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Compare secured business loans

Secured business loans allow you to borrow more at lower rates by using collateral.

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Name Product Filter Values Loan amount APR Requirements
Fora Financial business loans
Finder Rating: 4.1 / 5: ★★★★★
Fora Financial business loans
$5,000 – $500,000
Varies
6+ months in business, $12,000+ monthly revenue, no open bankruptcies
Get qualified for funding in minutes for up to $500,000 without affecting your credit score. Best for companies with at least six figures in annual revenue.
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Lendio business loans
Finder Rating: 4.75 / 5: ★★★★★
Lendio business loans
$500 – $5,000,000
Starting at 6%
Operate business in US or Canada, have a business bank account, 560+ personal credit score
Submit one simple application to potentially get offers from a network of over 300 legit business lenders.
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National Funding business loans
Finder Rating: 4.75 / 5: ★★★★★
National Funding business loans
$5,000 – $500,000
4% to 8%
Be in business at least one year and make at least $150,000 in annual sales. Other loan types have additional requirements.
Working capital loans and equipment financing, some high-risk industries may be eligible.
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Fundbox lines of credit
Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Fundbox lines of credit
$1,000 – $150,000
Not stated
6 + months in business, $100,000+ in annual revenue, 600+ credit score
Get flat rate, short-term financing based on the financial health of your business, not your credit score.
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Bitty Advance business cash advances
Finder Rating: 2.8 / 5: ★★★★★
Bitty Advance business cash advances
$2,000 – $25,000
Not applicable
$5,000 monthly bank revenue, 6+ months in business, business bank account open 3+ months, 450+ credit score
With APRs in the triple digits, this is best saved as a last resort.
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How does a secured business loan work?

A secured business loan requires that you put up some type of collateral against your loan should you default. This can be a piece of property, equipment for your business or any other expensive asset, either personal or commercial. By providing collateral, you may have access to lower interest rates and higher loan amounts than with an unsecured loan.

However, if you’re unable to make your loan payments on time, the lender has the right to seize your asset to cover your remaining debt and any other expenses that have accumulated since default.

Here’s the difference between secured and unsecured business loans

How can a secured loan benefit my business?

A secured loan means less risk for the lender. And less risk for the lender means a better deal for you. You can get access to larger loan amounts and lower interest rates. This is a great choice for established businesses with reliable cash flow to make regular payments.

What can I use as collateral?

The assets most commonly used to secure a business loan are commercial and residential property. But realistically, anything of value can be put up as collateral. Depending on the lender and the amount you want to borrow, you may be able to use the following assets as security:

  • Business inventory
  • Business equipment
  • Future invoices
  • Personal vehicles
  • Commercial vehicles
  • Fine art and jewelry
  • Personal savings

If you don’t have any of these assets and don’t own your property outright, you still could use these as collateral. You don’t necessarily need to own the property to offer it as security. Business equity loans allow you to access the equity you have in your personal or business property to get the funding you need.

How much collateral is needed for a business loan?

What are the risks of secured business loans?

The main risk of secured business loans is that if you default, your lender can repossess your asset. This could have serious consequences for the future of your business, especially if you used property as collateral. Even worse, if you listed a personal asset as collateral, you’ll lose more than just an important part of your business.

As with any other type of loan, you should always be wary of borrowing more than you can afford to repay. Be aware of how much regular payments are and the total cost of the loan once it’s fully paid off before you sign on the dotted line.

What businesses are eligible for secured loans?

Businesses that can provide collateral and have a history of repaying its debts will likely qualify for a secured loan, however you can set yours apart by making sure these points are strong:

  • Business history. Most lenders require that your business be operating for at least six months, or up to two years in some cases.
  • Business financial strength. Lenders assess your business’ profit and loss statements, average monthly turnover and income projections to determine if you can make your repayments.
  • Appropriate asset. You’ll need a suitable asset to provide security for the amount you wish to borrow.

Application checklist

Secured business loans are different than secured personal loans and require a bit more upfront work. These five points should help guide you toward a loan your business will be able to repay.

  • The value of your asset. No matter what your asset is, have it professionally appraised. This way, you’ll know how much your asset is worth and how much you should expect from your lender.
  • Your business plan. Lenders want to see a business plan that details how you intend to use your loan. Without one, you’re unlikely to be approved.
  • Credit scores. Lenders use both your personal and business credit scores to determine your interest rate and how much you can borrow — even with a secured loan.
  • How much you need to borrow. In your business plan you should be able to determine how much you need to borrow. Too little could result in more loans in the future. And too much could put you in a poor financial position.
  • How you plan on repaying. Most loan payments will be set to be paid monthly, though some require weekly, or even daily repayments. Before you sign on to a loan, know if your business can meet the monthly payments to avoid default.

Bottom line

A secured loan can be great for a business looking to expand or a new business wanting to buy property or expensive equipment. Although it comes with a certain amount of risk should your business default, the low rates and higher loan amounts make secured business loans a strong option for companies of all sizes. You can compare more business loan options to find a lender that suits your business needs.

Frequently asked questions about secured business loans

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