Understanding your finance options

Reviewing our decision and exploring other ways to raise money for your business 

Borrowing from your bank isn’t always right for your business. We've got some useful information to help you understand your options and where your business can go for finance. We have:

  • information about asking for a review of your application
  • support and guidance on other finance options for your business.


We don’t promote or recommend any option on the list, but it might help you find other ways to get finance.

If business finances are a struggle

If you're finding it hard to make your books balance, we've help and support for you, including details of people who offer free, independent advice. Take a look at our If finances are a struggle page for more details.

Select what you’d like to know more about…

Reviewing your lending application and our decision

If we say no to your lending application, you can ask us to look at it again within 30 days of the decision. We may ask you for more information to help us review it. You can find more details on our Business borrowing and reviews page under ‘Appealing your application’.

How to ask for a review:
  • If you applied for a business overdraft or loan with a Business Banking Manager, speak to them directly or call 0330 678 2509 and we'll explain what to do.
  • If you applied through our website for a business credit card or our mobile app for a business loan, you can request an independent review online.

About your review
  • Someone new from our Business Lending team will look at your application. They'll check to see how we made the first decision. If needed, they may ask for more information. We’ll give you a decision as soon as can, but it can take up to 30 days.
  • Independent auditors check that our appeals process is fair.

If we still say no
  • You can ask us to refer you to a government approved platform within 30 days of the decision. This platform will try to match your business with another lender who may be able to help. UK Finance has a factsheet (PDF - 3.3 MB) that explains how this works.
  • With your consent, they’ll seek to match your business' needs with the most suitable lender for your circumstances. For more information look at our Business borrowing and reviews pages and click on the ‘Referral’ tab.

Important to know
  • All lending is subject to status, availability and our lending criteria. The right to decline any application is reserved.