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
Business Credit Scores: What Small Business Owners Need to Know in 2026
Business credit scores range from 0-300 (FICO SBSS) or 1-100 (PAYDEX, Intelliscore Plus), with scores above 80 (for 100-point scales) or 165+ (for 300-point scales) considered good for loan approval. These scores track your company's payment history and creditworthiness separately from personal credit, directly affecting loan terms and interest rates.
Business Loans for Real Estate Investors: Fix-and-Flip, Rental, and Portfolio Financing
Real estate investors borrow differently from most small business owners. The loan type, approval criteria, and cost structure shift significantly depending on whether you're funding a short-term flip, financing a stabilized rental, or scaling a multi-property portfolio.
Business Loans for Startups: SBA and Non-SBA Options for New Companies
Most startups can access funding through SBA programs, online lenders, microloans, or equipment financing — even with limited revenue history. The right option depends on how long the business has been operating, the owner's personal credit, and how quickly capital is needed.
Disaster Loans for Small Businesses: What You Need to Know Now
Disaster loans for small businesses are low-interest federal loans, primarily administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), that help businesses recover from declared disasters.
Equipment and Cash Flow Options: A Complete Guide for Business Owners
Seventy percent of businesses that acquire new equipment through financing report improved cash flow within six months, yet many owners still struggle to understand their equipment and cash flow options.
Equipment and Expansion: Smart Business Growth Through Strategic Asset Investment
Equipment and expansion refers to the strategic acquisition of physical assets, technology, or infrastructure to scale business operations, increase capacity, or enter new markets.
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.
Private Credit vs. Traditional Business Loans: What Main Street Borrowers Need to Know
Private credit refers to loans made by non-bank lenders — such as private funds, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and specialty finance firms — outside the traditional banking system. For Main Street borrowers, private credit often means faster decisions and more flexible criteria than a bank, but it almost always costs more.
Restaurant Business Loans in the US: Working Capital Solutions for Food Service Owners
Restaurant owners face cash flow challenges that can shut down operations within weeks. Working capital loans for restaurants range from $10,000 to $5 million, with funding available in 3-7 business days for qualified applicants.
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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