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
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.
Merchant Cash Advances in the US: Factor Rates, Holdbacks and Alternatives
Merchant cash advances in the US provide fast funding by purchasing future sales at a discount, using factor rates (not interest rates) and daily holdbacks from revenue. With factor rates typically ranging from 1.1 to 1.5, the effective annual cost often exceeds 50% APR.
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.
Equipment and Expansion: Smart Business Growth Through Strategic Asset Investment
Equipment financing can spread the cost of machinery, vehicles or technology used for expansion. Compare the asset's useful life and resale value with the deposit, repayment term, security, ownership outcome and total cost.
SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot: How the New SBA Line of Credit Works
The SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) provides monitored lines of credit up to $5 million for established small businesses with at least 12 months of operating history.
Term Loan vs Line of Credit vs Merchant Cash Advance: US Small Business Funding Compared
Term loans provide a lump sum upfront for long-term investments, lines of credit offer flexible access to funds as needed, and merchant cash advances deliver fast cash based on future sales.
SBA Loan Rates Explained: 7(a), 504 and Microloan Interest Rate Caps for 2026
SBA loan rates are not one number. Each program sets its own ceiling: 7(a) loans cap the spread a lender can add to a base rate (usually Prime), 504 loans price off a government-guaranteed debenture sold monthly, and microloans let nonprofit intermediaries charge within an SBA-set range.
Ecommerce Business Loans: Inventory, Advertising and Seasonal Cash Flow
Ecommerce business loans for inventory, advertising and seasonal cash flow typically range from $10,000 to $5 million, with revenue-based financing (RBF) and inventory-backed facilities leading the market for online sellers.
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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