Barclays Bank business loan
Who qualifies, and the alternatives if you're declined. Typical criteria: UK-based business applying through its owner or an authorised signatory, with an existing business current account (Barclays says this can be with any bank). Barclays doesn't publish a minimum trading period for its standard loans; approval is subject to its normal lending assessment, and some industries are excluded. Ticket range £1k to £25k unsecured (1 to 10 year terms); larger amounts on a secured basis with terms up to 25 years. If the bank declines, the specialist UK lenders below may consider some cases the high street turns down. This is information, not a credit decision.
Quick verdict
- Owner: Barclays Bank plc.
- Ticket band: £1k to £25k unsecured (1 to 10 year terms); larger amounts on a secured basis with terms up to 25 years.
- If declined, the first 3 of 4 alternatives to look at are: Funding Circle, iwoca, Capify for short-term funding.
At a glance
- What they offer
- Business loans, overdrafts and asset finance for Barclays business banking customers.
- Owner entity
- Barclays Bank plc
- Ticket range
- £1k to £25k unsecured (1 to 10 year terms); larger amounts on a secured basis with terms up to 25 years
- Typical criteria
- UK-based business applying through its owner or an authorised signatory, with an existing business current account (Barclays says this can be with any bank). Barclays doesn't publish a minimum trading period for its standard loans; approval is subject to its normal lending assessment, and some industries are excluded.
- Decision pattern
- Barclays says existing customers may get an immediate decision, and approved applicants usually receive the money within 48 hours of signing the paperwork. Larger secured facilities involve fuller underwriting and take longer.
Common decline reasons
- Barclays doesn't lend to all industries.
- Too little trading history or account data to show affordability.
- Existing Barclays account with poor conduct (returned direct debits, persistent overdraft).
- Affordability below its lending assessment.
If you have been declined
A Barclays decline can reflect criteria that other high-street banks share. Move to fintech alternatives (iwoca, Funding Circle) or specialist post-decline lenders rather than reapplying to other high-street banks.
Alternatives to consider
- Funding Circle
- iwoca
- Capify for short-term funding
- Allica Bank for asset-backed
What to have ready before you apply
A UK bank or its lending partner will typically ask for the following before issuing a decision:
- Two years of filed accounts plus current management accounts.
- Six to twelve months of business bank statements.
- Director identification and proof of address.
- A clear written summary of how the funds will be used and how they will be repaid.
- Personal guarantee paperwork for limited-company directors (standard for most SMB bank facilities).
This is a generic UK SMB-bank application checklist. Barclays Bank may ask for additional documents specific to the facility type or sector.
FAQ
How big a ticket does Barclays Bank cover?
£1k to £25k unsecured (1 to 10 year terms); larger amounts on a secured basis with terms up to 25 years. How Barclays Bank makes the decision, and how long it takes, is under At a glance above.
Why does Barclays Bank decline applications?
First on the list: Barclays doesn't lend to all industries. The rest are listed under Common decline reasons above.
What should I do if Barclays Bank declines my application?
A Barclays decline can reflect criteria that other high-street banks share. The next steps are under If you have been declined above.
What are the best alternatives to Barclays Bank?
It depends on why you were declined and how much you need. We list 4 options under Alternatives to consider above, each with what it suits.
Related banks
Looking for something different?
- For invoice finance, see MarketInvoice.
- For card terminals and merchant accounts, see TakeCardPayments.
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