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
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.
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.
Restaurant Business Loans in the US: Working Capital Solutions for Food Service Owners
Restaurants use working-capital loans, equipment finance, SBA programs and revenue-based products for inventory, payroll, repairs and expansion. The right structure depends on revenue stability, use of funds, repayment frequency, security and total cost.
SBA 504 vs 7(a) Loans: Which Works Better for Real Estate
SBA 504 loans focus on eligible fixed assets such as owner-occupied real estate and major equipment, while 7(a) loans can cover a broader mix of eligible costs. Compare occupancy, use of funds, borrower injection, rate structure, fees and processing requirements.
SBA 7(a) Loans Explained: Eligibility Requirements and Application Guide
The SBA 7(a) program supports eligible business purposes through approved lenders. The maximum loan amount is $5 million; eligibility, collateral, pricing and terms depend on the use of funds, business profile and lender underwriting.
SBA 7(a) vs Online Business Loan: Which Route Is Faster, Cheaper and More Realistic?
SBA 7(a) loans can offer longer terms and regulated rate caps but require fuller documentation. Online business loans may reach a decision sooner, but cost and repayment frequency vary widely.
SBA Microloans for Small Businesses: When a $50K Loan Makes More Sense Than a Bank Loan
SBA microloans offer up to $50,000 with 8-13% interest rates and seven-year repayment terms through nonprofit intermediaries, making them ideal for small businesses that need working capital but don't qualify for traditional bank loans.
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.
US Business Loan Approval Checklist: What Lenders Ask For Before They Say Yes
Lenders evaluate business loan applications based on five core criteria: personal credit score (typically 600+ for alternative lenders, 680+ for banks), business revenue ($15,000+ monthly for non-bank lenders, $25,000+ for traditional banks), time in business (6 months minimum for alternative funding, 2+ years for banks), debt service coverage ratio of 1.15-1.35, and comprehensive financial documentation including bank statements, tax returns, and business formation documents.
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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