Meeting a rapid cash flow need through bank financing
Verified 08 July 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / (Prime Minister)
To meet a rapid cash flow need, there are bank financing solutions. In order to better guide entrepreneurs, the Banque de France makes its network of VSE/PME correspondents available to support entrepreneurs free of charge. It also offers the services of the Credit Mediation in case of refusal of financing or denunciation of short-term lines.
A company with a rapid cash flow requirement can turn to a credit institution for cash or operating credit. If cash credit is not sufficient, the company may also resort to bank borrowing.
Cash credit
A company with a rapid cash flow need can turn to a credit institution for a cash credit or operating credit. The company may choose the following cash credits:
- Cash-register facility : A credit institution agrees to set up a revolving credit line to meet a temporary and temporary need for financing. The cash flow facility allows the company to manage its current expenses (expenses, invoices from suppliers, etc.) in the event of a delay in a customer payment for example. It may be granted only for a specific period.
- Uncovered : A company may enter into an overdraft agreement with a credit institution in which it permits the company to be overdrawn for a specified amount. It is usually signed for 1 year. It is suitable for a punctual but recurring need.
- Campaign Credit : It is intended for companies whose activity is cyclical or seasonal (shops in seaside resort or winter sports, sale of toys, agricultural activities, etc.). This loan is used to finance cash flow needs throughout the operating cycle. It covers larger amounts than with an authorized overdraft and has a duration of 9 months or more.
For more information, you can consult the financing framework dealing with cash loans of the Banque de France.
The Banque de France also provides documentation to prepare a request for a cash loan:
Bank loan
If the cash credit is not sufficient, the company may also resort to a bank loan. A file must then be compiled containing a number of documents presenting his financial situation. On the basis of the file presented, the credit institution may offer the company a financing offer or refuse to finance it.
Before starting, it is important to compare the terms of borrowing with different credit institutions to find the ones that best suit the situation. In particular, we must compare interest rates, the application fee or the duration of reimbursement.
When a company borrows money from a credit institution, it is usually asked to give guarantees (bond, pledgeetc.). These guarantees are also called collateral are used to guarantee the repayment of the bank loan. The credit institution protects itself and ensures that if the company does not repay the amount of its loan, it can activate the guarantee.
For more information, you can consult our file dedicated to different types of guarantees.
Please note
A credit institution is not obliged to grant a request for financing. However, in the event of refusal, he must state the reasons for the refusal.
In case of disagreement or lack of response within 15 working days from the time the file is complete, it is possible to enter the Credit Ombudsman.
When a company has difficulties in obtaining bank financing, it can contact the Banque de France. It is a key point of contact for questions concerning financing and financial difficulties that the company may encounter.
Warning
The Banque de France does not consent no loans.
the Banque de France has set up a network of TPE-PME correspondents present in each department (in metropolitan france and overseas) to support entrepreneurs in their financing problems and financial difficulties.
The TPE/PME correspondent can also direct the company to different stakeholders who can help him in his research. These include, for example:
- French Chamber of commerce and industry (CCI)
- Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA)
- Professional organizations
Who shall I contact
The Banque de France provides companies with credit mediation.
It intervenes when the company can't find funding or a is facing a denunciation of its short-term lines. If a company is unable to arrange an appointment with its credit insurer or banker, it may also refer the matter to the credit mediator
The main motives to enter the Credit Mediation are the following:
- Reporting overdraft or other line of credit. The company has 60 days from denunciation to initiate mediation
- Refusal to reschedule a debt
- Denial of credit or failure to respond within 15 days of filing a complete file
- Refusal of deposit or guarantee
- Refusal of guarantee by a credit insurer.
FYI
The use of Credit Mediation is free and confidential.
To apply to the company Credit Mediation, you must file a online folder :
File a company credit mediation file
A company who has difficulties in completing his mediation file may request the help of trusted third party. This is about volunteer counselors whose role is to study the files of the companies and to check that, in their situation, it is appropriate to contact the credit mediation. Their intervention is completely free.
The Credit Mediation checks that the application is admissible and contacts the company within 48 hours which follow receipt of the dossier. A departmental mediator will then define an action plan with the company.
Banks that have refused to grant a loan to the company are informed of the opening of mediation. They have 5 working days to review their position. If at the end of this period an agreement has not been reached, the Credit Mediation intervenes to identify and resolve the blocking points of the file.
If the mediation has not been successful, the company may request a review of its case. This request is to be made by email. A second free and confidential mediation is then organized at the regional level.
Who shall I contact
Professionals facing difficulties in obtaining credit (creators, heads of company, craftsmen, traders or professionals) can apply to the National Credit Ombudsman.
By courier
Access to online form
By phone, in metropolitan France
3414 (price of a local call)
By phone, in Guadeloupe
05 90 93 74 00
By phone, in French Guiana
05 94 29 36 50
By phone, in Martinique
05 94 29 36 50
By phone, in Reunion Island
02 62 90 71 00
For more information, you can consult the Banque de France's website on Credit Mediation.
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The public service accompanying companies
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