Even business loans can go fast — this is how the Swedish bank Qred is changing the German credit market
BERLIN, 17 October 2025 “Qred's rapid expansion and commitment to a transparent, fast and fair model redefines the rules for business services to small companies in Germany. Qred It's not just celebrating a first year on the German market — it's celebrating the start of a new era for German entrepreneurs.
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are feeling the pressure to change. They understand the importance of moving forward and making the necessary investments to remain competitive. However, securing the financial resources is a challenge for many: 35 per cent of SMEs experience difficulties in negotiating loans with banks, reports KfW. A Bundesbank survey also shows that the proportion of rejected loan applications for SMEs continued to rise last year.
“Germany is a huge market, but it has been held back by a slow, bureaucratic financial system that does not understand the needs of entrepreneurs,” says Jason Francis, co-founder of Qred Bank.
The Swedish bank was founded ten years ago. It operates in seven countries in Europe and established itself in Germany a year ago to offer an alternative to the traditional institutions.
“When we came here, we didn't just establish ourselves; we put our foot down. We're here to challenge the status quo and prove that small businesses deserve a bank that actually gets things done. Our growth here has been phenomenal, and it's a clear signal that our approach is exactly what the German market needed.”
AI-powered model beats competitors
While traditional banks are heavy and slow, Qred's model is designed to move at the same speed as the aspirations of entrepreneurs. By exploiting AI and adding a human touch Qred provides entrepreneurs with fast, flexible financing that the big banks simply can't match. Some loans are paid off within 24 hours. This allowed the company to generate a turnover of EUR 100 million last year. Across Europe, 50,000 companies have already worked with Qred, and in Germany thousands have used the bank's services in the past year.
The model pays off: its success proves that Germany's entrepreneurs hunger for a better way. “The German banking sector is very traditional, with complicated processes and bureaucracy. We are built in a different way,” he says Moritz Wendt, Country Manager for Germany.
This efficiency is reflected in Qreds reviews, with customers repeatedly describing the process as “straightforward”, “unbureaucratic” and “lightning-fast processing”.
How does the loan process work at Qred? First, a non-binding request is submitted through the website. Once the necessary documents are received, a credit decision is made within 24 hours and a potential offer is made. Once the offer is accepted, the loan is paid out within an hour. In comparison, traditional banks need several days to a month to process loan applications. The payout can also take several weeks.
“We are a bank, but we are also a technology company with a relentless focus on our customers. Spring AI-powered platform manages the complexity, but we complement it with our local German team to provide real, human support. We're not just a faceless technology platform -- we're a long-term partner. Our ambition is clear: to make Germany the single largest market for Qred by 2026“, says Moritz Wendt.
Qred aims to accelerate further. The company is hinting at a major product launch in early 2026: Qred VISA. It will offer no annual fees, Cashback on all purchases and a seamless credit when needed. Just as a business credit card should work.
About Qred:
Founded in Sweden in 2015 by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Qred has quickly become the premier bank for flexible business loans. Qred is now the market leader in the Nordic region and also has operations in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Brazil.Our team understands the challenges and needs of entrepreneurs, and we are proud to be one of the top-rated banks for businesses on Trustpilot.
Contact at Qred Bank
Moritz Wendt
Country Manager Germany
E-mail: moritz.wendt@qred.com