Running a business comes with enough expenses — your loan shouldn’t add more than it needs to. Low-interest loans can help you keep payments manageable and save money over time, whether you’re expanding, covering day-to-day costs or investing in new equipment.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best low-interest business loans of 2026 to help you find affordable financing that fits your goals.
Read about how each of our best low-interest business loans works before you apply.
Our lending experts analyze dozens of business loan providers to narrow down the best options with the lowest rates. We weigh lenders against these key metrics:
While the interest rate is a key factor in your loan’s cost, it’s not the only thing you should consider when choosing a business loan. The following factors can also help you find financing that’s a good fit for your business.
The cheapest business loans typically come from banks, credit unions, nonprofits and government-backed lenders. While these options often have stricter requirements, they can save you significantly compared to higher-cost alternatives.
SBA lenders offer government-backed loans with interest rate caps set by the SBA. Most programs require at least three years in business and good credit, but some, like SBA Community Advantage and microloans, work with startups and borrowers with bad credit.
Banks like Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo offer the lowest rates but have strict requirements. They typically want credit scores above 670, established business history and shy away from high-risk industries like construction.
Regional and community banks offer competitive rates with more flexibility than national banks. They understand local business needs and may be more lenient on credit scores and time in business.
Community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, are nonprofit lenders serving businesses that can’t qualify for SBA or bank loans. Rates are higher than those offered by banks but still relatively affordable for their target borrowers.
Microlenders are nonprofits offering small-dollar loans to entrepreneurs and startups. While rates often exceed 12% APR, they’re significantly cheaper than alternatives like merchant cash advances (which can hit 60% APR).
Credit unions that offer business loans typically have rates similar to those of regional banks. You’ll need to become a member to qualify, and not all credit unions offer business lending.
Some online lenders offer competitive rates thanks to lower overhead costs. Online marketplaces also let you compare multiple lenders quickly to find the best rate for your situation.
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How we picked theseThe Finder Score crunches 12+ types of business loans across 35+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best business loans for startups loans, you can see how each business loan stacks up against other business loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.
What is considered low interest on a business loan?
A business loan with 3% to 10% interest is considered low compared to the average interest rates of a business loan, but most lenders show APR instead, which includes fees. Since business loans typically charge 1% to 5% origination fees, APRs of 6% to 15% are considered low. For context, some online short-term loans can hit 100% APR or higher.
Keep in mind that rates fluctuate with Federal Reserve policy. When the Fed raises or lowers rates, your borrowing costs change too, so watch economic news if you’re planning to borrow soon.
You typically need to meet the following requirements to qualify for a cheap business loan:
While requirements generally depend on the lender and type of loan, the lowest rates tend to go to these types of businesses.
However, each lender has its own underwriting criteria. That’s why comparing offers from multiple providers can help you find the lowest interest rates available to you.
Getting 0% interest funding for your business is highly unlikely through any form of traditional business financing. However, there are less traditional forms of business funding that may offer a shot at 0% interest.
For example, Kiva, which made our list, is a community-based lending platform that lets you crowdsource funds from family, friends and a greater community of lenders. Its website says you can get up to $15,000 with 0% interest. You may also get funding from grants and other non-profits that offer funding with no interest.
Loans aren’t always the best way to finance your business. You may want to consider these alternatives before you apply.
Visit our guide to the best business loans for more options.
Explore the top business loan guides to help you along your business journey. From information on the best business loans on the market or your best startup loan options, to business loans that require little to no paperwork and more.
Same-day business loans can get you funds the same business day as you apply, rather than making you wait 24 hours or more.
Compare top business loan marketplaces that connect you with multiple lenders through one simple application.
Looking for fast business funding? Learn about a lender with flexible criteria but frequent repayments.
Compare the best business term loan providers for flexible funding, competitive rates and repayment terms that fit your goals.
See which business lenders could get you approved funds the fastest. Turnaround times as short as one day.
Compare business loans with genuine repayment flexibility — from choosing your payment frequency to revenue-based remittances that scale with your sales.
Get funding of up to $500,000 with the benefit of early repayment discounts for qualifying borrowers.
Square Loans are invite-only for Square sellers, with no credit check required and funding in as little as one to three business days or instantly with Square Checking.
Compare the best merchant cash advances built for gig workers, freelancers and independent contractors.
Startups may have a harder time qualifying for business loans, but getting funding isn’t impossible.