Before applying for a small business loan, make sure you know how much financing you can afford. Bankrate’s business loan calculator can help you estimate what your loan will cost and how much you’ll pay each month. Just enter a loan amount, loan term and interest rate.
- Calculator
- What to know about business loans
- What if my loan uses a factor rate?
- Types of business lenders
- Types of business loans
- What to consider when shopping
- Alternatives to fund your business
What to know about business loans
Abusiness loan gives you a lump sum of money or a revolving line of credit that you can use to cover business-related expenses. These funds can help you start or grow a business and keep up with day-to-day expenses. You can also use a business loan to consolidate debtif needed.
The cost of a business loan or line of credit is determined by four factors:
- Principal:The total amount your business borrows.
- Interest:The cost of borrowing a business loan.
- Annual percentage rate (APR):The annual cost of a loan expressed as a percentage. The APR includes both interest and fees.
- Loan term:The time it takes to pay back the loan.
A business loan could help your business succeed, but you should only consider taking one out if you are sure you can afford to pay it back.
What if my loan uses a factor rate?
Factor rates are expressed as a decimal rather than a percentage. They're often used on short-term business loans that are accessible to borrowers with bad credit. This includes merchant cash advances and some business lines of credit.
To find the cost of a loan that uses factor rates, multiply the factor rate by the principal to determine how much you pay back.
For example, if you have a factor rate of 1.30 on a loan of $10,000, your business will pay back $13,000 — the original $10,000 and $3,000 in loan costs. This doesn't include any additional fees the lender might tack on, like origination fees.
Loans with factor rates tend to cost more and have shorter repayment periods. Before accepting one of these loans, convert the factor rate to an interest rate. This will make it easier to compare with other loan rates. You should also use a business loan calculator to see how much you could save if you had a loan with a comparable interest rate.
Types of business lenders
Business loans are offered by banks (both traditional and online), credit unions and online lenders — although the amounts and repayment period vary widely among options.
Bank loans are generally best suited for business owners with an established banking relationship. Online lenders, such as financial services companies, tend to be a better option for newer businesses and those with poor credit. Because of the variety of online lenders, more lending options and flexible repayment terms exist.
Types of business loans
There are countless options out there, but these are the most commontypes of business loans.
- Installment loan:Installment loans — also known as term loans — allow your business to borrow a lump sum and pay it back in monthly payments. These are some of the most common options, and you can find them offered by both banks and online lenders.
- Line of credit:Abusiness line of creditfunctions like a credit card. You can draw funds from it as needed and only pay interest on what you borrow. As you pay back what you’ve borrowed, your credit limit resets and you can borrow more as needed.
- Commercial real estate loan:If your business is ready to open a brick-and-mortar location, acommercial real estate loan gives you the funding to buy property or sign a lease.
- Equipment loan:Equipment loans are term loans secured by the equipment your business needs to buy. Because the equipment acts as collateral, they tend to have lower rates than unsecured installment loans.
- SBA loan: The Small Business Administration (SBA) backs loans for businesses. While it doesn’t offer loans itself, it can help your business qualify for lower rates and better repayment terms. The SBA backs term loans, commercial real estate loans and other ways to borrow to expand your business.
What to consider when shopping for a business loan
Before taking out a loan, consider your business needs and the total cost of borrowing.
- Assess your business’s overall financial picture to give you a better idea of what you may be able to qualify for — and what type of loan would best suit your needs.
- Compare lenders to find the lowest possible rate. But you should also consider borrowing limits, fees, eligibility requirements and funding speed.
- Apply for preapproval to see what terms and rates you are eligible for before committing. Some lenders will let you pre-qualify without hurting your credit.
Alternatives to fund your business
If you need money for your business but cannot borrow a traditional business loan, there are other options available.
- Business credit cardsallow you to borrow what you need when you need it up to a credit limit. Credit cards also may come with perks like rewards programs, sign-up bonuses and an introductory period with 0 percent APR.
- Personal loansare generally easier to qualify for but may have higher rates and shorter repayment terms. And while many can be used for business expenses, not all lenders allow it — so check the fine print before you apply.
- Business grants are awarded to certain types of businesses, like those owned by minorities, veterans andwomen. You don’t have to pay back what you receive, but grants are extremely competitive and involve a lengthy application process.
- Home equity loanscan be used for business expenses, but this should be a last resort. If you have a lot of equity in your home, this option could give you quick access to the cash you need. However, using a home equity loan puts you at risk of losing your home if you are unable to pay it back.
