When financing a small business, the interest rate is a crucial factor to consider. Small business loan rates can vary depending on several factors, including the type of loan, lender, creditworthiness, and the overall economic environment. Understanding the different factors that influence small business loan rates can help business owners make informed decisions about financing and avoid overpaying for credit.
Small Business Loan Interest Rates: October 2023
- Current SBA loan rates for SBA 7(a) loans: Lenders typically charge Interest rate ranges 5.50% –9.75% principal & interest rate.
- Current SBA loan rates for SBA CDC 504 loans: Lenders typically charge Interest rate ranges 2.40% – 3.90% principal & interest rate.
Current Business Loan Interest Rates for All Other Business Funding Products for 2023
- Current rates for Traditional Business Loan interest rates: 5.50% – 7.75% interest rate.
- Current rates for Traditional Bank Business Line of Credit: 5.50% – 9.75% interest rate.
- Current rates for Short Term Small Business Loans: 9.5%-28.99% interest rate
- Current rates for Business Cash Advance factor rate: 1.09%-1.45% (not an interest rate)
- Current rates for Merchant Cash Advance factor rate: 1.09%-1.45% (not an interest rate)
- Current rates for Equipment Financing or Leasing: 5.50%-28.99% interest rate
- Current rates for Invoice Financing factor rate: .5%-2% flat fee, no interest rate
- Current rates for Purchase Order factor rate: 2%-7% flat fee, no interest rate
- Current rates for Business Credit Cards Introductory rates starting at 0% up to 28.99% annual interest rate. Typically a variable interest rate applies. Prime rate or Treasury rate plus applied depending on what lenders charge.
What's the Average Business Loan Rates?
There are many types of small business lending products that charge different interest rates and business loan terms. If you have excellent credit, strong financials, and meet the qualifications of a traditional bank loan or SBA loan, then you can expect annual percentage interest rates in the 3%-6.5% range.
But if you have some credit issues, your financial statements and other qualifications are deficient, you will not get approved for traditional bank loans and then you may be looking at less favorable business loan terms with higher interest rates and fees to qualify.
The type of business loan options will dictate what business loan interest rate, total cost and terms you will get and whether you will need to work with alternative lenders as to what lenders charge.
Are Small Business Loans a Good Idea?
Small business loans may be an excellent idea if you are in need of capital for the following reason(s)
- Working Capital Loans
- Cash Flow Shortages
- Business Expansion Loans
- Business Emergencies Loans
- Advertising and/or Marketing
- Debt Refinancing Loans
- Equipment Needs
- Recruitment of Employees
- Operational Needs
- Inventory
Small business owners should always consider the total cost and annual percentage rate versus the benefit of funding when deciding whether to get a business loan for your business from small business lenders.
Always compare business loan options and interest rates when making any decision. It may be in your best interest not to get a loan if the terms don’t make sense for what you are using the money for.
9 Best Small Business Financing Options for 2023
1. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal government agency that establishes loan programs for small businesses. SBA-approved lenders actually service the loans but are given guarantees from the SBA if the approved lenders follow program guidelines and arrange the loans pursuant to SBA guidelines.
The Small Business Administration is not the lender in most cases and does not provide loans to businesses directly. The SBA provides a guarantee to the approved lender that gives the approved lender (who loans small businesses) coverage for a certain percentage of loss if the loan were to default. This guarantee allows lenders to lend in circumstances they would not ordinarily do so on their own. SBA does regulate the maximum rate that can be charged. SBA loans are fixed rates(usually the lowest interest rates) and have no penalty to pay off loans early for any loan type. A business plan may be required.
The SBA loan guarantees are up to $4,500,000 of each loan amount made by participant lenders with rights reserved. The loan amount can typically range from $25,000 to $5 million and is repaid in monthly installments. SBA is popular because these loans have lower interest rates and better terms than some other traditional business financing. Approved lenders may add additional layers of qualifications due to risk.
SBA Loans Product Overview
Loan Amount: Up to 5 million
Business Loan Interest Rate: Business Loan interest rates start at 5.50%, treasury index plus 1% to 2.5% or the prime rate. Typically most lenders do not charge variable interest rates. The SBA has a maximum business loan rates cap.
Loan Term: 3 to 25 years
Closing Costs: Origination fees 0% to 3%
Payment: Fixed monthly
Credit Scores: Good to excellent preferred, but all personal credit considered. Business credit score is also considered.
Requirements: Application and business bank account and financials.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans/Loan Type
SBA 7(a) Loans . SBA 7(a) loans are SBA’s primary program designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses. The terms and conditions of SBA 7(a) loans, like the guaranty percentage and loan amount, may vary by the type of loans and businesses. Uses for SBA 7(a) loans include working capital, equipment, buying a business, start-up costs, and refinancing debt. There is a guaranty fee.
How the Guaranty Fee Works: SBA 7 (a) loans charges a one-time guarantee fee, also known as a guaranty fee, in addition to an annual service fee. The guarantee fee is based on the loan amount and repayment term, but are only charged on the guaranteed amount of the loan. Lenders will initially pay the guaranty fee, but have the option of passing this fee onto the borrower. Guaranty Fee Loan Amount Fee $150,000 or less 2% of guaranteed portion $150,001 to $700,000 3% of guaranteed portion $701,001 to $5 million 3.5% of guaranteed portion up to $1 million, plus 3.75% of the guaranteed portion over $1 million Short-term SBA loans with repayment terms less than one year are subject to a guaranty fee of 0.25% of the guaranteed amount.
SBA Express Loans. SBA Express Loans resemble the standard 7(a) SBA loan qualifications, business loan rates and purpose. It gives the same great opportunity such as short-term working capital loan — but even faster. For businesses looking for a loan in days instead of months — the SBA Express Loans are a great alternative.
SBA Loan Program 504. The SBA 504 loan is a powerful economic development program that will provide businesses another avenue for business funding if commercial real estate is involved in the transaction. Down payment will be required. The use of proceeds from SBA 504 loans must be used for fixed assets such as construction, commercial real estate, land or land improvements (and certain soft costs), or can also be used to refinance existing debt/loans. SBA 504 C involves commercial real estate.
SBA Disaster Loans- SBA disaster loans for businesses that are in declared disaster areas.
SBA Loan Additional Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration Business Guide
U.S. Small Business Administration Coronavirus (COVID-19)
2. Long Term Business Loans
Long-term small business loans have a duration of greater than two years. Businesses are offered a fixed amount upfront and charged principal & interest. Unlike a business line, a business owner cannot draw money as you go with a long-term loan. Typically, long term business lending is for business expansion and growth or to finance large, long-term projects. This business financing option may be used for long-term projects and has lower interest rate than other loans.
Product Overview
Loan Amount: Up to 5 million
Business Loan Interest Rate: Loan interest rates starting at 5.50% or treasury index plus 1% to 2.5% or the prime rate. Typically not a variable interest rate and are fixed rate loans.
Loan Term: 2 to 10 years
Fee: 0% to 3%
Payment: Monthly or bi-weekly
Credit Score Requirements: Good to excellent preferred. All types considered. Business credit score also considered.
Annual Revenue: above $250,000
3. Business Line of Credit
A Business line of credit is a credit facility similar to that of a credit card. Revolving credit lines allow users to draw money on-demand for purchases or pay expenses. A line of credit charges simple interest and you only pay interest on your outstanding balance, saving interest if you pay off early. Credit limits are established at the time of issuance and must be renewed periodically based on the line of credit agreement. Lines of credit have various business uses including purchases and expenses. Interest rates vary due to risk and higher interest rates may apply to qualify. Loans and lines are different products with different features.
Product Overview
Interest Rate: Average 1% per month simple interest
Terms: Open revolving line
Fee: 0% to 3%
Payment: Monthly, bi-Weekly or weekly
Credit: Good to excellent preferred. All types considered. Business credit score also considered.
No Prepayment Fees
4. Small Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards are open revolving credit lines that charge a annual interest rate with a cap. A card is issued that can be used for making payments or purchases. Business owners utilize cards in conjunction with other small business financing options. The primary use of this financial product is for the purchase of small items or pay expenses. This type of loan is popular because of its flexibility and offers small loans for business purposes.
Product Overview
Average Interest Rate: Introductory rates starting at 0% up to 28.99% annual interest rate. Typically a variable interest rate applies. Prime rate or Treasury rate plus applied.
Terms: Open revolving line with a limit
Fee: $0 to $500 Annual fees
Payment: Flexible monthly payments
Credit: Must have good to excellent personal credit score and deep history. business credit scores not required.
5. Short Term Business Loans
Short-term business loans are loans with terms that range from 3 months up to 36 months depending on your qualifications and lender. Short-term loans are a fixed loan amount, fixed term, and fixed payment. The cost charged is either an interest rate or a factor rate determined by a credit risk scoring model.
Short-term business loans are commonly used when traditional business financing is not an option. Short-term loans cost more because the qualifications are more lenient than other options. This extra cost covers the lender for the greater risks they take in offering this product.
Product Overview
Loan Amount: $10,000-$500,000
Business Loan Interest Rate: Factor rates range from 1.09% up to 1.45%
Terms: 6 to 18 months in duration (typically 12 months or less)
Fee: 0% to 5% fees
Payments: Weekly, bi-weekly, and in some cases daily
Credit: All types considered. Business credit score is also considered.
Annual Revenue: above $250,000
6. Business Cash Advances
Business Cash Advances (BCA) are also known as the Purchase of Future Sales Agreement that advances future sales at a discount. The business is responsible for paying back a fixed amount known as a specified amount, which is greater than the amount that was advanced.
This factor rate is the cost of the business funding. This is not principal & interest costs. Repayment is structured unconventionally with a set percentage of future overall revenue going towards repayment of the advance. Payments are collected by a convenience ACH fixed payment daily or weekly based on the specified percentage of future sales.
Reconciliation can occur periodically to determine if the fixed payment matches up with the set percentage of monthly revenue. If there is a discrepancy between the amount collected via ACH payments and the set percentage of monthly deposits a refund of the difference can occur. There is no term set due to fluctuating future revenue. Business cash advances are not loans but advances off of future sales.
Product Overview
Rates: Factor rates range from 1.09% up to 1.45%
Terms: No term limits. Payments continue until paid in full based on a specified percentage collection method and are dependent on future revenues
Fees: Origination fees that range from 0% to 5%
Payment: Weekly or daily
Credit: All types considered.
Annual Revenue: above $250,000
7. Merchant Cash Advances
A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is also known as a Purchase of Future Sales Agreement that operates very similarly to BCA. The biggest difference is the repayment process, which is connected to future credit card revenues instead of overall sales. MCAs take a set percentage of future credit card sales at the time of batch until the advance is paid back in full.
Business owners find this valuable when they have fluctuating revenues and don’t want to be locked into a fixed payment that could negatively impact capital or margins of profit if revenues decline or fluctuate. This business funding is used primarily for cash flow needs. Merchant cash advances are not loans but advance off of future revenues.
Product Overview
Rates: Factor rates that range from 1.09% up to 1.45%
Terms: No term limits
Fees: Origination fees range from 0% to 3%
Payment: Fixed percentage of future revenues
Personal Credit Score: All types considered.
8. Equipment Financing
Businesses that use equipment to operate often turn to equipment loans for the purchase of equipment that uses the equipment as collateral. Business owners must have very good to excellent credit, but limited paperwork is necessary to get approved.
Product Overview
Interest Rate: Factor rate ranging from 1.09% up to 1.45%. Typically not a variable interest rate.
Terms: 2 to 7 years
Fees: Origination fees range from 0% to 3%
Payment: Weekly or daily
Personal Credit Scores: All types considered.
9. Invoice Factoring
Invoice financing companies purchase invoices from issuers at the time of issuance at a discount for funds now for the issuers. This product accelerates receivables for invoice issuers for a nominal fee. Since the invoice factoring company purchased the invoice, they now collect it on the invoice. The invoice factorer buys the invoice at a discount and also earns money on monthly service fees.
Product Overview
Loan Rate: None
Terms: No term limits
Fees: 1% to 3% fee based on the invoice. Monthly service fees may apply depending on the volume of invoices factored
Credit Score: The credit history of the clients needs to be favorable, NOT the owner advancing off invoices.
Alternative Types of Small Business Loans
- Traditional banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, etc.) loans business directly without 3rd party
- Credit Unions
- Business Lenders (Fintech) or Online Lenders
- Business Originating Marketplace’s
- Small Business Loan Broker
- Long-Term Business Lenders
- Equipment Financing Companies
- Invoice Factoring Companies
- Alternative Lenders
- Private Business Lenders
- Hard Money Business Lenders
- Commercial Real Estate Lenders
- Certified Development Company
- Financial Institutions
Every originator differs in terms of what products and services they offer, so it’s important to ask what type of business finance products they offer upfront to see if they can provide you the best options available in the business finance marketplace. Online lenders offer unique business financing options. When evaluating offers, please review the lenders or financial institution for terms and conditions of products and services.
The Bottom Line: Tips When Applying for a Business Loan
No matter how good a lending offer may seem, there are a few questions you, as a business owner, should always consider before making any major decisions:
- What types of financing programs or products are offered?
- Does the loan originator know to assist me and my needs?
- Can the loan originator walk me through my loan’s processing, financing, and servicing?
Of course, in turn, be sure to answer questions that the lender may ask you:
- Why do I need the money?
- How can I use it in the best way for my business?
- Will the money improve how my business works?
- Have I checked all my financing options?
- Am I getting competitive rates, costs, and terms?
- Have I conducted a cost-benefit analysis yet? If yes, what does it show?
Before you sign anything, ensure that you have the answers to these questions and understand the terms and conditions. Most lenders will include the cost of money (the maximum interest rate or a factor rate), closing and financing fees, payment frequency, guarantees, and collateral requirements.
How to Apply for a Small Business Loan Using Advancepoint Capital’s Marketplace
Applying for a loan with AdvancePoint Capital is as simple as 1, 2, 3. Let AdvancePoint Capital help you get the finance option that fits your needs. We have a small business lenders network of online lenders that can provide all available solutions in market. Start with this online form, then fill out the short application page, wait a few hours for your approval, and then get your money!
*Advancepoint does not provide California finance lender loans and works with federally chartered banks in California if providing business loans.
