Didn't get approved by Funding Circle? You still have options.
Every lender uses a different model to assess businesses, just like car insurance companies quote different prices for the same driver. Funding Circle is a well-respected provider, but their model isn't designed to fit every business type. We work with multiple providers, each with their own specialisms.
Free service · No credit impact · Decisions in 24-48 hours
Why different lenders give different answers
Business funding works a lot like car insurance. Two insurers can look at the same driver and quote completely different prices: not because one is wrong, but because each uses a different model, weighs different factors, and specialises in different risk profiles.
Business lenders are exactly the same. Funding Circle's model is built around term loans and is designed for a specific type of business. Merchant cash advance providers like YouLend or 365 Finance use completely different models. Neither approach is better. They're just designed for different businesses.
Common reasons a lender's model may not match your business
Trading history length
Term loan models typically need longer trading histories to assess repayment ability. MCA models can work with shorter histories because they assess real-time card turnover instead.
Revenue type and volume
Different models weight revenue differently. Some focus on annual accounts, others on monthly card turnover. Your business may simply suit one model better than another.
Credit profile
Term loan models tend to weight personal credit more heavily. MCA models focus primarily on business performance. Different weighting, different outcomes.
Sector focus
Each lender builds expertise in certain industries. A provider focused on hospitality will assess a restaurant differently from one focused on e-commerce. It's about specialism, not quality.
Cash flow pattern
Businesses with seasonal or variable revenue often suit MCA models better (repayments flex with income). Businesses with steady, predictable revenue may suit term loan models. It depends on your pattern.
Two types of business funding
Neither is better. They're designed for different business types and cash flow patterns.
Term Loan
e.g. Funding Circle, Fleximize
- Fixed monthly repayments
- Suited to steady, predictable cash flow
- Typically requires longer trading history
- Great for planned investment with clear ROI
Merchant Cash Advance
e.g. YouLend, 365 Finance, Capify
- Repayments flex with your revenue
- Suited to seasonal or variable cash flow
- Can work with shorter trading history
- Great for fast, flexible access to capital
Other providers on our panel
Each provider below uses a different underwriting model. One of them may be a better fit for your business profile.
| Lender | Funding Range | Min Turnover | Speed | Personal Guarantee | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouLend | £3K – £500K | £5K/mo card | 24-48 hours | Required | 4.5/5 |
| 365 Finance | £10K – £400K | £10K/mo | 24-48 hours | Required | 4.8/5 |
| iwoca | £1K – £1M | £2K/mo | 24 hours | Required | 4.8/5 |
| Capify | £5K – £500K | £5K/mo | 24-48 hours | Required | 4.1/5 |
| Fleximize | £5K – £500K | £5K/mo | 24 hours | Required | 4.9/5 |
How it works
Tell us about your business
Takes about 2 minutes. We ask about your turnover, sector, and how much you need.
We match you to providers
We submit your details to the providers on our panel whose models are most likely to suit your profile.
Compare and choose
You receive offers to compare. Pick the one that works best, or walk away. No obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Why wasn't my application successful with Funding Circle?▼
Every lender uses a different underwriting model, much like car insurers use different scoring systems for the same driver. Funding Circle's model is built around term loans and weighs factors like trading history length, annual revenue, and personal credit score. If your profile didn't match their specific model, it doesn't mean you're not fundable. It means a different type of funding or provider may be a better fit.
Can I still get funding through another provider?▼
Yes. Merchant cash advance providers like YouLend, 365 Finance, and Capify use completely different models: they focus on card turnover and business performance rather than personal credit history. A business that doesn't fit one model often fits another perfectly. We compare across multiple providers to find the right match.
What is a merchant cash advance and how is it different from a term loan?▼
An MCA gives you a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of future card sales. Repayments flex with your revenue. You pay more when busy and less when quiet. Term loans (like Funding Circle's product) offer fixed monthly repayments. Both are legitimate funding types. The best choice depends on your business model and cash flow pattern.
Will applying to another lender affect my credit score?▼
Most MCA providers use soft credit checks that don't appear on your credit file. Different lenders use different types of credit checks as part of their model. We always confirm the type of check before submitting your application.
How quickly can I get funded through another provider?▼
Most lenders on our panel offer decisions within 24-48 hours. Funds typically arrive 1-3 working days after acceptance.
Can I apply to Funding Circle again in the future?▼
Yes. Funding Circle welcomes reapplications, especially if your circumstances have changed: longer trading history, higher revenue, or improved credit score. In the meantime, a different type of provider on our panel may be a great fit right now.
Real customers. Real reviews.
Verified on Trustpilot
“We had the money in three days. Alex called me back the same afternoon.”
“Alex was great all the way through explaining how everything worked. Funding was in my bank the same day. It helped me grow my business.”
One application. Multiple lenders.
We introduce your business to lenders that may be a better fit. Free service, no credit impact, decisions in 24-48 hours.