Before you try to find the best business loan rates you should be schooled in the basics. If you want to get the best loan rates available, you should have certain qualifications that appeal to lenders. You need to know what the lenders will be looking at so that you can be offered only prime business loan interest rates. Here are several pointers to help you in this endeavor.
If you don’t know what your credit score is you need to order a credit report right away. Bear in mind that a credit report will not give you your credit scores. While the credit report can be attained for free once a year, you will have to pay for the credit scores and you can do this as often as you want. A lender will base a business loan on your credit score, so the higher it is, the better your interest rate is likely to be. If you have been in business for a while, the lender will look at the credit score of your company instead of you, so make sure that you business credit score remains high as well.
Businesses that are looking for a business loan to expand or purchase merchandise, should have a business plan that is working so that the lender can see how they will be able to repay the loan. If you are just getting started and need the money for a business start up, a comprehensive business plan will be even more important. If it is at all possible, use some of your own money to start the business or include some of the company’s money in the project for which you need the loan. This shows good faith in your company on your part.
Often you can find very good interest rates through a SBA loan. While these loans are given out through normal lenders, they are backed by the government. There are banks that are preferred lenders of SBA loans so they can process them quicker.
Although some businesses think that working with a major bank is the best way to get the loan, they need to know that it isn’t always the best way to go. Regional banks can develop a great relationship with small businesses and you may find that they offer competitive interest rates or in some cases better interest rates. You also have the personal service that isn’t readily available in a major bank. This can also help you find the best interest rate for your business loan.
You can also find a better interest rate with a line of credit loan inside of a more traditional loan. This loan allows you to be approved for a specific amount, but you don’t have to use the entire amount; which could save you money in the end. Of course the sooner that you can repay the loan the more money you will save in interest; regardless of the interest rate. The only way to make sure that you are getting the best interest rates on a business loan is to research the banks that are willing to give you the money and then compare.