Small Business Loan

We are here to help, there is support available and we want to get it to those who need it, but with unprecedented demand in the first instance we are processing applications from our existing customers.

You may be able to access support more quickly by contacting your current bank.

If they are unable to assist; a list of accredited providers is also available on the British Business Bank website.

To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

You are aged 18 or over

You are a director of the business you're applying on behalf of

You have not been declared bankrupt or received a County Court Judgement (CCJ) or Court Decree

If you're trading in a partnership, LLP or Limited Company you will also need to provide:

3 years address history for each of the Directors/Partners applying for funding

You’ll need the personal details of all the partners, directors, members or signatories of the business (including their home addresses for the last 3 years). You’ll also need your business details, including your Company’s Registration Number (provided by Companies House) if you’re a limited company. Also, details of any countries you or your business is registered for tax purposes in and details of your business' year-end accounts or cash flow forecasts.

Yes, customers who have a turnover of more than £2m, or are commercial customers, can now apply for a small business loan.

If you have a Relationship Manager speak to them first. 

The interest rate is a percentage figure that is applied to the value of your loan each year, and is used to calculate what you will need to pay the Bank on your borrowing. It does not include any other fees or charges that may apply.

The rate you pay depends on your circumstances and may differ from the representative APR (Annual Percentage Rate). All applications are assessed on an individual basis, so the interest rate you get is calculated on the loan term, the amount you want to borrow and your status.

A representative APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is an advertised rate that is presented in a standard way, that allows you to compare and contrast borrowing costs between different lenders. When a representative APR is promoted, it means that over half of people who've taken out a loan of a particular size from a lender have been given this rate. The interest rate you're offered won't necessarily be the same as the representative APR.

If you're an existing customer, it’s really important that your personal and business details are close matches to what we have on your file. If they're different, it will be worth updating them before you apply.

If in doubt, please check what is on file at Companies House and update any out of date information before you apply.

Please be accurate with your income declaration. If we believe you can't afford the repayments on the amount you apply, you may be declined.

For instance, if you declare an income of £250,000, and we see £180,000 going through your NatWest account, your application may be referred or declined.

Customers who have been contacted directly by us to advise they are eligible for the Business Banking Switch scheme are able to apply for a CBIL term loan or Small Business loan by emailing the Business Banking Lending team: directbusinessbankinglendingteam@rbs.co.uk

Or call us on 0345 307 0600.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. 

Business Banking Switch customers are unable to apply online. 

If you are unsure if you are eligible for Business Banking Switch, visit the Business Banking Switch site for more information.

You can also find a list of accredited providers is also available on the British Business Bank website.

Small Business Loan fact sheet (PDF, 1.49MB)