Article – What is an Unsecured Loan?

Business Loans Overview

A business loan allows a company to borrow capital from a lender and repay it with interest over an agreed period.

This is a common and flexible method of raising finance, often one of the first options businesses explore. Business loans can be tailored to meet various needs, from strengthening cash reserves to covering significant expenses like purchasing new equipment. As a result, a wide range of business loan types are available, each suited to specific funding purposes.

Business loans are generally classified as either secured or unsecured.

What are Unsecured Business Loans?

In comparison to a secured business loan, an unsecured business loans does not require an asset to be put down for security in order to take out a loan. As a result, your business will not be at risk of losing any assets of value such as land, property, or equipment. Some lenders may require a director’s or personal guarantee.

These are becoming progressively more popular due to their speed (usually a few days) and flexibility, which are essential in the modern workplace (since there is no need to evaluate asset values). Additionally, they are very appealing to smaller and growing businesses looking to borrow funds while keeping their assets secure.

Short term (one-to-five year) loans are most common, but some longer term (10 years) loans are also available. This depends on many factors to do with the lender and how much the business is borrowing.

How do Unsecured Business Loans work?

Unsecured business loans enable a business to have access to up-front capital with no need to secure assets as collateral. However, lenders will want to check and ensure your business’s credit score and personal creditworthiness to assess your level of risk as a borrower. Additionally, the company’s finances will also be analysed for affordability to give the lender confidence that they will be able to keep up with the loan payments. Furthermore, as mentioned above, a personal guarantee may be required.

What is a personal guarantee?

A personal guarantee is a legal agreement where if the business fails to repay the loan, the individual agrees to repay it with their personal funds.

What are the Benefits of Unsecured Business Loans?

No assets are required for collateral

As businesses do not have to supply any assets to secure the loan, it is a popular option for new businesses which may not own any major assets or equipment, allowing them to access much needed funds.

Limited risk of losing assets

Because there is no need to put down assets as collateral, the risk of losing a company’s assets is much lower if they are not able to repay the loan. It must be noted that lenders can still retrieve unpaid loans by seizing business assets which could also include revenue.

Simple Application Process

There is a very quick and easy application process for unsecured business loans because lenders do not need to evaluate assets/valuables that the business owns.

Key considerations regarding Unsecured Business Loans.

More Difficult to Acquire

Unsecured loans tend to be more difficult to acquire for business due to eligibility requirements that come with a higher degree of risk. Factors such as a low credit score, or limited revenue could make it hard to qualify for an unsecured business loan due to the higher risk imposed on the lender.

Smaller Loans

As a result of the higher levels of risk, the size of loans offered by lenders will tend to be lower thank a secured loan.

Higher Interest Rates

Higher interest rates are common with unsecured loans, again due to the higher level of risk that lenders are taking. This is because the lender cannot simply repossess assets if the debt is not repaid.

Factors to Consider for an Unsecured Business Loan

As mentioned, unsecured business loans come with certain risks, so the decision to take one out should be considered carefully. The most important including how much can the business afford to borrow? And how will the loan capital be used most effectively to achieve growth and future benefits?

Contact Us – The Best Finance Group

If you have any enquiries or are interested in applying for an unsecured business loan (or any other form of business finance), our dedicated and knowledgeable team are here to help. We will listen to your requirements and guide you through the options available.