Key Takeaways:

1.    Your credit score can influence your ability to get a business loan, many lenders don’t accept anything less than 500 but not Bizcap – we’ve helped customers with a credit score of less

2.    You can request a credit report for free and get a full rundown of your credit history

3.    Paying bills on time and decreasing your credit utilisation ratio and closing credit cards you no longer use are some ways to improve your credit score

4.    Bizcap assess each application on its own merits, taking into account factors such as revenue history and assets.

5.    We can provide business loans up to £750,000

 

We understand that you can have a great business, but a bad credit score

Running your own business requires a lot of creativity and some serious ambition.

More often than not, it also requires speedy access to cash.

Whether you need money to seize a must-not-be-missed opportunity, smooth your cashflow or simply manage the day-to-day, being able to get hold of cash – quickly – can simply make or break your business.

A business loan is a great way to get hold of capital to help build your business and keep it motoring forward, but what if you’ve got an adverse credit history?

Can you get a business loan with a bad credit score?

The answer – fortunately – is yes.

While banks will generally turn down credit applications from people with a bad credit score, Bizcap is one of the few lenders in the United Kingdom that are happy to help.

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Can You Get a UK Business Loan with Bad Credit?

Yes, you can. At Bizcap, we understand that a poor credit score doesn’t define your business’s potential. Traditional lenders may say no, but we look at the full picture such as, your trading history, cash flow, and future outlook. Whether you’ve had defaults, CCJs, or just a few financial hiccups, we’re here to help you move forward, not hold you back. If you’re running a solid business, we believe you deserve access to funding.

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Understanding Your UK Business Credit Score

In the UK, your business credit score is one of the ways lenders assess your financial track record. Scores typically range from 0 to 999, and anything under 500 is often considered ‘poor’. It’s influenced by factors like payment history, outstanding debts, credit utilisation, and even how long your business has been trading. But at Bizcap, we don’t just rely on your score—we take a common-sense approach to lending, focusing on your real-world performance, not just numbers on a report.

What Is My Business Credit Score?

Your business credit score is a number usually between 0-999 that gives a lender an indication of your credit history.

Your credit score is fuelled by data from a wide range of sources, including banks, utility providers and other lenders, and a number of factors, including the number of credit enquiries you’ve made, your repayment history and any infringements – for example, defaults or bankruptcy, affect it.

In years gone by, your credit score was something that was difficult to access, but today that information is freely available. We recommend heading to credit reporting service Experian to check your credit score.

A score 600 and upwards is generally considered ‘good’, and most lenders won’t look at your application if your credit score is 500 or less.
However, Bizcap will.

How to Improve Your UK Credit Score

There are a number of things you can do to repair your credit score, including paying bills on time (direct debits can come in handy here), decreasing your credit utilisation ratio (the amount of credit you’re using in context of the amount you have access to), disputing any errors on file, and closing credit facilities – such as credit cards – that you no longer use.

Applying for a Bad Credit Business Loan in the UK

Of course, repairing your credit score can take time – and the business world often won’t wait. Bizcap is one of the few lenders in the United Kingdom that will assist you with a business loan regardless of your credit score – in fact, we’ve been able to help customers with a credit score under 500.

Bizcap doesn’t have a credit score minimum– instead we assess each application on its own merits, taking into account factors such as revenue history and assets.

To be eligible for a business loan with Bizcap you just need £12,000 minimum monthly revenue, have been operating and trading for at least four months and have an active company number.

We can provide business loans up to £750,000 – all you need to do is apply online and we can get funds into your account within three hours.

So, if you’ve been put off applying for a business loan because of your poor credit score, give Bizcap a call – you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Why Choose Bizcap UK?

Bizcap isn’t your average lender. We’re one of the most open-minded and fastest funders in the market. Here’s why UK businesses choose us:

  • We say yes more often, including to those declined by banks.
  • Funding from £5,000 to £750,000, tailored to your business.
  • Minimal paperwork, fast approvals, and funding within 24–48 hours.
  • We consider your business performance, not just your credit score.

Bad credit? No problem. Bizcap’s here to back your business. Apply now.

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Frequently Asked Questions


What is considered a 'bad' business credit score in the UK?

In the UK, a business credit score is typically measured on a scale from 0 to 999. A score below 500 is generally considered poor. Factors like missed payments, CCJs (County Court Judgements), high debt levels, or limited credit history can all negatively impact your score. However, lenders like Bizcap look beyond just your score, we assess your business holistically.

Are interest rates higher for UK bad credit business loans?

Yes, interest rates are usually higher for businesses with poor credit. This is because lenders take on more risk. However, Bizcap aims to provide flexible, tailored finance options that match your situation—even if you have defaults, ATO debt, or past credit issues. Our goal is to help UK businesses access the capital they need, without being penalised unfairly.

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What are alternatives if I'm declined for a business loan in the UK?

If you're declined, don’t panic—there are still options:

  • Alternative lenders like Bizcap specialise in working with businesses that traditional banks overlook.
  • Invoice financing or asset-based lending may work if you have unpaid invoices or business assets.
  • Merchant cash advances are an option if your business takes card payments.
  • Review and improve your credit profile before reapplying.
    Bizcap is here to guide you through your options—even if we’re not your first lender.

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