Running a business in Ireland isn’t always smooth. Cash flow tightens. Customers pay late. A direct debit bounces. A few referral charges appear on your bank statement.
If that sounds familiar, you may be wondering:
Can I still get a business loan with bad credit?
The short answer is yes. Imperfect credit does not automatically mean you are unfinanceable.
Can You Get a Business Loan With Bad Credit in Ireland?
Traditional banks often focus heavily on credit scores and historic performance. Many alternative lenders, however, assess the current strength and viability of your business, not just past issues.
Lenders typically review:
Recent bank statements
Trading performance
Cash flow trends
Existing commitments
Overall affordability
Your business may be assigned a risk grade (A to D), and a loan offer is structured accordingly.
Interest rates generally range from 6% to 12%, depending on the risk profile and structure. Missed payments may affect pricing, but they do not automatically rule you out.
In many cases, you can receive a decision within 24 hours.
We never charge for a quote. You can explore your options without cost or obligation.
5 Business Finance Options If You Have Credit Challenges
If a standard unsecured loan is not suitable, there are several alternative funding routes available.
1. Secured Business Loans
If your company owns valuable assets such as:
Commercial property
Land
Vehicles
Plant and machinery
You may be able to secure funding against them.
Providing security reduces lender risk and can improve approval chances, even with credit issues. Property-backed lending is typically viable from €250,000 upwards due to fixed legal and due diligence costs.
This route suits established businesses with assets but temporary credit pressure.
2. Invoice Finance
If you are waiting on customers to pay invoices, invoice finance can unlock working capital tied up in receivables.
This can be structured as:
A one-off facility
An ongoing revolving credit line
Instead of focusing solely on your credit profile, lenders assess the strength of your debtor book and the quality of your customers.
For B2B businesses, this can be one of the most effective ways to smooth cash flow.
3. Merchant Cash Advance
If your business processes payments through:
Card terminals
Stripe
PayPal
Online gateways
You may qualify for a merchant cash advance.
Repayments are taken as a small percentage of daily card sales. This means repayments flex with your revenue. When sales are strong, you repay faster. If sales slow, repayments reduce.
For retail, hospitality, and service businesses with strong card turnover, this is often an accessible option.
4. Revenue-Based Finance (Direct Debit Model)
If your business does not use card machines or online payment gateways, but collects revenue via bank transfer or direct debit, revenue-based finance may be a better fit.
This works similarly to a merchant cash advance, but repayments are collected via direct debit rather than through card terminals.
Key features include:
Flexible repayments aligned to revenue
No fixed traditional monthly instalments
Structured around affordability
No requirement for a merchant account
This solution is particularly suitable for:
B2B service firms
SaaS businesses
Recruitment agencies
Professional services
Subscription-based businesses
For companies with recurring or predictable revenue, revenue-based finance can provide growth capital without rigid loan structures.
5. Asset Finance
If you need equipment, vehicles, or machinery to generate revenue, asset finance can be a practical solution.
With asset finance:
The lender funds the purchase
The asset acts as security
Ownership typically transfers after final repayment
Because the asset reduces lender risk, approval can be possible even where there have been missed payments.
This is particularly useful for construction, transport, engineering, hospitality, and trade businesses.
What Lenders Really Look At
If your credit record is not perfect, focus on what you can control:
Stable recent trading
A clear explanation for past issues
Evidence of affordability
A defined use of funds
Lenders understand businesses encounter challenges. What matters most is whether the business is viable today and can comfortably service repayments.
Get a Fast, No-Obligation Quote
If you are searching for a bad credit business loan in Ireland, do not assume you will be declined.
Let us assess your situation properly.
You can receive:
A fast response
Clear terms
No upfront fees
No obligation to proceed
Call the BusinessLoans.ie team today on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE to see what is possible.
As always, consult your accountant or business adviser to ensure any finance solution fits your broader strategy.
