Getting approved for a business loan when you have bad credit can be a challenge. Lenders generally want to see a good credit score and a solid track record of responsible debt management. However, even if you have a lower than ideal credit score, you can still get a loan for your business. The problem is that this is more expensive and you may need to provide an asset that acts as collateral.
Here's everything you need to know about bad credit business loans, including how to find the best and cheapest loan for your business.
The Bad Credit Business Loan is a loan product designed for business owners with bad credit. They have lower credit rating requirements and softer eligibility requirements. Because lenders take on more risk by lending out money, bad credit business loans may have higher interest rates and fees and require more guarantees that you won't repay the loan.
There are many types of business loans for bad credit applicants.
These include: A bad credit rating depends on the scoring model used by your lender. From a personal credit perspective, a bad credit score is often classified as a FICO score between 300 and 579. There are many different business loan providers.
These include the FICO Small Business Scoring Service (FICO SBSS), Equifax Business, Experian Business and Dun & Bradstreet.
Each agency has its own business scoring model and may include multiple credit scores and ratings.
Like small business loans, bad credit business loans provide money that must be repaid over time with interest. Some loans include a lump sum payment or line of credit.
Some banks and credit unions offer bad credit business loans, but these loans are more widely available from online lenders.
You may also be able to get a bad credit loan from a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CDFIs are specifically designed to facilitate the growth of those communities by providing loans and other financial services to underserved markets and populations.
Financing terms for bad credit loans vary. Depending on the lender and their underwriting requirements, bad credit loans can be funded quickly. In some cases, funding may be available in 24-72 hours after approval.
Business Equity is an asset that a company can use to secure a business loan.
It could be property, equipment, inventory or unpaid bills. In the event of default, the lender may accept the assets as payment.
To be eligible for collateral, the assets must be wholly owned by your business and must not be used as collateral for other loans or debts for which you are liable.
The amount and type of collateral you must provide depends on many factors, including your credit score, the amount of credit you are requesting, and your ability to repay your debt. However, when applying for a bad credit loan, it is not uncommon for lenders to ask for assets equal to the loan amount you are seeking.
Before starting a bad credit loan, consider the pros and cons carefully.
Pros
Disadvantages