To get the right loan for your business you need to decide:
How much you need to borrow: The lenders in our comparison offer bad credit business loans from £1,000 up to £500,000 or more.
How long you need to pay it back: The lenders in our comparison offer terms that last for between 3 months and 5 years.
Which type of finance would work for your business: The lenders in our comparison offer cash loans, but there are other types of business finance you could consider.
You can then use this comparison to find lenders that consider businesses who have adverse credit.
Look for the cheapest loan rate
Once you know how much you need to borrow and for how long, you can start looking for the cheapest rate available.
This comparison shows you each lender's representative APR, which is the interest rate they must offer to at least 51% of applicants.
Look for the lowest APR for the loan amount and term your business needs.
How to improve your chances of being accepted
If your business has had credit issues then it can be harder to get the finance you need, but some lenders are more likely to consider lending to businesses with bad credit.
Check the criteria before you apply for a loan, as they vary from one lender to another, including:
Minimum annual turnover amounts
Minimum months trading
If your business doesn't meet any of their criteria, strike that lender off your list and look elsewhere, as applying for loans you are unlikely to get can further damage your credit record.
What counts as bad credit?
Your business credit report shows your financial accounts alongside other information including your businesses financial associations and a list of your company directors.
Bad credit is when your record includes factors that make lenders less likely to lend to you, for example missed payments or outstanding CCJs.
You also have a personal credit record that details your individual financial information. If you are the sole owner of your business your personal credit record will be closely linked to your business credit record.
Pros and cons of bad credit business loans
There are both advantages and disadvantages of bad credit business loans, including:
Lenders consider bad credit
May allow your to get finance
Often more expensive
Less choice
If your business repays your loan on time without missing any repayments then this may help improve your credit record. However, if you take on borrowing and miss or are late paying this could cause further damage.
Starting a business with bad credit
If you are looking to start a business but have a bad personal credit record then you will need to look for startup business loans with poor credit.
This comparison shows loans for existing businesses with poor credit, but you can compare startup business loans here.
Bad credit business loan FAQs
Can I borrow if my business has bad credit?
Yes, some lenders will consider your application if you have had credit issues in the past, but it may be more expensive.
What does APR mean?
It means Annual Percentage Rate and it is the annual interest cost of the business loan including fees.
Do I need a guarantor if I have bad credit?
Not all bad credit business loans require a guarantor but some do, so check this before you apply.
How can I improve my business credit score?
Check your credit record is accurate and up to date, and ensure you pay your creditors on time.
Can I get a business loan with no credit check?
Some lenders advertise no credit check business loans but they may be more expensive.
About our comparison
Who do we include in this comparison?
We include business loans available directly from lenders and through brokers on our panel. Here is more information about how our website works.
How do we make money from our comparison?
We have commercial agreements with some of the companies in this comparison and get paid commission if we help you take out one of their products or services. Find out more here.
You do not pay any extra and the deal you get is not affected.