The Ultimate Guide to Business Loans

Are you hoping to learn more about how business loans work and which might be right for your business? Our educational resources below can help give you more information about what options are available and help you make smart choices when making moves with your own business.

Business Loans

UPDATED ON 2024

10 MIN READ


If you have a low credit score or a history of late payments, it can negatively impact your loan application.

Separating business and personal funds can help protect personal assets, avoid potential legal issues, and ensure accurate tax filings.


To improve your credit score, pay your bills on time, keep your credit card balances low, and be sure to regularly monitor your credit report in order to catch and dispute any errors.


FAQs About Business Loans

There are several types of business loans available, including secured loans, unsecured loans, term loans, lines of credit, equipment loans, invoice financing, and SBA loans. Each type of loan has its own unique features and benefits.

Qualifying for a loan typically requires meeting certain criteria, such as having a strong minimum credit score and history, being in business for a certain amount of time, having sufficient annual revenue and profitability, and offering collateral or a solid business plan.

The amount that you can borrow with a business loan depends on various factors, including the type of loan, your credit score and history, and the lender's requirements. Typically, business loans can range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars.

The time it takes to get approved for a loan can vary depending on the lender and the type of loan. Some lenders may be able to approve loans within a few days, while others may take several weeks or more.

Interest rates and fees for business loans can vary depending on the lender, the type of loan, and other factors. Typically, interest rates for business loans range from around 2% to 30% or more, and fees may include origination fees, application fees, and prepayment penalties.

Yes, you can use a business loan to start a new business. However, you may need to provide a solid business plan and meet other requirements to qualify for a loan.

Alternatives to a business loan include business grants, crowdfunding, angel investors and venture capitalists, and personal savings and credit. Each alternative has its own unique features and benefits.

It can be challenging to obtain a business loan with no revenue because that's how lenders typically assess your ability to repay the loan. However, there are alternative funding options like personal loans, business credit cards, or secured loans, and some lenders even offer startup loans specifically designed for businesses without a revenue history.

Generally, a credit score of 680 or higher is considered good for most business loans. But, some lenders may be more lenient or have specific credit score requirements. It's important to review the lender's eligibility criteria to determine the specific credit score range they consider acceptable.

If you're denied a business loan due to bad credit, there are some things you can do. Start by identifying the reasons for the rejection and address any issues impacting your credit. Improving your credit score, paying down existing debts, and resolving any errors on your credit report can help. If all else fails, you can also explore alternative funding options such as secured loans, crowdfunding, or finding a co-signer with a stronger credit profile.

The most common type of small business loan is the term loan. Term loans provide a lump sum of money that is repaid over a fixed term, typically with a fixed interest rate. They can be used for various business purposes, such as purchasing equipment, financing expansion, or covering working capital needs. Term loans offer predictable repayment schedules, making it easier to plan cash flow.

A fixed business loan has an interest rate that remains constant throughout the loan term. This means your monthly payments stay the same, providing predictability and stability. A variable business loan has an interest rate that can fluctuate based on market conditions. This means your monthly payments may change over time. Variable loans often have a lower initial interest rate but can be riskier as they are subject to market fluctuations.

The amount you can get for a small business loan depends on factors like your business's financial health, your creditworthiness, collateral, and the lender's criteria. Generally, small business loans can range from a few thousand dollars up to several million dollars. The loan amount is typically determined by assessing your business's financials, including revenue, cash flow, and profitability, as well as the purpose of the loan.

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