Business Loans. Without the Fuss.
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
Accounts Receivable Financing vs Business Loans: Which Fits B2B Companies
Accounts receivable financing converts unpaid B2B invoices into immediate cash, while traditional business loans provide lump-sum funding based on overall creditworthiness. AR financing works faster and focuses on invoice quality, but costs more.
SBA 7(a) vs Online Business Loan: Which Route Is Faster, Cheaper and More Realistic?
SBA 7(a) loans offer lower interest rates (5-10%) and longer terms but take 30-90 days to fund. Online business loans provide faster funding (24-72 hours) with higher rates (10-30%) and shorter terms.
SBA 7(a) Loans Explained: Eligibility Requirements and Application Guide
The SBA 7(a) loan program is America's most popular small business financing option, but recent rule changes have tightened eligibility requirements while doubling loan limits to $10 million.
Trucking Business Loans: Fuel Volatility, Equipment Payments and Working Capital
Diesel prices jumped 15% in June 2026 alone, forcing trucking companies to scramble for working capital while equipment costs rose 7% year-over-year [1][6]. Trucking business loans for fuel volatility, equipment payments and working capital have become essential tools for operators managing cash flow gaps between fuel spikes and customer payments.
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 practice loans provide funding from $10,000 to $5 million for equipment purchases, office renovations, and practice expansion.
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.
Franchise Financing in the US: SBA Loans, Bank Loans and Alternative Lenders
Franchise financing in the US comes through three main channels: SBA 7(a) loans offering up to $5 million at competitive rates for approved franchises, traditional bank loans with stricter requirements but faster processing, and alternative lenders providing flexible terms for borrowers who don't qualify elsewhere.
Refinancing Business Loans: When, How, and Whether It Makes Financial Sense
Refinancing a business loan means replacing your existing debt with a new loan that has better terms, a lower rate, or a longer repayment period. It can reduce monthly payments and total interest costs, but only when the savings outweigh the fees.
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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