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SHORT-TERM BUSINESS LOANS

Short-term business loans for long-term growth

Unexpected expenses or opportunities shouldn’t slow you down. A short-term business loan gives you the flexibility to act fast, with repayment terms from 3 to 24 months.

  • Finance could be available in as little as 24-48 hours

  • Adapt to opportunities and challenges quickly

  • Pay less total interest with shorter repayment terms  

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 £1.1 billion in funding to more than 19,000 UK businesses, we’re on a mission to help business owners grow with confidence. 

Why use Tide to get a short-term business loan?

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

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.

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.

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.

Access a range of business finance options from our trusted partners

What are the benefits of short-term business loans?

Flexible finance

Short-term business loans let you borrow exactly what you need for a short period, making them a more versatile option compared to longer-term financing.

Faster approvals

Lenders typically assess short term loan applications quickly, helping you address urgent financial needs efficiently.

Higher approval rates

Short-term business lending typically has less stringent eligibility criteria compared to longer-term financing, making it more accessible to a wider range of businesses.

Less overall interest

Despite higher interest rates, shorter terms can result in less total interest paid if repaid more quickly than long-term loans.

Apply now

Are you eligible for a short-term 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 a short-term 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 a short-term business loan

  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 in around 24 hours.

Apply now

We've already helped businesses secure more than £1.1 billion

We’ve provided funding to more than 19,000 businesses across the UK, as part of our mission to help business owners grow with confidence.

What is a short-term business loan?

Short-term business loans let you access the finance you need to keep things running smoothly when money’s tight. They can be especially useful for bridging gaps in cash flow, covering urgent expenses, or taking advantage of time-sensitive opportunities.

You’ll typically receive a lump sum upfront, and pay it back monthly over a period of 3-24 months. Payments are usually higher than longer-term loans. But because you’ll pay back the loan over a relatively short period, you’ll clear the debt faster and typically pay less overall interest.

Short term business loans can be secured (backed by assets like property) or unsecured, depending on the lender and your business profile. Lenders will assess factors like your credit history, turnover, and trading performance to determine your eligibility, interest rate, and how much they’re willing to lend.

What can a short-term loan be used for?

Seasonal stock

Peak seasons and promotions can increase demand, but you’ll need to be prepared. A short-term business loan lets you stock up on inventory in advance, so you can keep your customers happy.

Cash flow gaps

Even thriving businesses can face quiet periods or delayed payments. Finance can bridge this gap, allowing you to cover employee wages, supplier payments, and overheads without the stress.

Marketing campaigns

Growth starts with visibility. Whether it’s a social media push, a local promotion, or a digital ad campaign, a well-funded marketing campaign helps put your business in front of the right audience at the right time.

VAT and tax bills

Tax deadlines - especially quarterly VAT returns - don’t always align with your cash flow. With the finance to settle your tax bills on time, you can avoid HMRC penalties and keep your working capital focused on growth.

Unexpected costs

If equipment fails, needs repair, or urgently needs upgrading, a short term loan can provide the cash you need to fix, replace or upgrade, and keep your operations running efficiently.

New opportunities

You’ll often need to act fast to take advantage of limited time deals, bulk discounts or time-sensitive partnerships. A well-timed cash injection can help seize opportunities before they disappear.

Types of short-term business finance solutions

Need to access finance quickly? There are plenty of options to consider, from specialist finance to all-purpose credit.

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.

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.

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Learn more about financing your business

Explore more funding guides
Explore more funding guides

Short-term business loans FAQs

You can often get approval and funding within 24-48 hours from online lenders. But high street banks may take up to a week, depending on how long it takes to review your documents.

You can typically borrow around £5,000-1 million, depending on your business turnover, credit history, and repayment capacity.

Costs vary by lender and loan type, but interest rates for short-term borrowing are usually higher than longer term business loans due to the shorter repayment period. You might also need to pay arrangement or processing fees. Check the annual percentage rate (APR) and total repayment amount to make sure it’s competitive.

Yes, short-term business loans often let you make overpayments or repay early. But some lenders will charge a fee for this – usually a percentage of what’s left to pay. So check the terms before paying more than your agreed monthly amount. If your lender doesn’t charge extra, overpaying can cut down the total interest and help you clear the loan faster.

Most lenders perform a hard credit check when you formally apply or accept an offer, which can leave a temporary mark on your credit file. But some providers, including Tide, use a soft credit check that doesn’t impact your score.

Yes, it’s possible. Some lenders specialise in working with businesses that have limited or poor credit histories. But you may need to provide more documents, borrow a smaller amount, or pay a higher interest rate to balance the lending risk.

In many cases, yes. While the loan itself is unsecured (ie you don’t have to use business assets as collateral), lenders will often ask the directors or owners for a personal guarantee which makes them personally liable if the business can’t repay.

Repayments are usually made in fixed weekly or monthly instalments over a set term, typically between 3-24 months. Each payment covers part of the original loan plus any interest or fees.

Start ups can apply, but it’s often harder to qualify without trading history or financial accounts. Some lenders will consider your application if you can show a solid business plan, early revenue, or a good personal credit history. Alternatively, options like Start Up Loans, invoice finance or business credit cards might be a more viable option while your business grows.

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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