Secure business loans in the USA - Compare, apply, and grow

Business loans are accessible in different forms. Each of them has been tailored to meet the individual business growth, financial needs, and credit records of its respective clients. Most creditors offer term loans, where one receives a lump sum amount with a fixed repayment term of up to 10 years. These suit existing ventures that want to expand, purchase new equipment, or make strategic investments.

Government-backed loans, like the SBA, are also reliable financing sources. Similarly, asset-based loans are also in preference, or something like equipment financing. Regardless of the type of loan, most small businesses apply for a loan for multiple reasons. Some common ones are:

  • Debt consolidation or refinancing
  • Start-up costs
  • Business acquisitions
  • Commercial real estate purchase
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Cash-flow for everyday activities
  • Business franchising
  • Payroll costs, etc.
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Availing of a loan depends upon several factors such as:

  • Loan amount and term: You need to first decide on the loan amount. If you need a larger sum, you can opt for a secured or an SBA loan. Otherwise, apply for a short-term loan for business for a smaller amount.
  • Collateral and loan cost: Secured business loans save you a lot of money, but they require collateral. Unsecured loans offer fast funding, but they are more costly than secured loans.
  • Loan approval: Approaching online creditors particularly, is a wise choice, considering their streamlined application procedures. Mainstream lenders may take weeks for loan approval.
  • Business age: You should know that existing businesses may be eligible for SBA, asset-based, or long-term loans. For the new businesses, start-up business loans are a more favourable choice.

Allocationloans brings all business loans to on one place where you can compare and find out the most relevant deal. Want to check it out? Apply now and start the comparison.

What are the market insights of business loans for small businesses?

If you want new business loans or standard financing options, you may think that applying is as simple as filling out a form and receiving the funds. Instead, taking out a loan is a big responsibility.

Your business may be small, but you want to make it a prominent one. Therefore, you should stay informed about the recent business loan market insights.

  • Loan market share: According to the recent findings, the small business loan market covers around $1.4T. Moreover, it accounts for approximately 42% of the United States' GDP, encompassing both SBA loans and private loans. Regarding the states, California leads with 3.43 million of small businesses, followed by Texas (2.87 million), Florida (2.77 million), and New York (1.78 million).
  • Lenders and approval rates: In the United States, there are various types of lenders providing loans. It consists of approximately 70% bank loans, with the remainder covered by alternative online lenders. Moreover, traditional loans have a loan approval rate of nearly 30%, while online loans have approval rates of up to 80%.
  • Loan size and rates: The loan size and the interest rates also vary among the lenders. Still, the average loan amount is approximately $5000 to $5,50,000. On the other hand, traditional banks normally offer interest rates of around 6-11%, while online lenders provide business loan rates of up to 50%, depending on individual business circumstances and affordability.
  • Inclusion of AI and its impact: Recently, it has been found that approximately 60% of small businesses in the USA approach online loan providers. It has been a significant development in FinTech, where 30% of those lenders use AI for loan approvals. Green business loans have also become a part of it.

In brief, technology has transformed the borrowing patterns of small and mid-sized US businesses. It streamlines lending, making it faster, flawless, more transparent, and compliant with regulatory mandates.

What are the different business loan options?

There are multiple loan types available to support your business's growth. We have conducted a detailed comparison of them so that you can determine which one is most relevant to you.

Unsecured Loans: Do you need urgent funding to fill the cash-flow gap? Get instant funding with unsecured business loans, like invoice financing or factoring.

Equipment Finance: Do you want to buy effective equipment? This is the finest choice, but these should be backed up by collateral.

Business line of credit loan: Need flexibility in financing? This option provides you with swift access to funds, but at a higher interest rate.

SBA Loans: If you need funds for a longer term and at a low cost, Small Business Administration loans are the perfect choice. These are ideal for expansion, purchasing major equipment, or making an investment.

Merchant Cash Advance: Want instant funds with easy approval? MCA brings fast approval and disbursal. However, these are costly and ideal for managing cash flow.

Microloans: Have you just started your business? You need small business loans to manage urgent funding needs. These may be required to be backed with a personal guarantee.

Here is the detailed comparison of these business loan options: -

Loan Type Amount Cost Repayment Term
Unsecured Loans $25k to $1M 20-50% 1-10 years
Equipment Finance $10k to $3M+ 5-22% 1-10 years
Business Line of Credit $5k to $1M 7-24% 3 months - 2 years
SBA Loans $5k to $5M+ 5-11% 6 months - 25 years
Merchant Cash Advance $3k to $500k 29% - 140% 3 months - 18 months
Micro Loans $500 to $50k 7-15% 6 months - 84 months

- How do I choose the best loan for a small business?

Here are the aspects you need to work on:

  • First, you need to outline your loan purpose, specifying whether you want the funds for expansion, improving cash flow, or purchasing an asset.
  • Second, decide the loan term, whether you want loans for a few months or years.
  • Third, be sure that you provide an asset as loan collateral or your business needs an unsecured loan.
  • Fourth, you need instant funding, or you may have to wait for days or weeks for loan approval.
  • Fifth, compare different loan options with Allocationloans to find out the most matched one.

How to get a business loan?

Applying for small business loans for start-ups may not be hectic if you opt for online creditors. Indeed, traditional lenders are generally more reliable, but they tend to take longer to approve a loan. Here is an updated guide on how to apply for a business loan in the USA:

Step 01: Decide on the loan need

  • You should be clear about your loan purpose and share it with the lender. The most common purposes are investment in real estate, working capital, equipment purchase, and expansion, among others.
  • Opt for an affordable amount that is enough to satisfy your financial needs.

Step 02: Choose loan type

  • Based on your loan needs, decide which type of loans for business you need.
  • Decide by focusing on purpose, available assets, credit scores, or borrowing cost.

Step 03: Comparison of lenders

  • Compare several creditors like banks, credit unions, online creditors, or any other alternative lenders.
  • Receive different loan quotes to compare their APRs, loan terms, fees, and approval timings.
  • Be sure to compare business loans with no credit check upfront, as this will help keep your credit record safe from search footprints.
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Step 04: Qualify for a loan

Typical business loan requirements to qualify are:

  • Your personal credit score should be above 670, and business credit should be according to what your lender asks for;
  • You should be running your business for 6 months at least (for long-term loans, a minimum of 2 years of business is compulsory);
  • Your business should be earning the revenue between $50k and $100k annually, or depending upon the creditor (click here to know how to get a start-up loan with no revenue)
  • If you opt for a secured business loan, you require a valuable asset to secure the loan amount;
  • You need to arrange documents related to your business plan (loan purpose, market analysis, repayment plan, and revenue forecasts), financial statements (balance sheet, cash flow, profit and loss), and tax returns (for the last 2-3 years).

Step 05: Submit online loan application

  • Visit the official website of the lender
  • Complete an online application alongside the required documents
  • Before submitting your final application, carefully review your financial details, credit score, cash flow, and collateral to ensure accuracy.

Step 06: Receive and approve a loan quote, and fund disbursal

  • Review the available loan offers by assessing the term, fees, repayment term, APR, and penalties
  • Choose the most suitable online business loan deal and sign the loan agreement
  • On the same day or the next day, you will receive the funds into your valid bank account

What are the pros and cons of business loans?

Business loans for small businesses are an effective financing option if you require funds to get quick funding and can manage steady loan repayments. However, there are also some limitations. These may be related to qualifying criteria, possible risks, repayment terms, and higher costs.

Advantages Disadvantages
Quick funding: You can receive the required funds in your bank account within 24 hours or a maximum of 2 days. You can view these as emergency loans for business. Strict qualifying criteria: Most creditors impose strict eligibility conditions, particularly on revenue, business age, or collateral.
Large amount to borrow: You can borrow from hundreds to millions of dollars to fulfill any need. Personal guarantee: Loan providers, particularly traditional ones, often require a personal guarantee. They want to ensure timely loan repayments if the business can’t fulfill its obligations.
Build a positive credit score: Make regular payments to start a strong credit history. If you already have poor credit, you can find deals on business loans for bad credit. High interest rates and costs: Business loans, such as Merchant Cash Advances, often have very high interest rates, which may be unaffordable for some businesses.
Flexibility of use and tax benefits: There are no restrictions to use the borrowed amount. Besides, interest payments are typically tax-deductible. Risk of over-borrowing and debt: Sometimes, you are unsure of the exact amount required to settle your financial issues. You tend to borrow more, which may become tough later on to repay. You can either default or feel unable to repay.

Experts’ advice to make your business loan a success

Allocationloans never leave you alone when your business is in financial trouble. We not only suggest but also guide you in choosing the most effective business start up loans from reliable creditors. Our digitized loan comparison tool provides accurate and timely results for you.

  • Refrain from multiple inquiries: Avoid multiple hard credit checks by applying at multiple lending places. It will significantly impact your credit score. Compare the lenders first, and then select the most suitable ones. Review their eligibility criteria, including credit score, revenue, and business age.
  • Prepare needed documents: Prepare all required documents in advance. For this, you can contact our loan expert at any time, and they will guide you through the process of accumulating the necessary loan documents, including bank statements, tax returns, personal and business identification proofs, financial statements, legal papers, and more.
  • Strong business plan: Never miss out on a strong business plan. Prepare a plan that includes a clear explanation of loan purposes, annual returns, and growth prospects. We can also guide you in this part.
  • Affordable loan amount: Borrow an affordable amount only and never cross your limit. If you borrow more than you can afford, it will be a poor financial decision. Match the loan amount with your business cash flow and repayment capability.
  • Understand lending terms: In the search for a fast business loan, you should not forget to understand the terms and conditions given in the loan agreement. Check carefully the APR, fees, repayment term, penalties, and asset requirements.
  • Guard your credit score: Protect your credit score while applying for a loan. Whether you have a good credit score or are applying for bad credit business loans, check both your personal and business credit reports. Resolve all issues or errors that may be present.

Choosing the right lender wisely is indeed your most crucial task. With little knowledge of the US business loan market, you need a helping hand and extensive guidance. Allocationloans is ready to take on that responsibility. Use our business loan calculator to find the best deal available, with payable interest rates.

FAQ's

How much should I borrow?

There is no perfect amount for everyone. You should borrow what you can repay without disturbing your cash flow. Most lenders prefer to know your ability to repay monthly instalments. Do not borrow unnecessarily or beyond your capacity.

Are business loan interest rates the most important part?

It is essential, but not the only one. The total loan cost also comprises fees, penalties, the repayment term, and the overall loan structure. Therefore, when approaching a lender, ask for the total loan cost, rather than just the interest rate.

Do I need collateral or a personal guarantee?

Most of the loans require a personal guarantee to fund your business. It keeps lenders on the safer side when it comes to loan repayments. Similarly, collateral also becomes mandatory to secure lower interest rates. A prime example is a business auto loan, where the vehicle itself serves as loan collateral.

Will applying hurt my personal or business credit score?

It will if you make multiple inquiries within a short time. It can negatively affect both your personal and business credit ratings. Therefore, you have to compare deals selectively and strategically. It is better to have the guidance of our loan experts.

Can start-ups get loans?

Yes, there is no doubt that start-ups or newer businesses can avail of online loans or microloans. These creditors help businesses that have a shorter track record of doing business. Sometimes, they prove a better option than traditional banks on products like small business loans for women (32% Female-owned businesses cover among the whole small business loans this year).