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365 Business Finance Alternatives UK: Compare Funding Providers and Costs in 2026

By Jodhbir Mehmi | Mehmi Financial Group
Research reviewed: 18 October 2026

Looking for alternatives to 365 Business Finance in the UK? Several merchant cash advance providers, revenue-based financing platforms and commercial lenders offer funding options worth comparing before accepting an offer.

Some of the main alternatives include Worldpay Business Finance through Liberis, Dojo Business Funding through YouLend, Square Cash Advance, PayPal Working Capital, SumUp Cash Advance and Stripe Capital.

Businesses seeking a different repayment structure may also consider conventional funding from iwoca, Funding Circle or eligible community finance providers.

However, these options are not interchangeable.

Some providers collect a percentage of future card transactions, others require minimum repayments, and conventional business loans generally follow a scheduled repayment structure.

Certain programmes also require an existing relationship with a specific payment platform.

The best alternative to 365 Business Finance depends on your monthly card turnover, trading history, business structure, financing requirements and ability to support repayments.

This guide compares UK alternatives to 365 Finance, explains their eligibility requirements, identifies important differences between funding programmes and shows how to evaluate the total financing cost before applying.

What Is 365 Business Finance?

365 Business Finance Limited is a UK commercial financing company operating under the trading name 365 Finance.

The company's merchant cash advance programme provides funding to eligible businesses in exchange for an agreed percentage of future debit and credit card transactions.

Unlike a conventional business loan with scheduled repayments, its revenue-based funding structure adjusts collections according to eligible card sales.

When customers spend more, a larger amount is collected towards the advance.

When eligible sales fall, collections generally decrease.

The company charges an agreed financing cost and collects the contractual amount through future transactions.

According to the 365 Finance website, its current programme advertises financing from £10,000 to £500,000.

Its main published eligibility criteria include at least six months of trading and average monthly card sales of approximately £10,000 or more.

The provider states that typical collection percentages range between 5% and 15% of qualifying card revenue.

However, actual funding amounts, fees and collection arrangements depend on underwriting.

The company's website also contains slightly different wording concerning minimum card turnover and trading history across some pages. Applicants close to the eligibility thresholds should confirm which criteria apply to their application.

Does 365 Finance Require You to Change Card Providers?

Not necessarily.

365 Finance publishes compatibility information covering several payment processors, including Worldpay, Elavon, Lloyds Cardnet, Barclaycard, Global Payments and Stripe.

However, compatibility must be confirmed for the specific merchant account and collection arrangement.

This matters because choosing a different provider solely to avoid switching card machines may not be necessary.

Why Compare Alternatives to 365 Finance?

A business owner might consider another provider because their card turnover falls below the minimum requirement, they already use a payment platform offering integrated financing or they want to compare the total cost of funding.

Other reasons include needing a larger or smaller advance, preferring longer repayment periods, wanting to avoid sales-linked deductions or seeking an alternative after an application has been declined.

However, an alternative provider is not necessarily cheaper or easier to qualify for.

Each programme must be evaluated on its own terms.

Best 365 Business Finance Alternatives in the UK

The following providers and programmes represent different alternatives to 365 Finance.

Some offer merchant cash advances with sales-linked collections. Others offer business loans that may be more suitable for certain financing requirements.

These are comparison options rather than a ranking of approval rates or guaranteed pricing.

1. Worldpay Business Finance Through Liberis

Best worth considering for: Existing Worldpay merchants seeking a card-sales-based advance.

Worldpay Business Finance provides merchant cash advances through Liberis.

The programme allows qualifying Worldpay businesses to receive upfront financing in exchange for an agreed percentage of future Worldpay card transactions.

Like 365 Finance, the arrangement uses a fixed financing cost established before funding.

However, its published initial eligibility criteria differ.

Worldpay Eligibility Requirements

Worldpay states that existing customers generally need more than £1,000 in monthly qualifying card transactions and at least 10 transactions.

Applicants should ideally have more than four months of Worldpay processing history.

Businesses that recently switched to Worldpay may also be considered where they can provide sufficient historical card-processing records.

The programme advertises funding from £1,000 to £300,000.

However, these figures are programme limits rather than individual funding estimates.

Liberis determines the actual offer according to the applicant's transaction history, business performance, credit information and affordability.

How Does Worldpay Compare With 365 Finance?

The most significant difference is the published minimum card-sales threshold.

365 Finance generally requires around £10,000 or more in monthly eligible card revenue.

Worldpay Business Finance allows eligible Worldpay customers to apply with substantially lower initial transaction volume.

However, satisfying Worldpay's minimum criteria does not guarantee the amount needed.

Another consideration is payment-provider compatibility.

Worldpay's branded programme is designed around eligible Worldpay card transactions.

Businesses processing payments elsewhere should confirm whether an appropriate Liberis arrangement is available through their existing provider.

Potential Drawbacks

Liberis conducts relevant credit and affordability checks.

Some applicants may also be required to provide personal guarantees.

Worldpay states that the fixed financing fee generally remains payable following early settlement after the applicable cooling-off period.

Therefore, an advance that can be settled quickly is not automatically cheaper.

Verdict: Worldpay Business Finance is a relevant alternative where a business already processes through Worldpay and wants to compare an MCA with different initial eligibility requirements.

2. Lloyds Bank Cardnet Merchant Cash Advance

Best worth considering for: Existing Lloyds Cardnet customers.

Lloyds Bank Cardnet offers merchant cash advances through Liberis.

This programme can be relevant to businesses that already use Cardnet to accept customer payments.

Lloyds advertises advances from £1,000 to £500,000 under its current product information.

Eligibility Requirements

Its published initial conditions include at least four months of card trading history and approximately £1,000 in monthly card payments.

The business must satisfy the applicable Cardnet and Liberis eligibility requirements.

The final funding amount depends on transaction history and the provider's assessment.

How Collections Work

Liberis agrees on a percentage of eligible card transactions to collect towards the advance and financing fee.

However, Lloyds also states that the merchant must operate its business in a way that permits a minimum monthly remittance of 3% of the total amount owed.

That condition matters because some owners mistakenly assume that all MCA programmes have no minimum collection requirements.

Is Lloyds Cardnet an Independent Alternative to Worldpay?

Not in terms of the underlying finance provider.

Lloyds Cardnet's MCA and Worldpay Business Finance are both provided by Liberis.

They are different distribution channels, with potentially different programme terms and payment relationships.

However, a business owner should not treat them as two completely independent sources of underwriting.

This is especially important when comparing several offers.

Potential Drawbacks

The programme is most relevant to merchants using Cardnet or able to satisfy its relevant payment arrangements.

Personal guarantees and other contractual conditions may apply.

The minimum monthly remittance expectation should also be carefully evaluated.

Verdict: A useful alternative for qualifying Cardnet merchants, but not a separate underlying funder from the Liberis programme distributed through Worldpay.

3. Dojo Business Funding Through YouLend

Best worth considering for: Businesses processing regular sales through Dojo.

Dojo Business Funding provides sales-linked business financing through YouLend.

It may be relevant to restaurants, cafés, pubs, retailers and other businesses already using Dojo payment services.

The programme assesses factors including recent card-processing activity, business performance and credit information.

How Much Funding Does Dojo Offer?

Dojo states that its average financing amount is approximately 0.8 to 1 times a merchant's average monthly card turnover.

For example, if a business processes £30,000 in average monthly card sales, that benchmark would correspond to approximately £24,000–£30,000.

However, this is an average funding benchmark, not a guaranteed offer or universal maximum.

The actual amount depends on YouLend's assessment.

Collection Terms

Dojo generally collects an agreed percentage of eligible daily sales.

The provider states that the typical collection period is around six to nine months, with a maximum repayment period of one year.

A fixed fee is agreed before funding.

Dojo also states that YouLend uses a soft credit search during its application process.

How Does Dojo Compare With 365 Finance?

Both programmes use sales-linked funding.

However, Dojo funding is tied to its payment ecosystem and YouLend's underwriting.

365 Finance publicly identifies compatibility with multiple card processors.

Therefore, a business not using Dojo should not assume that Dojo's financing is available without establishing the required payment relationship.

Potential Drawbacks

The amount available can be limited relative to monthly card turnover.

A business requiring considerably more than its normal monthly card sales may find that a different funding structure is needed.

A soft credit search also does not guarantee approval.

Verdict: A relevant programme for existing Dojo merchants who want to compare another sales-linked funding offer.

4. Square Cash Advance UK

Best worth considering for: Eligible sole traders and partnerships using Square.

Square Cash Advance offers financing to selected UK businesses that accept payments through Square.

The programme purchases a portion of the merchant's eligible future card sales at an agreed discount.

Collections are made automatically from qualifying Square transactions.

Square Cash Advance Eligibility

Square states that businesses processing at least £10,000 in card payments over the previous 12 months and accepting payments on at least 20 separate days are generally more likely to qualify for consideration.

Importantly, this £10,000 processing benchmark refers to an annual period.

It is not the same as 365 Finance's approximate £10,000 monthly card-sales requirement.

However, Square determines eligibility using additional account and transaction information.

Offers are provided only to selected qualifying sellers.

Business Structure Restrictions

Square Cash Advance currently accepts eligible UK sole traders and partnerships.

The programme is not generally available to UK limited companies.

This is a significant distinction when comparing alternatives to 365 Finance.

Collection Requirements

Square's UK Cash Advance is structured without a conventional fixed repayment period or minimum monthly repayment requirement.

Collections vary with eligible Square card sales.

However, the agreement still contains obligations that business owners must understand.

Potential Drawbacks

Businesses must already be eligible within the Square ecosystem.

An account that meets the published processing indicators does not necessarily receive an offer.

Businesses should also confirm that the funding amount is sufficient for their requirements.

Verdict: One of the more relevant alternatives for qualifying sole traders and partnerships that already process through Square and prefer a card-sales-based advance.

5. PayPal Working Capital UK

Best worth considering for: E-commerce and online businesses with established PayPal sales.

PayPal Working Capital provides financing based on qualifying PayPal transactions.

It can be particularly relevant to online retailers, subscription businesses and merchants accepting substantial payments through PayPal.

PayPal Eligibility Requirements

PayPal publishes several minimum conditions.

Applicants generally need a PayPal Business account that has been open for at least 90 days.

The business must also process at least £9,000 in qualifying annual PayPal sales.

Existing PayPal Working Capital advances generally need to be settled unless the business receives an eligible early-renewal invitation.

UK sole traders may qualify without needing a Companies House registration number.

How Much Funding Is Available?

PayPal advertises Working Capital advances from £1,000 to £200,000, with higher published limits for qualifying repeat funding.

However, the amount offered depends on the applicant's account activity and other eligibility considerations.

Repayment Structure

PayPal collects an agreed percentage of eligible PayPal sales.

It charges a fixed financing fee agreed in advance.

However, a minimum repayment is required every 90 days.

This differs from certain MCA programmes with no equivalent minimum repayment condition.

How Does PayPal Compare With 365 Finance?

PayPal's initial account and sales requirements differ significantly from those of 365 Finance.

It may therefore be relevant where the business receives most of its sales through PayPal rather than conventional card terminals.

However, a retailer generating £50,000 through an independent card processor cannot automatically treat that revenue as eligible PayPal sales.

Potential Drawbacks

The financing is tied to qualifying PayPal activity.

Businesses relying primarily on bank transfers, cash or unrelated card processors may not have sufficient eligible transactions.

The minimum 90-day payment requirement also needs to be included in cash-flow forecasts.

Verdict: A strong option to investigate for eligible businesses with established PayPal revenue, but not a universal replacement for traditional merchant cash advances.

6. SumUp Cash Advance UK

Best worth considering for: Selected existing SumUp merchants.

SumUp Cash Advance provides financing offers to eligible businesses using SumUp to accept customer payments.

The programme assesses merchant activity and makes personalised offers available through the SumUp Business app.

How Funding Works

Eligible businesses can receive a cash advance supported by future qualifying SumUp card transactions.

SumUp charges a fixed fee established before funding.

An agreed percentage of eligible card sales is collected automatically.

Minimum Repayment Requirements

Although collections fluctuate with card sales, SumUp requires the advance and fixed fee to be satisfied within the agreed repayment period.

The provider also specifies a minimum monthly payment.

This is an important contractual difference from programmes that have no minimum payment requirement.

How Does SumUp Compare With 365 Finance?

Both programmes provide sales-linked financing.

However, SumUp's product is primarily available to selected existing SumUp merchants.

365 Finance works with several payment-processing relationships.

A business should compare the financing amount, fixed fee, payment requirements and compatibility with its existing merchant account.

Potential Drawbacks

An eligible offer is not guaranteed.

Minimum payment obligations may also reduce flexibility during prolonged periods of weaker sales.

Verdict: A relevant alternative for established SumUp users, provided the payment requirements are affordable.

7. Stripe Capital UK

Best worth considering for: Online businesses processing qualifying payments through Stripe.

Stripe Capital offers financing to selected UK businesses.

Its UK funding programme operates through YouLend.

Eligibility is assessed using factors including Stripe transaction history and payment volume.

How Stripe Capital Works

Selected businesses may receive funding offers directly through their Stripe Dashboard.

Stripe facilitates automated collections from eligible future transactions.

The programme uses a fixed fee established before funding.

Merchant Cash Advance or Business Loan?

This distinction is important.

Stripe Capital can provide different financing structures, including merchant cash advances and business loans.

A merchant cash advance is generally structured as a purchase of future receivables.

A loan creates conventional debt obligations and may include different minimum-payment or repayment requirements.

A business should confirm the actual financing product before accepting an offer.

How Does Stripe Compare With 365 Finance?

365 Finance publicly identifies Stripe among the payment platforms relevant to its merchant financing programmes.

Stripe Capital, however, is a separate financing route available to selected existing Stripe merchants through YouLend.

This means some businesses may have more than one possible way to explore financing supported by Stripe-related revenue.

However, the funding providers and collection arrangements must be confirmed.

Potential Drawbacks

Stripe Capital offers are not available to every account.

The available financing amount and contractual structure depend on the individual business.

Also, Stripe Capital and Dojo Business Funding both use YouLend as the underlying financing provider.

Verdict: Particularly relevant for qualifying Stripe-based businesses, but the product structure and underlying funder should be considered when comparing offers.

8. iwoca Business Loans

Best worth considering for: Businesses seeking a conventional loan rather than an MCA.

iwoca offers UK business financing that differs from a traditional merchant cash advance.

Instead of purchasing a specified portion of future card sales, iwoca provides business loans with scheduled repayments.

This may be more suitable for businesses requiring predictable financing terms or receiving most of their revenue through bank transfers.

iwoca Eligibility

Its current main UK business-loan page identifies eligibility for UK limited companies and limited liability partnerships, with applicants aged at least 18.

The provider advertises loans from £1,000 to £1 million.

However, businesses trading for less than one year are currently subject to a published £10,000 loan cap.

Actual borrowing limits depend on underwriting.

How Repayments Work

iwoca offers repayment terms that can extend up to five years under its published business-loan programme.

It charges interest based on the period the money is borrowed.

Early repayment can therefore reduce the total interest paid, subject to the agreement.

This differs from many MCAs that charge a fixed financing fee which may remain payable after early settlement.

How Does iwoca Compare With 365 Finance?

A business receiving substantial income through bank transfers rather than card terminals may find a conventional business loan more appropriate.

However, scheduled repayments continue even when customer sales decline.

The borrower must therefore have sufficient cash flow to meet the contractual schedule.

Potential Drawbacks

iwoca's current main loan programme has business-structure eligibility restrictions.

It is not automatically suitable for sole traders.

Creditworthiness, profitability and affordability also influence approval.

Verdict: A useful alternative for eligible companies that prefer predictable scheduled repayments and want to compare total financing costs over a longer period.

9. Funding Circle Business Loans

Best worth considering for: Established UK limited companies and LLPs seeking term financing.

Funding Circle provides business loans to eligible UK companies.

Its repayment structure differs from a traditional merchant cash advance.

Instead of collecting a specified percentage of card revenue, a conventional Funding Circle loan generally involves scheduled repayments over an agreed term.

Funding Circle Eligibility

Its published business-loan criteria include at least one year of trading and a UK business presence.

An important 2026 change is that Funding Circle stopped accepting new sole-trader and ordinary partnership applications from 23 February 2026.

It now focuses new business lending on limited companies and limited liability partnerships.

Existing borrowers under previous structures are not automatically affected.

Repayment Terms

Funding Circle advertises business loan terms ranging from six months to six years.

The actual interest rate, amount and terms depend on underwriting.

The provider also offers different security and personal guarantee arrangements depending on eligibility.

How Does Funding Circle Compare With 365 Finance?

A conventional Funding Circle loan may be better suited to substantial refurbishment, equipment or expansion projects with longer payback periods.

The business receives a defined repayment schedule rather than having collections fluctuate directly with eligible card transactions.

However, the business must meet scheduled payments even during quieter trading periods.

Potential Drawbacks

Businesses with less than one year of trading do not satisfy its published minimum requirement.

Sole traders and ordinary partnerships are not currently eligible for new applications.

The lender also evaluates business creditworthiness and affordability.

Verdict: Worth comparing for established limited companies or LLPs that prefer longer-term financing over a merchant cash advance.

10. Community Development Finance Institutions and Other UK Funding Options

Best worth considering for: Viable businesses that do not meet mainstream or MCA provider requirements.

Not every business seeking an alternative to 365 Finance needs another merchant cash advance.

Some may benefit from a conventional loan offered through a Community Development Finance Institution, or CDFI.

These providers are particularly relevant to businesses that have been declined by mainstream lenders.

What Is a CDFI?

The British Business Bank explains that CDFIs are not-for-profit finance providers that assess businesses using a relationship-based lending approach.

They may consider applicants with limited credit histories, previous lending declines or circumstances that require a more detailed commercial assessment.

However, they still need to establish that the business can afford the financing.

A CDFI is not a guaranteed approval route.

Growth Guarantee Scheme

Eligible UK businesses may also investigate the government's Growth Guarantee Scheme.

The scheme supports eligible commercial lending through accredited providers.

It has been extended to 31 March 2030.

Under the programme, the government provides a guarantee to the lender on eligible facilities, but the borrower remains fully liable for the debt.

Participating lenders still perform their own underwriting and affordability assessments.

When These Alternatives May Be More Suitable

A business may prefer a CDFI or conventional loan where it has little eligible card revenue, requires financing for a long-term investment or wants to avoid committing a percentage of every future card transaction.

However, the actual cost, security requirements and repayment obligations must be evaluated.

Which 365 Business Finance Alternative Should You Consider?

The most relevant provider depends on the reason you are comparing alternatives.

If You Process Less Than £10,000 in Monthly Card Sales

Worldpay Business Finance and Lloyds Cardnet publish lower initial card-sales requirements for eligible merchants using those services.

Square and PayPal have different account-based eligibility thresholds.

However, the minimum sales requirement is not the amount you are guaranteed to receive.

A business requiring a large advance may still need to demonstrate substantially greater funding capacity.

If You Already Use Stripe, Square, PayPal, Dojo or SumUp

Start by checking whether your existing payment provider has an eligible funding programme.

Integrated financing may use transaction data that the platform already holds.

This can reduce documentation requirements, although underwriting and account restrictions still apply.

It is not automatically cheaper than financing through an independent provider.

If Your Customers Mainly Pay by Bank Transfer

A traditional card-sales-based MCA may be unsuitable.

Consider a conventional business loan, eligible invoice financing or another funding structure based on the business's wider financial position.

If You Want Longer Repayment Terms

A loan from an appropriate commercial lender may provide a more suitable structure.

For example, equipment purchases or premises improvements often generate financial benefits over several years.

A financing term more closely matched to the investment's useful life may reduce pressure on near-term cash flow.

If You Have Bad Credit

Some MCA providers and alternative lenders consider historical credit difficulties.

However, approval remains subject to underwriting.

Where mainstream lenders have declined an otherwise viable business, a CDFI may also be worth investigating.

If You Want to Keep Your Existing Card Provider

365 Finance already publishes compatibility with several processors.

Other financing programmes may be restricted to existing payment-platform customers.

Before switching providers, confirm whether the existing merchant account can support the proposed advance.

For a detailed explanation, see our guide to merchant cash advances without changing card providers.

Why Two MCA Offers May Have Very Different Cash-Flow Effects

Comparing 365 Finance alternatives requires more than looking at the amount of money offered.

A cheaper funding fee does not automatically mean the proposed agreement creates less short-term cash-flow pressure.

Example: Two Hypothetical £20,000 MCA Offers

Suppose a UK retailer processes £40,000 in eligible monthly card sales.

The business needs £20,000 for inventory.

It receives two hypothetical financing offers.

Offer A: Lower Monthly Collection Percentage

The business receives £20,000.

The fixed financing fee is £4,000.

The total contractual amount is £24,000.

The provider collects 10% of eligible card sales.

At £40,000 in monthly card receipts, approximately £4,000 would be collected each month.

Assuming constant sales, the advance would take approximately six months to satisfy.

Offer B: Lower Total Fee, Higher Collection Percentage

The business also receives £20,000.

The fixed financing fee is £3,000.

The total contractual amount is £23,000.

However, the provider collects 15% of eligible card sales.

At the same monthly sales level, approximately £6,000 would be collected each month.

Assuming constant sales, the obligation would take approximately 3.8 months to satisfy.

Which Offer Is Better?

Offer B has a lower total contractual financing fee.

However, its collection percentage is 50% higher than Offer A's.

If the retailer has a contribution margin of 25% after relevant variable expenses, £40,000 in monthly sales would produce £10,000 in contribution before fixed overhead.

Offer A would collect £4,000, equivalent to 40% of that contribution.

Offer B would collect £6,000, equivalent to 60%.

Offer B therefore leaves less cash immediately available for rent, payroll, stock replenishment and other commitments.

Both offers may be expensive when their effective annualised costs are calculated.

The lowest fixed fee and the most affordable collection structure are not necessarily the same offer.

These numbers are illustrative and do not represent quotations from 365 Finance or any other named provider.

How to Compare 365 Business Finance With Another Provider

A financing comparison should evaluate the complete agreement.

The following questions are particularly important:

1. How much will the business actually receive? Confirm the amount deposited after any deductions or charges.
2. What is the total contractual cost? Compare the original advance, fixed fees and total amount payable.
3. How will collections work? Determine whether payments are based on daily card sales, eligible platform revenue or scheduled instalments.
4. Are minimum payments required? Some programmes impose minimum monthly or periodic remittance obligations.
5. How long will the financing remain outstanding? Consider both expected and weaker sales scenarios.
6. Does the agreement require a personal guarantee? Understand when and how personal liability can arise.
7. Will the card processor or settlement account need to change? Confirm potential switching costs and operational restrictions.
8. Can early settlement reduce the total cost? A fixed MCA fee may remain payable, whereas some loans calculate interest only for the time funds remain outstanding.
9. Who is the underlying funder? Multiple branded offers can originate from the same financing company.
10. Can the business afford the payments? Model the effect on stock replacement, payroll, rent, taxes and existing financial obligations.

Obtaining answers to these questions can help prevent an inappropriate financing decision.

Why the Underlying Funding Provider Matters

One of the most overlooked issues in the UK merchant cash advance market is the distinction between a branded financing programme and the company actually providing the funds.

For example, Worldpay Business Finance and Lloyds Cardnet Merchant Cash Advance both operate through Liberis.

Similarly, Dojo Business Funding and Stripe Capital use YouLend as their underlying financing provider.

This does not mean the branded programmes have identical eligibility criteria or terms.

They may use different transaction information, distribution arrangements or funding structures.

However, businesses should not automatically treat multiple offers associated with the same underlying funder as entirely independent underwriting decisions.

Why This Matters When Comparing Offers

Suppose a business applies through two different payment-platform programmes.

If both are ultimately funded by the same finance company, the provider may have overlapping exposure or programme restrictions.

A separate direct lender or a conventional loan provider may offer a genuinely different funding assessment.

Businesses should clarify the identity of the actual funder, particularly when comparing several quotations.

Can You Get an Alternative After 365 Business Finance Declines Your Application?

Potentially.

A decline from 365 Finance does not automatically mean another UK finance provider will reject the business.

However, the reason for the decline is important.

Declined Because of Low Card Turnover

If the business does not meet 365 Finance's approximate £10,000 monthly card-sales requirement, another programme with different thresholds may be worth exploring.

For example, eligible Worldpay and Cardnet merchants can investigate programmes with lower initial transaction requirements.

Declined Because of Trading History

A newer business may not satisfy a provider's minimum operating-history requirement.

Certain payment-platform programmes use their own account-history criteria.

However, a newer company may also qualify for less funding because it has limited financial records.

Declined Because of Credit History

Some providers use different underwriting approaches.

However, unresolved defaults, active enforcement or financial distress can affect multiple applications.

A business should not assume that another finance provider will ignore material credit issues.

Declined Because of Affordability

This is an important distinction.

If 365 Finance declines because the business lacks sufficient capacity to support collections, obtaining another expensive advance may not be appropriate.

The business should first review its operating cash flow and existing obligations.

Alternative loans may still be unavailable or unsuitable if the fundamental financial position is weak.

Are 365 Business Finance Alternatives FCA Regulated?

The regulatory treatment depends on the actual product, contractual structure and parties involved.

Many UK merchant cash advances are structured as purchases of future commercial receivables rather than conventional regulated credit agreements.

For example, Square Cash Advance and Lloyds Cardnet's Liberis MCA explicitly identify their relevant products as not FCA regulated.

However, not every form of commercial funding marketed as a cash advance has the same legal structure.

A conventional business loan can have different regulatory requirements.

Certain credit agreements involving sole traders and smaller partnerships may fall within UK consumer-credit regulation, depending on the agreement and applicable exemptions.

Before accepting funding, identify the legal provider and review whether the agreement is a loan or a purchase of receivables.

The FCA Firm Checker can be used to verify relevant claimed authorisations.

An authorised provider does not necessarily offer every commercial finance product on a regulated basis.

What Documents Are Needed When Comparing Providers?

The documentation requested depends on the funding product and amount.

A business exploring MCA alternatives should generally be prepared to provide recent business bank statements and merchant-processing records.

The provider may also request registration information, identification, ownership details, existing finance commitments and other verification materials.

A conventional business lender may require management accounts, financial statements or additional evidence of profitability and cash flow.

Where funding is intended for equipment, a supplier quotation may be helpful.

Businesses using multiple payment processors should reconcile transactions carefully.

Card receipts should be distinguished from cash sales, bank transfers, refunds and other account movements.

Do not share payment-provider passwords, unrestricted API credentials or sensitive financial records through unverified application channels.

When Should You Avoid Taking Another MCA?

An alternative merchant cash advance is not automatically suitable because 365 Finance is unavailable or has declined an application.

A new advance may be inappropriate where the business cannot meet current financial commitments.

For example, a retailer with substantial stock costs may require most of its card revenue for inventory replenishment.

A restaurant may need a significant proportion of receipts to pay food suppliers, staff and rent.

Adding daily collections can weaken the money available for normal operations.

An MCA may also be a poor match for long-term investments.

A business purchasing machinery expected to generate revenue over five years may benefit more from equipment finance than a short-duration advance.

Likewise, a company repeatedly using new advances to satisfy earlier financing obligations should evaluate the underlying cash-flow position.

Before accepting financing, assess whether the expenditure is expected to create sufficient commercial value to justify the complete funding cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About 365 Business Finance Alternatives UK

What are the main alternatives to 365 Business Finance?

Alternatives include Worldpay Business Finance through Liberis, Lloyds Cardnet Merchant Cash Advance, Dojo Business Funding through YouLend, Square Cash Advance, PayPal Working Capital, SumUp Cash Advance and Stripe Capital.

Conventional business lenders such as iwoca and Funding Circle offer different financing structures.

Is 365 Business Finance the same as 365 Finance?

Yes. 365 Finance is the trading name of 365 Business Finance Limited. They are not separate financing providers.

Which alternative has a lower minimum card-turnover requirement?

Worldpay Business Finance and Lloyds Cardnet publish initial monthly card-payment criteria around £1,000 for eligible merchants.

However, the amount of funding offered depends on further underwriting.

Can I get an MCA with less than £10,000 monthly card sales?

Potentially. Some UK providers have lower initial sales thresholds than 365 Finance. Meeting these thresholds does not guarantee approval or a particular funding amount.

Is Worldpay Business Finance cheaper than 365 Finance?

Not necessarily. Funding fees are personalised. A fair comparison requires actual offers showing the amount advanced, total fee, collection percentage and contractual obligations.

Is Liberis an alternative to 365 Finance?

Yes. Liberis is a separate finance provider offering MCAs through its own distribution and payment-platform relationships. However, several branded programmes use Liberis as the underlying funder.

Is YouLend an alternative to 365 Finance?

Yes. YouLend provides financing through commercial partnerships, including Dojo and Stripe. Availability and terms depend on the relevant programme.

Are Dojo and Stripe Capital funded by the same company?

Both programmes identify YouLend as their UK financing provider. Their eligibility requirements and product arrangements can still differ.

Does 365 Finance work with multiple card providers?

Its website identifies compatibility with several established payment processors, including Worldpay, Elavon, Barclaycard, Lloyds Cardnet and Stripe. Individual merchant-account compatibility must be confirmed.

Which alternative is suitable for sole traders?

Square Cash Advance explicitly accepts eligible UK sole traders and partnerships. PayPal Working Capital also accepts eligible sole traders. Other providers have their own business-structure rules.

Can a limited company use Square Cash Advance UK?

Square's current UK Cash Advance programme is restricted to eligible sole traders and partnerships rather than limited companies.

Does Funding Circle accept sole traders in 2026?

No new sole-trader or ordinary partnership loan applications have been accepted since 23 February 2026. Funding Circle now focuses new lending on eligible limited companies and LLPs.

Can I get funding after 365 Finance declines my business?

Potentially. Another provider may apply different requirements. However, the reason for the original decline, particularly where it relates to affordability, remains important.

Which alternatives accept bad credit?

Some providers consider recent trading performance alongside historical credit information. CDFIs may also assess viable businesses with past credit difficulties. No provider guarantees acceptance.

Can I get a £100,000 alternative to 365 Finance?

Some providers advertise funding ranges that include £100,000. However, eligibility for that amount depends on sales, trading performance, financial commitments and underwriting.

Is a business loan better than a merchant cash advance?

Not necessarily. A business loan may offer predictable scheduled repayments and potentially lower costs, while an MCA generally links collections to eligible sales. The best option depends on the actual terms and the business's affordability.

Does paying an MCA early save money?

Not always. Some merchant cash advances retain their full fixed fee after early settlement. Certain conventional loans may reduce interest when repaid early.

Are all merchant cash advances unregulated?

No universal statement applies to every financing arrangement. Regulatory treatment depends on the legal structure and applicable rules. Businesses should establish whether the actual product is a receivables purchase or a loan.

Final Thoughts: Which 365 Business Finance Alternative Is Right for You?

There are several UK alternatives to 365 Business Finance, but the best option depends on the company's financial requirements.

Businesses already using Worldpay, Lloyds Cardnet, Dojo, Square, PayPal, SumUp or Stripe may have access to funding programmes integrated with their existing payment services.

Other businesses may prefer to compare independent financing offers or conventional loans.

For companies receiving most revenue by bank transfer, a traditional card-sales-based MCA may not be suitable.

For businesses purchasing substantial equipment or undertaking longer-term expansion, equipment finance or a conventional business loan may provide a better structure.

The most important considerations are the amount received, total financing cost, collection or repayment requirements, payment-provider compatibility and financial obligations.

Choosing an alternative to 365 Finance should not simply mean finding another company willing to provide funding. It should mean identifying a financing arrangement that meets the business's needs at an affordable total cost.

Explore UK Business Financing Options With Mehmi Financial Group

Comparing 365 Business Finance with other UK business funding options?

Mehmi Financial Group helps commercial businesses explore financing opportunities through third-party providers, subject to applicable jurisdictional requirements and programme availability.

Whether your business needs working capital, inventory finance, commercial equipment funding or capital for expansion, understanding the available financing structures is the first step.

Our team can review an initial enquiry and determine whether an appropriate UK financing introduction or referral route is available.

Share your business location, industry, trading history, monthly revenue, approximate card sales, financing amount and intended use of funds.

If you already have a quote from 365 Finance or another provider, you can also provide a summary of the proposed terms for comparison.

Contact Mehmi Financial Group to Explore Your Business Financing Options

Mehmi Financial Group is a Canada-based commercial financing brokerage, not a bank or direct lender. We are not affiliated with 365 Business Finance, Liberis, YouLend or the other providers discussed unless expressly disclosed. UK financing introductions depend on applicable local requirements and third-party provider availability. Funding approval, amounts, pricing and timelines are not guaranteed. Referral fees or commissions may apply.

About the Author

Jodhbir Mehmi is a commercial finance specialist at Mehmi Financial Group with experience in business financing, equipment finance, underwriting preparation and commercial funding submissions.

His work includes helping businesses assess funding requirements, understand commercial financing structures and prepare information for third-party underwriting reviews.

Sources and Further Reading

365 Finance: Merchant Cash Advance — Funding range, eligibility and collection structure.

365 Finance: Official Website — Corporate identity and trading-name information.

Worldpay: Business Cash Advance — Liberis-backed funding criteria and contractual details.

Lloyds Bank Cardnet: Merchant Cash Advance — Cardnet funding eligibility and minimum remittance conditions.

Dojo: Business Funding — YouLend financing, application criteria and repayment structure.

Square: Square Cash Advance UK — Eligible business structures and card-sales requirements.

PayPal: PayPal Working Capital UK — Qualifying PayPal sales and repayment requirements.

SumUp: Cash Advance UK — Account-based offers, repayment periods and minimum payments.

Stripe: Stripe Capital UK — Stripe-integrated financing through YouLend.

iwoca: Business Loans — Business loan eligibility, amounts and repayment structure.

Funding Circle: UK Business Loans — Eligibility and business term loans.

Funding Circle: Sole Trader and Partnership Policy — February 2026 eligibility change.

British Business Bank: Small Business Guide to Merchant Cash Advances — MCA financing costs and alternatives.

British Business Bank: Community Development Finance Institutions — Relationship-based business funding.

British Business Bank: Growth Guarantee Scheme — Government-backed commercial lending.

FCA: Check a Financial Services Firm — Verify relevant authorisations.

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