Business finance options with a CCJ – funding help when credit is affected
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) doesn’t have to end your funding plans. Some UK lenders will consider satisfied or older CCJs if affordability stacks up. We compare 80+ lenders across loans, revolving credit, and cash-flow products to find a fit.
Last updated: October 2025, edited by Joe Morley, reviewed by Vivek Seda
What is a CCJ?
Key takeaways
You can still get business finance with a CCJ — especially if it’s satisfied, older, low value, or well-explained — but expect tighter underwriting, possible security/PG, and pricing that reflects risk.
Best fits: secured loans, invoice finance, revolving credit facility, merchant cash advance, asset finance/refinance
What helps: proof the CCJ is satisfied or in a payment plan, clean recent bankings, strong management info
What hurts: multiple unsatisfied CCJs, recent missed payments, weak affordability
What is a CCJ (and why it matters)?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued when a business fails to repay money owed. It can appear on your credit record for six years, making borrowing harder – but not impossible.
Some lenders specialise in bad credit business loans and may still approve funding if the CCJ was satisfied or is historic.
Can a business get finance with a CCJ?
Yes. While mainstream banks may decline applications, many alternative lenders offer tailored products for businesses with previous CCJs, particularly if:
The CCJ is satisfied or nearly settled
The business shows strong trading history and cash flow
Directors provide a personal guarantee
The funding is secured against assets or invoices
Funding Options by Tide partners with 80+ UK lenders to match businesses with suitable finance options – from short-term working-capital solutions to secured asset-backed loans.
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How to get a loan with a CCJ?
Three options
In essence, only three options are open to you as a business owner with an open CCJ. First, you pay the judgment, and all funding options will be available again. Second, you can try to have the CCJ excused, involving going to court to explain why you don't owe the debt in question with the help of a solicitor. Or, third, you can seek a loan with a CCJ.
Diverse market
The lending market is diverse. Many lenders understand that a business with a CCJ might still have a viable business model and the ability to repay a new loan. It might have been an unforeseen cash flow issue that resulted in the CJJ. For example, a key customer missed a large payment, resulting in debt accumulation. Niche lenders can work with a business and look at the entire business and its plans for the future and not just the details on a credit file.
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If you're ready to take your business to the next level, use our business loans calculator to get an idea of what you can afford.
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Use our business loan calculator below to find out how much you can borrow to take your business to the next level.
Calculations are indicative only and intended as a guide only. The figures calculated are not a statement of the actual repayments that will be charged on any actual loan and do not constitute a loan offer.
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Representative example*
• 9.7% APR Representative based on a loan of £50,000 repayable over 24 months.
• Monthly repayment of £2,291.56. The total amount payable is £54,997.44
*Some lenders may apply fees during the application process, please note that these are set and provided by these entities.
Annual Percentage Rates
Rates from 8.2% APR
Repayment period
1 month to 30 years terms
What is a CCJ?
County Court Judgement
A CCJ is one thing you never want to get as a business owner. It stands for County Court Judgement and is issued by the courts if you renege on an outstanding business loan or purchase payment. A court can effectively demand payment if you owe money to creditors or lenders and still haven't cleared the debt after formal warnings. Unless you remove the debt within thirty days, the court judgment will remain on your record for up to six years. This will make it much harder if you are borrowing money in the future.
Timeline
The ruling will state how long you have to pay it back and specify formal repayment deadlines. Unfortunately for business owners, CCJs are recorded on your credit profile unless you repay the total amount within one month of receiving the court order.
Government website
You can access further information about CCJs on the government's website or search for details of any CCJs against you on the register of judgments.
Why having a CCJ is a problem?
Credit score
When a lender decides to issue a business a loan or not, they will consider your credit score. One of the primary eligibility criteria a lender will have is that you don't have a history of bad credit.
Business in distress
Credit histories of businesses can be negatively affected by a CCJ, and a lender will be able to see what amount is owed and if any effort has been made to clear the CCJ. Lenders will consider a CCJ as evidence that the business is in distress.
Suppliers and credit
It could also be the case that suppliers will check a CCJ and decide whether it's too risky for them to extend any further credit to you. Remember that a CCJ doesn't necessarily rule a business out of financing. But it will be more complex, and most likely, you will have to pay a higher interest rate.
How do I apply for a business loan with a CCJ?
Funding Options by Tide
Funding Options helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. Funding Options can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants' circumstances and creditworthiness, with all quotes being subject to status and income. Apply today to get the funding you need to trade, plan, and grow with confidence.
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Please note that the information above is not intended to be financial advice. You should seek independent financial advice before making any decisions about your financial future.
It’s important to remember that all loans and credit agreements come with risks. These risks include non-payment and late-payment of the agreed repayment plan, which could affect your business credit score and impact your ability to find future funding. Always read the terms and conditions of every loan or credit agreement before you proceed. Contact us for support if you ever face difficulties making your repayments.
Funding Options, now part of Tide, helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. Funding Options are a credit broker and do not provide loans directly. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Funding Options can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants' circumstances and creditworthiness. Funding Options will receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such finance introductions.
Joe Morley
Business Finance Lead
Joe has been helping UK businesses secure the funding they need since 2015. Over the years, he’s supported hundreds of SMEs in accessing millions of pounds for everything from purchasing essential assets to unlocking working capital for day-to-day operations. As Head of Sales at Funding Options, Joe leads a large team of expert Business Finance Specialists dedicated to finding the right solution for every customer. His goal is simple - to make securing finance straightforward, stress free, and tailored to each business’s needs.