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
Business Line of Credit: How It Works, Costs and Requirements
A business line of credit is a revolving credit limit that lets a company draw funds as needed, repay what it uses, and draw again, paying interest only on the outstanding balance rather than the full limit. Costs typically include interest tied to a benchmark rate plus a lender margin, along with possible draw, maintenance, or origination fees.
Construction Business Loans: Working Capital, Equipment and Project Costs
Construction contractors face a financing challenge that other industries rarely encounter: they need money upfront to buy materials, pay workers, and cover equipment costs, often months before getting paid.
Business Loans for LLCs: Requirements, Credit and Funding Options
LLCs can access business loans through traditional banks, SBA programs, and alternative lenders, but requirements vary significantly. Most lenders evaluate both personal credit (typically 650+ for favorable terms) and business performance, with revenue and time-in-business being key factors.
Business Acquisition Loans: Financing the Purchase of an Existing Company
Business acquisition loans provide capital to purchase existing companies, with SBA 7(a) loans dominating the under-$5 million market at current rates around 9.75%-12.75%.
Unsecured Business Loans in the US: Costs, Guarantees and Eligibility
Unsecured business loans in the US typically cost 8-35% APR depending on creditworthiness and lender type, with banks offering the lowest rates (8-15%) and alternative lenders charging 15-35% or more. Most require personal guarantees despite being "unsecured," meaning no business assets are pledged as collateral.
Working Capital Loans for Small Businesses: Costs, Terms and Eligibility
Working capital loans for small businesses range from 6.75% to 99%+ APR depending on the lender type, with SBA loans at the low end (9-13% APR) and alternative lenders at the high end. Terms vary from 6 months to 10 years, with eligibility based on credit scores (typically 580+), time in business (6+ months), and annual revenue ($50,000+).
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI): State-Backed Funding Explained
The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) provides nearly $10 billion in federal funding to states, territories, and tribal governments to support local lending and investment programs for small businesses.
Business Loan Requirements US: Credit Score, Revenue and Time-in-Business Thresholds
Most US business loan requirements center on three key thresholds: personal credit scores of 650+ for traditional banks (580+ for alternative lenders), minimum annual revenue of $100,000-$250,000, and at least two years in business.
How Fast Can You Get a Business Loan in the US? Same-Day to SBA Timelines
Business loan funding timelines in the US range from 4-24 hours for same-day fintech products to 120+ days for complex SBA real estate transactions.
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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Explore US business funding options
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