Pros and cons of a business bank loan

Business bank loans are generally available to businesses that are established and can demonstrate that they’re in good financial health. Most banks also require that you have good credit to be eligible, such as a personal credit score of 670 or higher. Banks offer common loan types, such as term loans and lines of credit, for larger amounts than online lenders typically do.

Although business bank loans generally offer attractive terms, getting one is by no means guaranteed. In fact, the 2023 Small Business Credit Survey by the Federal Reserve Banks found that big banks only approved 66 percent of applications compared to 76 percent for small banks.

Sometimes, you may discover that an alternative is far more suitable for your company. Let’s dive into the bank business loan pros and cons — and some alternatives to these loans — to find the right solution for your business.

What is a bank business loan?

A bank business loan is a type of commercial financing offered through a traditional bank or credit union. Typically, the funds from these loans can be used to cover operating costs, purchase equipment, pay vendors or help grow your business.

Examples of bank business loans include:

• Term loans: Provides a lump sum to be repaid over a specified term with interest.
• Equipment loans: Designed to finance the purchase of business equipment, including machinery and semi trucks, helping spread costs over time and often using the equipment as collateral.
• Microloans: Microloans are small, short-term loans tailored for startups and small businesses, offering smaller sums, typically under $100,000.
• Lines of credit: Flexible access to funds, allowing for multiple withdrawals within a set credit limit, with interest only paid on the outstanding balance.

More recently, online lenders have also begun offering these types of loans and often can fund them within 24 to 48 hours. But online lenders tend to offer higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms like 24 months or less to repay.

Compare bank business loan pros and cons

Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons of bank business loans:

Bank business loan pros

Bank business loans have their fair share of advantages that make them worth considering. Here are some business loan pros to be aware of.

Generous loan amounts with attractive interest rates

Business bank loans are typically larger than loans from online lenders which often stop at $250,000 or $500,000. Banks are more inclined to offer larger loans since borrowers generally have strong credit scores. Plus, they can demonstrate that they’ve previously responsibly managed debt obligations.

Borrowing costs also tend to be lower with business bank loans than you’ll find with alternative lenders. On average, small businesses pay 8 percent to 9 percent for loans from traditional banks, compared to the cap of 30 percent or higher with online lenders. And borrowers pay 10.50 percent to 15.50 percent in interest for SBA loans.

*According to the Kansas City Federal Reserve

Longer terms

You could get an extended term with a business bank loan and pay monthly installments until the balance is paid in full. Some banks offer terms of five to seven years.

An extended loan term allows you to get a more affordable monthly payment that doesn’t cause cash flow problems in your business. Just remember that you’ll pay more in interest over the loan term.

Online lenders often offer terms capped at two years; they sometimes require weekly or daily payments.

Local branches for customer support

Traditional banks and credit unions typically have brick-and-mortar locations where you can go to service your loan. You can get personalized support throughout the process to answer any questions that come up as you’re signing on a loan.

Online lenders don’t offer physical locations, but some will connect you with a dedicated loan specialist to walk you through the process. Others may have a fully online process, only connecting with you through a customer service phone line if you have questions. You’ll need to decide if this perk is important to you and your business.

Borrower incentives

It’s not uncommon for some banks to offer new and existing customers perks. If you already have a business checking account with a bank lender, these perks may include reduced APRs, eligibility for same-day or instant funding and autopay discounts. Some banks also offer rewards programs if you meet the eligibility requirements, such as spending money on a business line of credit or depositing new money in your bank account. Additionally, you’ll start building business credit if the lender reports payment activity to the credit bureaus.

Bank business loan cons

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks when deciding if you should apply for a business loan with a bank.

Stringent eligibility guidelines

Most traditional banks require a good or excellent personal credit score, substantial business revenue and a certain amount of time in business. For example, most banks want to see personal credit scores of 670 or higher and at least two years in business. Some may also require a good business credit score.

You likely won’t be approved for funding if you cannot meet these requirements. Online lenders are slightly more lenient, but you’ll pay a premium in the form of a higher interest rate to access capital.

Documentation requirements

You’ll likely need a large amount of paperwork when applying for a bank business loan. Most banks require copies of your personal and business details, financial documents, license information and more. You may also be asked to provide a list of current debts, accounts receivable and accounts payable. By comparison, online lenders might just want to see one or two financial documents like bank statements to prove that you can repay the loan.

Not ideal for startups

Another downside of bank business loans is the time in business requirement. Unless your business has been open for two or more years and is operating profitably, the likelihood of qualifying for a loan with a bank is low.

However, some online lenders will approve you for a loan with just six months in business. Others don’t have a minimum time in business requirements if you meet the eligibility criteria. These might be better options for startups.

Lengthy waiting periods and funding times

Some banks allow you to apply online; others only accept business loan applications at a physical location. Either way, waiting several days or even weeks to receive a lending decision isn’t uncommon. But if you apply with an online or alternative lender, you’ll likely hear back within 24 to 48 hours.

Banks also tend to have far slower funding times than online lenders. Even once your application is formally approved, it could be several days before your loan proceeds are disbursed. Some online lenders fund loans as soon as the same or the next business day.

When is a bank business loan a good idea for your business?

The main determination for getting a bank business loan is whether you qualify for the loan. If you do, a bank business loan offers many benefits, like low interest rates and an established relationship with the lender. A bank business loan may be a good idea for your business if:

• You have strong credit and revenue
• You want to establish a relationship with a bank
• You already use that bank for business checking
• You may apply for new loans in the future
• You want to get the best interest rates possible

Bank business loan alternatives

If you’d prefer to look beyond bank loans to secure the funds you need for your business, consider these alternatives:

Business credit cards

Business credit cards are easy to obtain with good or excellent credit — they don’t usually look at your revenue or time in business. Starting interest rates aren’t as low as loans from banks and credit unions, but these cards have plenty of perks. Some issuers offer interest-free introductory periods, rewards programs, discounts on select purchases and more. You may even be able to avoid paying interest by using the card’s grace period if you pay your entire balance off each month.

SBA loans

SBA loans are offered through private lenders and partially backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. They come with lower interest rates and fees to make borrowing more affordable for small business owners. The significant downside is the waiting period for a lending decision, which can range from 30 to 90 days, and it often takes several weeks to receive the loan proceeds.

Online loans

Online loans are offered by alternative lenders that primarily use online methods to apply for and approve the loan. You could be eligible if you’re a business owner who doesn’t meet the guidelines set forth by traditional banks. Expect quick approvals and fast funding times, but you’ll likely get a less favorable term. Anticipate paying more interest to access these loan products.

Bad credit business loans

Bad credit business loans are any business loan designed for business owners with poor credit, some even accepting scores as low as 500. These types of loans are known for having lower credit score requirements and less daunting eligibility requirements. Bad credit business loans come in various forms, including term loans, lines of credit, microloans, and invoice factoring.

Venture capital

You can also try looking for individual private investors or venture capital firms. You can present your business and see if anyone is interested in investing. These investors typically will provide you with a lump sum of cash in exchange for equity in your business. They may want some control over how you run your business, but you will likely gain a business partner with experience in turning businesses into a success.

Crowdfunding

There are many different crowdfunding platforms where business owners can post their business ideas or goals and ask individuals to donate to their efforts. Some of the most well crowdfunding platforms include Kickstarter and GoFundMe. These platforms allow you to raise money either as a donation or with rewards for the investors, such as free products or equity in your business.

This method allows you to gain funding without stringent eligibility requirements, but they require a lot of legwork to generate buzz around your business and get fully funded.

Bottom line

Bank business loans offer the perks of getting attractive interest rates and long repayment terms. Most banks also offer a variety of business loans that you can apply for now and in the future.

But you do have to qualify for the business loan. Many banks set high eligibility requirements, including having strong credit and revenue. You can also expect a longer application and funding process since banks tend to want a long list of documentation.

Whether or not you go for a bank business loan, research multiple lenders to see which one will give you the best loan offer.

Frequently asked questions

• Is it risky to take out a business loan?

  As with any borrowing, there can be some risks involved. If you default on the loan, your business or personal assets may be at risk. The lender can seize assets to repay the loan or take you to court. But if managed responsibly, business loans can be a valuable tool to help grow or manage your business.

• What are the disadvantages of a business bank loan?

  Business bank loans have strict eligibility requirements, and applicants must provide extensive documentation. The approval timeline can also be quite lengthy, and funding can be slow as well.
  

• Why are bank loans plans good for a business?

  There are many benefits to bank loans, including generous funding amounts, long loan terms, attractive interest rates and local branch support.