For a lot of UK businesses, they can often find a time where they need money fast. This could be to secure the purchase of stock, a property, pay their tax bill, pay suppliers, staff or make an urgent transaction.
Whilst there are common facilities to help with this like business credit cards, overdrafts and even senior members injecting some emergency cash into the business, it is valuable to know what options you have available if you find yourself in this position.
If you need funds within 24 hours, flexibility matters more than cost. If you can wait three days or more, you may have a little more choice in terms of rates and being able to access higher amounts.
In the UK, small and medium businesses make up around 99.9% of all companies. Many of them rely on short-term funding at some point, especially during growth or cash flow gaps. Understanding the choices helps you move quickly and avoid expensive mistakes.
Using Credit Cards and Personal Loans First
One of the fastest ways to access money is through credit cards or personal loans. If you already have available credit, you have this at your disposal so you can use it immediately. Card payments or cash transfers can clear the same day.
Most personal loan providers can sometimes pay out within a few hours after being approved, especially if the amounts are under £10,000. The entire process of applying and getting your funds is typically within 24 hours.
Some business owners use personal borrowing first and then convert it into a business loan later. For example, you might use a personal loan to secure a deal quickly, then refinance it into a business facility once the paperwork is ready. This can be practical when speed matters more than structure.
The only downside is cost, because with unsecured credit, the interest rates can be high, in the region of 20%-30% APR.
Converting Short-Term Borrowing Into a Business Loan
Once the urgent transaction is secured, many businesses look to replace personal borrowing with a business loan. Business loans normally have lower interest rates at around 6%-15% and longer repayment terms. This improves cash flow and reduces personal exposure.
Approval usually takes two to five working days, depending on accounts, credit history, and bank processes. Online lenders like Iwoca, Love Finance and Funding Circle can sometimes move faster than high street banks, but charge higher interest rates for this convenience. This approach works well if the deal itself creates value, such as buying stock to resell or securing a profitable contract.
Using Equity and Secured Debt
If you own property or valuable assets, you can use this to access much larger amounts in the tens or hundred of thousands.
Secured business loans are backed against property, vehicles, or equipment. Because the lender has security, they may lend more and at lower rates than unsecured borrowing.
Bridging loans and asset-backed lending can sometimes complete within three to seven days, and may be better suited for urgent transactions and larger sums north of £50,000. This suits property purchases, auction deadlines, or refinancing pressure. The risk is that your asset is on the line if repayments are missed, so clear exit planning is essential.
Around 60% of UK business lending is secured in some form, showing how common this method is for accessing higher levels of funding.
Business Loans for Planned Urgency
If you have at least a few days, a business loan is often the best balance of cost and structure. Term loans, short-term working capital loans, and revolving facilities can provide predictable repayments and clearer budgeting.
Funding timelines vary. Some online lenders can release funds within 48 to 72 hours. Traditional banks may take one to two weeks. If your transaction deadline allows three days rather than 24 hours, you usually gain access to better pricing and higher limits.
Asking Relatives or Private Support
Family and friends can sometimes provide the fastest capital of all. Funds can arrive the same day with minimal paperwork. This can be useful for deposits, emergency gaps, or bridging until formal finance completes. There are a number of highly successful companies that used the help of family and friends to get started, including McDonalds, Amazon and Apple.
The risk is personal relationships. Always document the agreement clearly, including repayment terms, to avoid misunderstandings later. Mixing business and family finance should be handled carefully and professionally.
Matching Speed With Cost and Risk
If you need money within 24 hours, credit cards, personal loans, or family funding are usually the fastest. If you can wait three days, business lenders and secured options open up. For larger sums, equity and secured debt often provide the best access.
Urgent funding is about balancing speed, cost, and risk. A clear plan for repayment or refinancing protects the business and keeps cash flow stable. Having finance options prepared in advance can make the next urgent opportunity far easier to secure.
