Through the course of running a business, needs that require huge sums of cash might start to add up, such as purchasing large equipment, opening a new store, or paying off existing debt. When such needs arise, businesses that do not have the required amount of money can opt for a business term loan. Get to know the definition, examples, and benefits of a business term loan below.
What is a business term loan?
A business term loan provides businesses with a huge sum of cash upfront in exchange for specific lending terms from the lender, which may be a bank or alternative lenders. This loan is used for a large one-time purchase, investment, or cash flow gap. Common purchases made with business term loans are properties, real estate, machinery, and equipment. The loan will be repaid to the borrower in scheduled payments based on a set period of time at a fixed or variable interest rate.
How does a business term loan work?
Business term loans can be secured or unsecured. Secured loans require a personal guarantee or collateral to the lender, which can be legally seized by the lender should you fail to repay the loan. On the other hand, unsecured term loans do not have any collateral. As a result, lenders will charge higher costs, higher interest rates, and shorter repayment periods. Unsecured business term loans may be more appealing to the borrower, but they require a healthy cash flow due to the shorter repayment period.
Depending on your business’ credit history, the lender might also require you to make a down payment to lower their risk and reduce your payment amounts and total credit cost. Business term loans also have fees which may include origination fees, monthly fees, annual fees, and late payment fees. Having a clear idea of these fees will help you estimate the total cost of the loan and each payment.
What are the types of business term loans?
Short-term loans
Short-term loans have a repayment period of no more than a year. They are a great option for businesses that have credit challenges and thus have a hard time applying for revolving credit lines. However, they often carry high interest rates, and you may need to make more frequent loan payments to keep up.
Intermediate-term loans
Intermediate-term loans run between 1-5 years with bi-weekly or monthly payments. They offer a decent lump sum of money which can be used for various purposes such as opening a new branch, purchasing inventory, and acquiring new assets.
Long-term loans
Long-term business loans are the most affordable type of business term loans due to their very low interest rates. They run for 6-25 years. Due to the higher risk for lenders, they often only give this loan to highly qualified businesses with good credit, healthy cash flow, and sufficient assets.
What are the advantages of a business term loan?
Lump sum of money
Business term loans are highly useful for large one-time purchases or high-cost business because they provide a lump sum of cash upfront.
Lower interest rates
Due to the longer repayment period, businesses can get lower interest rates compared to credit loans.
Predictable repayment schedule
Business term loans usually have a monthly or quarterly payment structure. As businesses are aware of the schedule, planning for payments and setting aside the necessary amount is easier.
Healthier cash flow
Making huge purchases puts a severe strain on businesses’ cash flow. With a term loan, you can still seize huge opportunities without disrupting your cash flow.
Improves business credit score
As long as you make timely payment, a business term loan helps to boost your business credit score.
Business Term Loan FAQs
How to qualify for a business term loan?
Depending on your lender, there are several qualifications you need to meet in order to apply for a term loan. In Singapore, the typical requirements are at least 30% local shareholding, and the business has been established for at least 3 years. There might also be a requirement for minimum monthly revenue.
Moreover, the documents typically required are:
– SME Banking Consent Form
– Financial Statements for the last 2 years, if any
– Bank statements for the last 6 months
– Income Tax Notices of Assessment for the last 2 years
– NRIC of guarantor(s)
What is the difference between a business term loan and a revolving credit line?
Unlike business term loans which come as a lump of upfront cash, a revolving credit line allows borrowers to borrow within a loan limit. Borrowers can withdraw or draw down, repay in full or part, and then withdraw again. Thus, revolving credit lines are more suitable for daily expenses and operations. Although they are more flexible, business term loans have lower interest rates than revolving credit lines, and are suitable for businesses that are ready to make huge investments or purchases.
How to get a business term loan?
Just like the application process of most business loans, you can start by researching potential lenders such as banks and alternative institutions. Be sure that you fulfill the requirements and have the necessary documents before you apply. Evaluate the terms of their loans and how they match your needs and ability to repay them. You will need to provide financial statements that prove your creditworthiness, such as bank statements, tax returns, balance sheet, and so on.
Afterwards, simply make your application via the lender’s website or office. If you meet the requirements, your loan application will be approved and you will get a lump sum of cash.
How long does it take to get a business term loan?
Term loan applications can take a while to process. Expect at least a month before an update in your application, and more time before your funds are disbursed. Term loans may also come with origination fees and underwriting fees, which must be paid prior to accessing your funds.
What is the average business term loan interest rate?
The interest rate of business term loans varies based on the lender. Singapore banks typically charge 7-11% p.a.
What is the repayment period for business term loans?
In Singapore, term loans are usually payable for up to 5 years. Depending on your loan agreement, you may pay monthly or quarterly, along with added interest rate and applicable fees.
How long does it take to get my business term loan approved?
Business term loans might take weeks or even months to be processed. Traditional financial institutes such as banks usually have even longer processing times before you get approved and receive the money.
Grow your business with a Fazz Business Loan
If you need access to a term loan, but have second thoughts due to the long processing time or high interest rate of banks, you can apply for a Fazz Business Loan. There is no collateral required and you can get a maximum loan of S$300,000 with 6-12 months tenure. With interest rates that start as low as 1% and approval within 48 hours, start growing your business with ready access to working capital.
Apply for a Fazz Business Loan here to build, run and grow your business with peace of mind today!
