Compare Secured Business Loans

How does a secured business loan work?

A secured business loan is a type of borrowing where you provide an asset, often called collateral, as security for the loan.

The asset could be your business property, equipment, or accounts receivable. If, for any reason, you’re unable to repay the loan, the lender can claim this collateral to recover the owed amount.

How can a secured loan benefit a business?

Longer repayment terms: Compared to unsecured loans, secured loans can offer longer loan terms. This can make repayments more manageable and give your cash flow some wiggle room.

Lower interest rates: Providing collateral is a way to secure a lower interest rate, saving money over the life of your loan.

Larger loan amounts: A secured loan can provide more substantial loan amounts if you’re looking to fund a major business expense or expansion.

Retain full control: Secured business loans enable borrowers to retain control over their business. Unlike equity financing, where shares are sold or additional investors are brought in, a secured loan allows the business owner to maintain full ownership.

What can be used as security in a secured business loan?

Assets approved by lenders as security usually fall into 3 categories:

• Real estate.
• Business vehicles or equipment, like construction or manufacturing equipment.
• Accounts receivable.

When you’re putting up collateral for a business loan, the lender will want to know more about the asset you’re using as security. Different factors help them understand how valuable the collateral is now and in the future. For example, they’ll need to know the age or location of physical assets, like equipment or property.

Lenders evaluate accounts receivable by checking invoices and payment records. They consider factors like ageing schedules, collection history, customer creditworthiness, concentration risk, and receivables’ quality. They verify the accuracy, analyse payment patterns, and might even contact customers to confirm outstanding amounts.

This information helps them evaluate the risk and make informed decisions about loan amounts, interest rates, and loan terms.

Eligibility for a Secured Business Loan

When assessing your eligibility for a loan, secured or otherwise, lenders consider the four C’s of credit. Character, capacity, collateral, and capital.

Here’s what they’ll consider:

Credit history: A good credit score demonstrates financial responsibility and increases the chances of loan approval.

Financial statements: Bank statements and other financial documents like accounts receivable and payable provide insights into cash flow patterns, transaction history, and the overall financial stability of the business.

The asset: The star of the show – the asset you’re offering as security. Different lenders accept different types of assets, and their value will influence the amount you can borrow.

The ability to repay the debt: Lenders will evaluate your business’s revenue to gauge the likelihood of meeting repayments. Generally, lenders prefer businesses with a minimum turnover threshold.

What interest rate would I pay for a secured business loan?

There is no one size fits all interest rate offered to businesses across the board. Each loan offer is tailored to the business’s specific circumstances and risk profile.

The interest rate you’ll be offered will be determined by a number of factors:

• Credit history.
• Business financial statements.
• Monthly and annual turnover.

Generally, interest rates for business loans in New Zealand can range from 8% to 20%. You’re more likely to secure a lower interest rate if you have an established business with strong cash flow and assets. However, newer businesses or those with limited financial history may face higher rates as the lender takes on a larger risk.

What happens if you default on payments?

Defaulting on a secured business loan is serious business. If you can’t repay, the lender can seize the asset you’ve put up as collateral, and may sell it to recoup the loan amount.

How to choose the right secured business loan

When comparing secured business loans, here are five important things to consider.

Eligibility: Does your business age, credit history and financial match their criteria?

Interest rates: Compare rates from different lenders. Keep in mind that rates depend on your business information and type; rates can generally range anywhere from 8% to 20%.

Loan terms: Understand the repayment period and frequency (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly). Check if the lender offers the ability to defer or reduce repayments if you experience financial hardship.

Financial comfort: While they allow larger loan amounts, failing to repay a secured loan could lead to the lender taking your assets. Can you realistically meet the repayment obligations?

Other fees: The interest rate isn’t the only fee to look for. Loans can include monthly account fees plus fees for establishing the loan or missed payments.