The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) is now closed to new applications, including applications for Top-Ups.
BBLS applications received by 23.59 on 31 March 2021 can be processed through to 14 April 2021. Check the expiry date on your application form to submit your documents online in time to be considered for lending under this scheme.
If you’re waiting for us to open your loan servicing account to service a Bounce Back Loan, we’ll be in touch shortly with your first stage loan documents when we’ve opened your account. There’s no need to get in touch at the moment.
If you have a query about BBLS, or wish to discuss an outstanding application, please contact us using your usual bank contact.


Questions you may have about Bounce Back Loans
Coronavirus support
Bounce Back Loan repayments
If you've received a text about your BBL, you don’t need to contact us now. You’ll be able to apply for the Pay As You Grow options 60 days before your first repayment.
Pay As You Grow (PAYG)
When can I apply for PAYG options?
You’ll be able to apply for the Pay as you Grow options 60 days before your first repayment. We’ll contact you closer to the time to remind you of your options and with information on how to apply.
Can I extend my loan term?
Yes. Under Pay as you Grow (PAYG), you can extend your original 6 year term to 10 years.
Note that this will increase your repayments and the total amount you owe as interest costs increase if you repay your loan over a longer period.
Can I request a repayment holiday extension?
Yes. Under Pay as you Grow (PAYG), you can apply for a 6 month Capital Repayment Holiday, up to 3 times during your loan term. During this repayment holiday, you'll only make interest payments.
You can also request a single 6 month Capital & interest repayment holiday. You won't make any payments during this time but interest will continue to accrue.
Can I request a repayment holiday and to extend my loan term at the same time?
You can apply for multiple PAYG options, but we’ll process each request separately. Allow 2 working days after returning your loan documents for us to process your request.
What should I do if I can’t make an upcoming repayment?
Pay As You Grow options could provide flexibility for you to meet your repayment obligations.
If you’re still concerned about making your repayments, please visit our website. You'll find help and support on what you can do if you're worried about finances. There's also a list of organisations who can give you free advice.
Can I apply for PAYG options if I've closed my loan servicing account or business current account?
If you've closed your loan servicing account or your business current account, you won't be able to apply for all PAYG options online.
How long will it take to process my PAYG request?
Once you’ve returned your loan documents, allow 2 working days for us to process your request.
How do I log in to manage my Bounce Back Loan and PAYG options?
You'll be able to access an online service using your Anytime Internet Banking login details. We'll be in touch to let you know when this is available.
If you don't have Anytime Internet Banking, you'll be able to apply by completing an online application form.
If you've closed your loan servicing account or your business current account, you won't be able apply for all PAYG options online.
About Bounce Back Loans
What is the Bounce Back Loan scheme?
The Bounce Back Loan scheme is a government initiative to support small and medium-sized businesses struggling with the impact of coronavirus. The government provides banks like Ulster Bank with a guarantee for 100% of the loan. You are fully liable for all repayments, and if you are unable to meet these obligations, this could negatively affect your credit score.
The 100% government guarantee is provided to cover any losses the lender makes and does not cover any losses that you might suffer if you are unable to meet your payment obligations.
What's the application deadline for a Bounce Back Loan?
The government has announced the Bounce Back Loan Scheme will close on 31 March 2021. You must have started your application by 31 March 2021 to be considered for lending under this scheme.
Are Bounce Back Loans different from Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILS)?
With a Bounce Back Loan, you can apply for lending from £2,000 up to £50,000 (to a maximum of 25% of your annual turnover). It's offered over a fixed 6 year term, though there are no fees if you want to repay the loan early. The loan is 100% guaranteed to the lender by the government, with no personal guarantees needed. However, the loan holder remains 100% responsible for the debt. You will need to self certify affordability.
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme is provided through a government scheme and does not benefit from the same level of consumer protection as our other loans. If you are in any doubt about whether this loan is right for you, you should take legal advice.
Under CBILS, you can apply to borrow between £50,001 and £5m over a term of up to 6 years. No early repayment fees apply. The government guarantees 80% of the loan to the lender. However, the loan holder remains 100% responsible for the debt and security may be required. Loans are subject to our affordability criteria.
Both offer an initial 12 month repayment holiday (this may mean you pay more interest over the loan term).
What is the term of my Bounce Back Loan?
At the time you take out your Bounce Back Loan it will have a 6 year term.
Any Top-Up amount will expire on the same date as your original Bounce-Back loan.
The government has announced Pay as You Grow (PAYG) options, which includes an ability to request an extension of your loan term from 6 years to 10 years.
This PAYG option will be available at the end of your initial 12 month repayment holiday.
What is the interest rate on my Bounce Back Loan?
Your Bounce Back loan has a fixed interest rate of 2.5%.
Can I request a payment holiday?
When you took out your Bounce Back Loan there was an initial 12 month repayment holiday.
The government has announced Pay as You Grow (PAYG) options which includes an ability to request further repayment holidays during the life of your loan. Two types of repayment holidays are available:
- 6 month capital repayment holiday, where you would just pay interest costs during this repayment holiday. You can request this type of repayment holiday up to 3 times
- 6 month full repayment holiday where you would make no repayments (but interest would continue to accrue). You can request this type of repayment holiday once
These PAYG options will be available at the end of your initial 12 month repayment holiday. You can apply for PAYG options from 60 days before your first repayment date.
Why have I been notified that my State Aid amount has changed?
We have recently sent out a communication to impacted customers advising of a correction to the State Aid amount outlined in your Bounce Back Loan agreement.
The latest British Business Bank guidance states the State Aid should include the Bounce Back Loan facility amount and the calculated Business Interruption Payment paid by the Government.
These corrections do not affect your Bounce Back Loan repayments.
Please retain your records of any State Aid arising under this measure.
Applying for a Bounce Back Loan
How do I apply for a Bounce Back Loan?
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) is now closed to new applications, including applications for Top-Ups.
BBLS applications received by 23.59 on 31 March 2021 can be processed through to 14 April 2021. Check the expiry date on your application form to submit your documents online in time to be considered for lending under this scheme.
If you’re waiting for us to open your loan servicing account to service a Bounce Back Loan, we’ll be in touch shortly with your first stage loan documents when we’ve opened your account. There’s no need to get in touch at the moment.
If you have a query about BBLS, or wish to discuss an outstanding application, please contact us using your usual bank contact.
I've not received any emails from you about my application. What should I do?
After you complete stage one of your application, we'll send you two emails.
The first is a confirmation of the submission. We'll send this from no-reply@app.csbils-eoif.ulsterbank.co.uk. The second email contains your application reference, and a link to complete your documents online. This will be sent from adobesign@adobesign.com.
Ensure you check your junk or spam folder.
If you still haven't received these emails, it's possible that an incorrect email address was entered. If this is the case, you'll need to resubmit your application.
I'm being asked for a unique passcode to access my documents. What is this?
To access your documents, you'll need to enter a unique passcode for additional security. We'll send this to the mobile number you provided. You'll be given the option to receive this as a text message, or via a voice call.
I haven't received a unique passcode. What should I do?
Check the phone number you supplied when submitting your initial application. This will be in the summary of your application, which you can find in the first email we sent you. We'll have sent this from no-reply@app.csbils-eoif.ulsterbank.co.uk.
If this is incorrect, you'll need to resubmit your application. If it's correct, make sure you're connected to your mobile network. If it's still not come through, please get in touch.
How do I find my application reference number?
After you complete the first stage of your application, we'll send you two emails.
The first is a confirmation of the submission, sent from no-reply@app.csbils-eoif.ulsterbank.co.uk. The second email contains your application reference, and a link to complete and submit your documents online. This will be sent by adobesign@adobesign.com.
The application reference starts with 'CS'. Please keep a note of this reference, you'll need it to access your completed secure application documents later.
I've completed my application. When will I receive the money?
Once you've signed your loan agreement and returned this to us online, we'll aim to send the funds to you within 3 working days.
Can I apply for a Bounce Back Loan if I am a new customer?
With unprecedented demand we're currently prioritising existing customers. Bounce Back Loans are available to existing Ulster Bank customers on or before 4 May 2020. If you opened a Ulster Business bank account after this date, you will not be able to apply for a Bounce Back Loan with us.
To access a Bounce Back Loan, please contact your current bank. If they are unable to assist, a list of accredited providers is also available on the British Business Bank website.
I run my business through a personal account with Ulster Bank. Can I still apply?
If you hold a personal current account with Ulster Bank and operate a business through it, you can apply for a Bounce Back Loan by using a fee-free loan servicing account. A fee-free Loan Servicing Account is not a Business Current Account. This account will only be used as a feeder account to facilitate your loan and will be free of any transaction charges.
To open the Loan Servicing Account, apply for a Bounce Back Loan and we'll help you to set up your feeder account. We'll prioritise your application for this account. Once open, you then need to apply for a Bounce Back Loan.
To help us process your request as quickly as possible, record in business description comments that your application is for BBLS Feeder.
Can I apply for a Bounce Back Loan if I have a foundation account?
Yes, simply proceed through the normal application process.
Can I apply if I've been declined for lending under other government schemes?
Yes, you can still apply for a Bounce Back Loan providing you meet the criteria for this loan type. See our Bounce Back Loan page for details.
Can I switch my CBILS loan into the Bounce Back Loan Scheme?
If you’ve been approved for up to £50,000 under CBILS, we'll be in touch with you about switching to the Bounce Back Loan scheme.
You don’t need to do anything at this time and we’ll be in touch soon.
I've applied for a loan under CBILS but haven't heard from you. What do I do?
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme replaces CBILS for loans up to £50,000. If you've applied for up to this amount, we’re planning to complete your application under the Bounce Bank Loan Scheme instead.
You'll receive an email asking you to confirm that you're happy for us to progress.
Bounce Back Loan Top-Up
How much can I top up my Bounce Back Loan?
You can borrow up to an overall amount of £50,000 across the original Bounce Back Loan and the Top-Up combined. You won’t be able to borrow any more than 25% of your annual turnover (stated on your original Bounce Back Loan application). For example, if you originally were entitled to £50,000 but only applied for £40,000, you could apply for the remaining amount of £10,000. The minimum amount you can borrow for a Top-Up is £1000.
What's the repayment term of my Top-Up?
The Top-Up term will end on the same date as the term of your original Bounce Back Loan.
How long is the capital repayment holiday on a Top-Up?
You don’t need to make capital repayments until the date that your repayment holiday on your existing Bounce Back Loan ends – 12 months after the initial draw-down of the original loan amount.
The government covers the interest on the Top-Up to the date where your original interest-free period on your existing Bounce Back Loan ends – 12 months after the initial draw-down of the original loan amount.
What's the Top-Up interest rate?
The interest rate on the Top-Up is 2.5%, the same as your existing Bounce Back Loan.
How many times can I apply to top up?
You’re only able to apply for one Top-Up, so think about what funds you’re likely to need.
I want to apply for a Top-Up, but I've forgotten the turnover amount I included in my original application
You will have entered your turnover in "Section 3 - Loan" of your original Bounce Back Loan application form.
To review this, you will require the CS ID, which was included in the email request to complete your application.
This email was sent from adobesign@adobesign.com and contained a link to complete and submit your documents online.
What should I do if my turnover has changed?
Even if your annual turnover has changed since you made your original Bounce Back Loan application, you can only apply for a Top-Up of up to 25% of the turnover you stated on that original Bounce Back Application form.
A new turnover figure can’t be used or considered. This is a requirement set by the government as part of the Bounce Back Loan scheme and is not something we can change.
Managing your Bounce Back Loan
If I have a Bounce Back Loan and a business current account with Ulster Bank, can I move my business current account to another bank?
You can switch your Business Current Account to another provider while retaining your Bounce Back Loan with us.
What does it mean that interest is being charged quarterly?
When your repayments start, your interest charging frequency will change from monthly to quarterly. Interest will continue to accrue daily on the balance you owe, but we'll debit it from your loan account quarterly, instead of every month.
This means you'll pay slightly less interest across the life of the loan and your final instalment will reduce as a result.
Can I switch my business banking to another Bank whilst retaining my Bounce Back Loan with Ulster Bank?
You are able to use another provider to manage your business banking while retaining your Bounce Back Loan with us.
How can I manage my loan?
You'll be able to access an online service using your Anything Internet Banking login details. We'll be in touch to let you know when this is available.
If you don't have Anytime Internet Banking, you'll be able to apply by completing an online application form.
If you've closed your loan servicing account or your business current account, you won't be able apply for all PAYG options online.
Repaying your Bounce Back Loan
When do my loan repayments start?
Your repayments will start when the repayment holiday on your existing Bounce Back Loan ends – 12 months after you took the original loan amount and will include both capital and interest repayment.
You can find your first repayment date and amount on your Bounce Back Loan documents.
How do I make loan repayments?
If you have a Business Current Account or Loan Servicing Account with us, we'll set up regular monthly repayments from your account. Repayments will start on the first repayment date and continue every month until the loan is repaid. We'll send you an SMS message once we've set these up.
If you don't have a Business Current Account or Loan Servicing Account, you'll need to set up regular monthly repayments to your Bounce Back Loan. Please arrange this with your current bank.
Can I make overpayments on my loan?
Yes. You can pay in a lump sum at any time without early repayment charges.
What should I do if I can’t make an upcoming repayment?
Pay As You Grow options could provide flexibility for you to meet your repayment obligations.
If you’re still concerned about making your repayments, please visit our website. You'll find help and support on what you can do if you're worried about finances. There's also a list of organisations who can give you free advice.
Coronavirus guidance and support
We’re here to support your business. See our latest guidance and find out how we might be able to help you.