How long should I allow for the whole business

2 min read

24–72 hSimple unsecured

1–several weeksSecured/complex

PrepAdd your own

Plan aheadFor big needs

The end-to-end picture

From full application to funds, a straightforward unsecured facility often runs 24–72 hours, while a secured or complex deal — with valuation and legal work — takes one to several weeks. But the honest total starts earlier, with your own preparation: gathering documents, sizing the ask, comparing quotes. Prep is where much of the elapsed time actually lives.

Building in the right buffer

Plan backwards from when you need the money. For a same-week unsecured need, connect Open Banking and have documents ready so the lender's part is fast — see the stage timing. For a secured deal tied to a completion date, start weeks ahead and build in slack for valuations.

Planning ahead of the need

The best way to control timing is not to leave it late. Applying before you need the money removes the pressure and lets you pick the right lender and terms rather than the fastest. Where a big need is coming, size it early with the funding-requirement calculator and get the documents ready.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I start a business loan for a known need?

For an unsecured facility, a week or two of lead time is comfortable; for a secured deal tied to a completion, several weeks. Starting early lets you choose on terms rather than scramble for speed.

What takes the most time in the whole process?

Usually your own preparation and, on secured deals, the valuation and legal work. The lender's underwriting of a simple unsecured case is often the fastest part. Front-loading your documents compresses the total most.