4 minutes Getting Started
Overview
SAPI provides payment-linked financing to UK businesses that process card payments regularly. We specialize in serving businesses that may not fit traditional lending criteria, including immigrant-owned and women-owned businesses.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a payment-linked advance, your business must meet these criteria:
Business Location and Registration
Registered and operating in the United Kingdom
Valid Companies House registration (for limited companies) or sole trader registration
Active business bank account in the business name
Trading History
Minimum 6 months of active trading
Consistent payment processing history
Demonstrated regular card payment volume
Payment Processing
Process card payments through a supported payment processor, acquirer, or PSP
Minimum monthly card payment volume of £10,000
Ability to connect payment account via Open Banking or data sharing
Financial Health
Not currently in insolvency, administration, or liquidation
No active CCJs or court judgments above £5,000
Demonstrates ability to repay based on revenue analysis
Business Types We Serve
SAPI works with a wide range of business structures and industries:
Business Structures Accepted
Limited companies (Ltd)
Limited liability partnerships (LLP)
Sole traders
Partnerships
Industries We Support
We fund businesses across most sectors, particularly those with regular customer transactions:
Retail and E-commerce
Physical shops, online stores, specialty retail, pop-up businesses
Hospitality and Events
Restaurants, cafés, catering, bars, event services, mobile food businesses
Services
Professional services, beauty salons, fitness studios, repair services, consulting
Wholesale and Distribution
Trade suppliers, distributors, importers
Industries We Don't Fund
Gambling or betting businesses
Adult entertainment
Crypto or speculative investments
Pawnbrokers
Businesses operating illegally or without proper licensing
and more. Please contact us for the complete restricted industries list.
What We Look For
Our underwriting team assesses your application based on:
Payment Processing Strength
Consistent daily/weekly card payment volume
Growing or stable revenue trends
Low chargeback and refund rates
Diverse customer base (not over-reliant on one customer)
Business Viability
Positive cash flow history
Realistic repayment capacity based on typical sales
Strong online presence and customer reviews (where applicable)
Clear business purpose for the funds
Owner Background
Business ownership clarity
Directors'/owners' identification verification
No history of fraud or serious financial misconduct
Who We Especially Serve
SAPI's mission is to expand access to fair, flexible capital. We're committed to serving:
Immigrant-owned businesses
We understand that newer UK residents may lack traditional credit history. We focus on your business performance, not your personal credit history in the UK.
Women-owned businesses
Women entrepreneurs face systemic barriers to traditional finance. SAPI actively supports women-led businesses with fair, transparent financing.
Businesses overlooked by banks
If you've been declined by traditional lenders due to limited trading history, lack of collateral, or non-standard business models, SAPI's payment-linked model may work for you.
Special Circumstances
Limited Credit History
If you or your directors have limited UK credit history, we can still consider your application based on business payment processing strength.
Previous Declines
If you've been declined by other lenders, don't be discouraged. Our assessment criteria differ significantly from traditional banks.
Seasonal Businesses
Businesses with seasonal revenue patterns can still qualify. We assess your annual trading cycle and structure repayments accordingly.
Growing Businesses
Early-stage businesses with strong recent growth and processing history may qualify even with limited trading history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm a sole trader—can I still apply?
A: Yes. Sole traders with consistent payment processing history are welcome to apply.
Q: My business is less than 6 months old—can I apply?
A: Typically, we require 6+ months of trading. However, if you have exceptionally strong payment processing volume, contact us to discuss your situation.
Q: I have a CCJ—will I be automatically declined?
A: Not necessarily. We assess the full picture of your business. Small or satisfied CCJs may not prevent approval, especially if your business is performing well.
Q: Do I need to own property or provide collateral?
A: No. Payment-linked advances are typically unsecured, based on your payment processing strength.
Q: I process payments through multiple providers—is that acceptable?
A: Yes. We can connect to multiple payment sources to get a complete view of your business revenue.
Check Your Eligibility
Think you qualify? The quickest way to find out is to start an application. It takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive an initial decision within 24-48 hours.
Apply now: Visit this link
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Need Help?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 20 3868 4990
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm GMT