Funding Options Review: Smart Business Finance Matching for UK SMEs
Provider: Funding Options
Verdict: Funding Options (now “Funding Options by Tide”) is a UK-based finance broker / marketplace that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find business finance by matching them with lenders. It doesn’t itself provide the money; instead, it works with over 80 lenders so businesses can compare different types of funding (business loans, invoice finance, asset finance, commercial mortgages, etc.). It is backed by Tide, which is known for its SME-banking and business services.
How does Funding Options work?
To get a business loan from Funding Options the process begins with you telling them about your business and how much you need to borrow (and what for). There’s an online form, and providing this information lets their technology compare quotes from multiple lenders based on your business profile—turnover, credit, how long trading etc.
Because you’re matched with many lenders, you can often see several possible offers rather than just one. There’s no obligation to accept, and checking eligible quotes doesn’t affect your credit score. Once you choose a lender, they guide you through the application process.
Is Funding Options legit
Yes, Funding Options is legitimate. It’s a registered company in England & Wales, is transparent about its role as a broker rather than direct lender, and is associated with Tide. It has good reputational markers: high Trustpilot ratings (about 4.8/5) with many customers commenting positively on how easy and helpful the service is.
Is Funding Options safe
Generally, yes. Because it doesn’t lend itself, there’s less risk of conflict of interest around funding terms from Funding Options itself. The transparency of having multiple lenders to compare, the ability to check options without a credit score hit, and decent customer feedback all suggest trustworthy practice.
But as with any finance broker / lender match, safety depends on the lender you pick: fees, interest rates, and obligations like personal guarantees may vary and can carry risk. Always read the terms carefully before committing.
Pros
- Wide lender selection
- Check quotes no-score impact
- Free, no obligation
Cons
- Varying terms risk
- Indirect service provider
- Potential for high cost
- Rates
- Terms
- Flexibility
- Eligibility
Overall
4.8- Conrad Ford, Funding Options CEO, on why he set up his disruptive SME lending market place - Please register or sign in to continue. It’s FREE!Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Register Password Enter Enter Your Email To Register *Choose A Username *Password *PasswordConfirm PasswordTerms & Privacy *I agree to the terms & conditions and privacy policy.Register Already registered? Login below: Username or E-mail Password Remember Me […]