and convenience is that interest rates may be higher than standard loans. But when you’re in a tight spot, the quick access to funds can make it worth it.

How do emergency business loans work?

🕓 Speed

You can often apply online and get approved within hours or days. Unsecured loans and merchant cash advances are usually available within 24 hours, while invoice finance might take 24-48 hours after setup. If you’re pre-approved for revolving credit or revenue-based financing, you could access the finance in minutes.

💷 Amount

The amount you can borrow depends on your business turnover, credit history, and whether you’re offering security. Unsecured loans, merchant cash advances and revolving credit can offer up to £1 million based on your business finances. Invoice finance lets you unlock up to 95% of your invoice values.

🏦 Fees

Because emergency loans are quick and convenient, they often come with higher costs. Watch out for additional fees like arrangement fees (often 1-5% of the loan amount) or early repayment penalties. And always compare the total cost, not just the APR, to understand the full picture.

📆 Repayment

Repayment terms are usually short and flexible. Unsecured loans often come with fixed monthly repayments over 3-24 months. Revolving credit lets you pay interest only on what you use, while merchant cash advances deduct a percentage of your daily or weekly card sales until the loan’s repaid. Invoice finance repayments are simply deducted from your paid invoices, making it a seamless process.

⚠️ Risks

No borrowing is without some level of risk. Unsecured loans and merchant cash advances don’t require assets as security, but they come with higher interest rates which can impact your cash flow. Revolving credit can be risky if you overuse it, as it might lead to a debt cycle. Invoice and revenue-based financing tie repayments to your cash flow, which can be tricky if your business hits a slow period. Asset finance uses your equipment as security, so there’s a risk of repossession if you default.

What types of emergency business funding are there?

If you need quick access to cash, the following options could help.

Business credit cards
Build your business credit whilst keeping your personal score intact. Access up to £250k to help cover business expenses and improve your cash flow, whilst earning valuable rewards.
Revolving credit facility
Manage your cash flow in between projects with on-demand access to working capital. Access up to £1 million to pay suppliers, cover payroll and expand your operations, without dipping into your savings.
Invoice finance
Borrow up to £10 million and release cash tied up in unpaid invoices to help finance your construction projects. Receive up to 95% of the invoice value, sometimes within as little as 24 hours.
Merchant cash advance
Borrow between £5,000 and £1 million to boost cash flow during quiet trading periods. This type of funding is designed for businesses who take payments via credit or debt card, but may not qualify for a traditional loan.
Revenue-based financing
With revenue-based finance, your monthly payments are bsed on a percentage of your monthly revenue, allowing you to unlock growth without giving up equity. Borrow from £1,000, with finance typically available in as little as 48 hours.

Aaron MoOng Ong Buns

With the help of Tide and their team of business finance experts, I was able to navigate the complexities of business finance, and secure the necessary funds to grow my business.

Alternatives to emergency business funding

If you can afford to wait a little longer to receive financing, the following options may be more suitable and offer better terms.

Secured business loans

Borrow larger amounts at lower interest rates by securing the loan against your assets.

 Explore secured loans

Working capital loans

Manage unexpected costs and maintain consistent cash flow without giving up equity.

Explore working capital

Equipment finance

Invest in new equipment or replace broken assets to improve efficiency and stay competitive.

 Explore equipment finance

Property finance

Lending from £50,000 - £50 million to secure property funding.

Explore property finance

How to track your business credit score

Are you wanting to improve your business credit score?

Credit Score Insights is a simple and affordable way to help you understand, track and take action to help you boost your business credit score.

 Track your credit score

Learn more about financing your business

Explore more funding guides
Explore more funding guides

Emergency business loans FAQs

Emergency loans can get you cash as quickly as 24-48 hours but usually cost more. Standard loans tend to be cheaper but take longer to arrange. You’d typically use an emergency loan for urgent needs like unexpected bills, and a standard loan for planned expenses like growth or equipment.

Yes, but bear in mind emergency business loans often have higher interest rates and stricter borrowing terms. Lenders will look at your recent trading and cash flow rather than just your credit score. Specialist lenders can help, but you’ll still need to make sure you can afford the higher repayments.

Not right now. Government-backed funding usually appears during crises (like Covid-19) and isn’t permanent. For now, you’ll need to look at commercial emergency loans or general SME finance schemes like the Growth Guarantee Scheme.

Please note that Growth Guarantee Scheme-backed facilities are provided at the discretion of the lender, where a business loan cannot be provided on better terms.

You’ll face late fees, damage to your credit score, and possible debt collection. If the loan’s secured, the lender could take your assets. If you signed a personal guarantee, they may pursue you personally for the outstanding debt. If you’re struggling to repay, contact your lender as early as possible since they might offer help like a payment holiday.

Compare speed, total cost, and repayment terms. Look beyond the interest rate for hidden fees and calculate the overall repayment cost. Choose a loan that suits your cash flow and avoid personal guarantees if you’re not comfortable with the risk.

Applying for a loan and checking your eligibility won’t affect your credit score. A hard credit check will only be completed if you choose to accept an offer. So you can explore your options before making any commitments.

Although it varies by lender, you’ll typically need the following documents when applying for an emergency business loan:

✔️ 3-6 months of bank statements

✔️ Proof of ID (passport or driver’s licence)

✔️ Business details (e.g. Companies House registration)

✔️ Basic financial info (like profit/loss statements)

Most emergency loans are approved and paid out within 24-48 hours. Some lenders even offer same-day funding if your application’s a simple one.

It varies by lender, but emergency loans tend to be more expensive than traditional loans. Interest rates can be 1-3% per month (15-50% APR). You might also have to pay arrangement fees (1-5%) or late charges if you miss a payment. Always check the total repayment cost before you commit.

Yes, even start ups and sole traders can qualify for emergency funding. Lenders often ask for just a few months of trading history and a modest turnover (eg over £5,000 per month). If you don’t have assets or full accounts, other options like merchant cash advances or invoice finance can work well.

We understand businesses, it's all we do

We understand businesses, it's all we do

Tide is built by business owners for business owners. That’s why we’re trusted by over 1.5 million sole traders, freelancers, and limited companies worldwide.

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