Answer

How much should a business keep in reserve?

A common target is three months of essential fixed costs, more for seasonal or volatile businesses. A cash reserve is insurance against shocks and a source of opportunity, so the right size depends on how steady your income is.

2 min read

3 monthsCommon floor
Fixed costsBase it on these
More if lumpySeasonal/volatile

Why a reserve matters

A cash buffer lets you absorb a bad month, a late payer or a sudden cost without panic — and to seize an opportunity when it appears. It is the difference between a wobble and a crisis.

Sizing it

Base the target on your essential fixed costs — rent, wages, core suppliers — which your cash-flow forecast shows. Three months is a common floor; seasonal or volatile businesses should aim higher.

What it means for you

Pair a reserve with an arranged facility for the biggest gaps. Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally, and takes no personal guarantee. See business loans or apply online.

Frequently asked questions

Is three months of costs enough?

It is a sensible floor for a steady business. Seasonal, project-based or volatile businesses should hold more, because their income arrives less predictably.

Should I hold cash or rely on a facility?

Both. A reserve self-funds small, frequent shocks cheaply; an arranged facility handles bigger gaps without draining it. Together they give the most resilience.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.