US Business Loan Guides
Compare business loans by cost, eligibility, repayment, and speed — plain-English guides to help you choose the right lender and apply with confidence.
Business loans explained
Use these guides to compare business loan options by cost, eligibility, repayment structure, speed, and lender fit before you apply — so you walk into a funding decision already knowing the answers.
What to compare before you borrow
Total cost of borrowing
Look past the headline rate at the APR, arrangement fees, and the total amount repayable over the full term.
Repayment structure
Fixed monthly payments, a share of card takings, or a flexible facility — match it to how your revenue actually arrives.
Eligibility & trading history
Most lenders weigh time trading, turnover, and credit profile. Knowing yours up front avoids wasted applications.
Speed to funding
Some lenders pay out in 24–48 hours, others take weeks. If timing matters, prioritise lenders built for speed.
Security & guarantees
Check whether the loan is secured against assets or needs a personal guarantee before you commit.
Early repayment terms
If you might clear the balance early, confirm whether there are exit fees or interest savings.
Latest guides
Bad Credit Business Loans in the US: What's Realistic and What's Predatory
Bad credit business loans in the US split into two distinct categories: realistic options with disclosed rates typically between 8-35% APR, and predatory schemes with effective costs often exceeding 100% annually. Legitimate lenders include SBA microloan providers, CDFIs, and regulated online platforms that clearly state total costs upfront.
Business Loans for Women, Minority and Veteran-Owned Businesses in the US: Complete 2026 Guide
Women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses can access specialized loan programs offering up to $5 million in funding through dedicated lenders, SBA programs, and community development financial institutions.
Medical and Dental Practice Loans: Funding Equipment, Fit-Outs and Expansion
Medical and dental practices can finance equipment, acquisitions, fit-outs and expansion through equipment loans, practice loans, SBA programs or commercial real-estate finance. Eligibility and pricing depend on the practice's cash flow, owner profile, asset and project.
Purchase Order Financing vs Trade Finance vs Working Capital Loans: Complete US Business Guide
Purchase order financing funds specific customer orders when you lack cash to pay suppliers upfront, while trade finance covers broader supply chain needs including imports and inventory cycles. Working capital loans address general operating expenses like payroll and rent when you have ongoing revenue but need flexible cash flow support.
Trucking Business Loans: Fuel Volatility, Equipment Payments and Working Capital
Trucking companies use equipment finance and working-capital products for vehicle purchases, repairs, fuel, insurance and payment gaps. Compare collateral, repayment frequency, total cost and whether payments remain affordable when freight demand or fuel prices change.
How to Qualify for a Business Loan: Step-by-Step Guide to Lender Requirements
To qualify for a business loan, lenders typically evaluate your personal credit score (usually 670 or above for banks), time in business (at least two years for traditional lenders), annual revenue (often $50,000 to $250,000 minimum), and supporting documents like tax returns and bank statements.
Business Loans for Startups: SBA and Non-SBA Options for New Companies
US startups may consider SBA microloans, CDFI loans, equipment finance, online lenders, grants or equity. Availability depends on revenue history, owner credit, collateral, experience and use of funds; pre-revenue businesses usually have fewer debt options.
Using Retirement Accounts to Fund Your Business: Loans, Rollovers, and Tax Implications
Retirement accounts can legally fund a business through two main routes: a 401(k) loan (borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of your vested balance) or a Rollover as Business Startups (ROBS) arrangement (roll existing retirement funds into a new 401(k) that buys stock in your C corporation). Both routes carry real tax risks and compliance requirements.
Equipment Financing in the US: Loans, Leases and Section 179 Deductions
Equipment financing in the US: loans, leases and section 179 deductions work together to help businesses acquire machinery, vehicles, and technology while managing cash flow and taxes. Equipment loans provide ownership with potential Section 179 deductions up to $1.22 million in 2025, while leases offer lower payments but different tax treatment.
Business Loans questions
The important details before you check eligibility.
What should a business compare before choosing a loan?
Compare total repayment cost, repayment frequency, eligibility criteria, security requirements, application speed, and whether the loan fits the way the business earns revenue.
How much can a business typically borrow?
Loan sizes vary widely by lender and depend on turnover, trading history, and affordability. Facilities commonly range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand pounds, with larger amounts available to established businesses.
Do I need to be a homeowner to get a business loan?
Not always. Some lenders ask for a personal guarantee that can take homeownership into account, but many business loans don't require you to own property.
Will checking my options affect my credit score?
An initial eligibility check is often a soft search that doesn't affect your score. A full application may involve a hard credit check, so confirm with the lender before you proceed.
How quickly can the money arrive?
It depends on the lender and how ready your paperwork is. Some online lenders approve and fund within a day or two, while traditional lenders can take longer.
Are business loan requirements the same in every market?
No. Eligibility, terminology, credit checks, and lender expectations vary by market, so each Funding Fred guide is written for the relevant country.
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