Your Most Complete Guide
to Applying for SME Business Loans in Singapore.
Owning a small business or SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) is never easy and it is especially difficult in the economic environment today.
Among the most common issues small business owners face is also one of the most serious — cash flow.
If you are a business owner experiencing cash flow problems, it is time for you to consider the advantages of business loans in Singapore.
Business owners can get a business loan online to help with cash flow problems and keep their heads above water when times are tough.
Low-rate business loans may also be used for a capital injection to start a business. Many successful entrepreneurs start with business loans with low interest rates to overcome their initial lack of capital.
This comprehensive guide on SME loans in Singapore will help you to find an SME loan in Singapore that is right for you.
Your Most Complete Guide to Applying for SME Business Loans in Singapore.
Owning a small business or SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) is never easy and it is especially difficult in the economic environment today.
Among the most common issues small business owners face is also one of the most serious — cash flow.
If you are a business owner experiencing cash flow problems, it is time for you to consider the advantages of business loans in Singapore.
Business owners can get a business loan online to help with cash flow problems and keep their heads above water when times are tough.
Low-rate business loans may also be used for a capital injection to start a business. Many successful entrepreneurs start with business loans with low interest rates to overcome their initial lack of capital.
This comprehensive guide on SME loans in Singapore will help you to find an SME loan in Singapore that is right for you.
Table of Contents
Table of content
What is an SME loan in Singapore?
SME loan
A type of business loan given to SMEs to start a new business or sustain an existing one.
SME Working Capital Loan
An unsecured loan, but it is meant specifically for short-term SME operational expenses.
How can I get an SME business loan in Singapore?
In Singapore, you have three main options:
Banks
*some also offer government-backed schemes
Licensed moneylenders
Other financial institutions
Let’s delve into more details.
What can you use SME loans for?
A business loan or SME loan in Singapore is one of the most versatile loans you can get. How they are used generally falls in two categories:
- starting a business and
- sustaining a business
SME Loan for a Business Startup in Singapore
Launching a business involves a huge investment of time, effort, and, perhaps most crucially, money. The bulk of the expenses that can be met by business loans for SME fall into these categories:
- Staffing – Hiring a team
- Premises – Rental or purchase of an office and/or warehouse and/or factory
- Equipment – Machinery, tools, and other assets essential to the business
- Administrative costs –Licences, permits, registration, certification, etc. from the government and regulatory bodies
- Stock or raw materials
SME Loan for an Existing Business in Singapore
For most businesses, their initial launch is the most expensive stage. However, ongoing expenses can also skyrocket, especially when the economy is doing poorly.
An SME working capital loan can function as a stop-gap measure when there are cash flow issues, for example, when you have to pay suppliers but your customers haven’t paid you. It also solves a variety of issues by covering:
- Salaries – Your own and your team’s wages
- Rent or mortgage – To continue operating in your current business premises
- Loans – To pay loan instalments for other business loans
- Business activities – research & development, new equipment and machinery, training, sales, and marketing
Where can you get SME business loans in Singapore?
Every entrepreneur wants the best business loan in Singapore with low interest rates, but it can be a challenge to find the right one. Currently, business owners in Singapore have six viable funding options for fast, unsecured business loans.
Government-assisted loans
Our government has always been very supportive of small businesses and that is evident from its range of support for SMEs. There are several financial schemes under the umbrella of the Enterprise Finance Scheme (EFS) currently available to eligible businesses.
These loans are not directly negotiated with any government agency, but are instead available through banks and other financial institutions certified by the government as Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). However, assistance comes in the form of the government acting as a partial guarantor, shouldering between 50% and 70% of the risk-share. This is an incentive for banks to approve more working capital loans for companies, including those that don’t have the best credit or are fairly new.
EFS loans are available to all businesses based in Singapore that are at least 30% owned by Singaporeans and PRs. There is enhanced support for ‘young businesses’, defined as those operating for five years or less.
- Loan interest rates: SME working capital loan interest rates are usually upwards of around 7% (depending on the financial institution)
- Loan tenure: up to 5 years
- Maximum loan amount you can take: $500,000
- Other loan terms: maximum company revenue of $100 million or a maximum of 200 employees
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No, EFS loans are unsecured
Digital financing platforms
Digital financing platforms
Digital financing platforms fill the gap between large financial institutions – such as banks, and licensed money lenders. They have a quicker and more streamlined process than the former and access to greater loan amounts than the latter. However, they are also strictly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Companies like Validus and Infund have taken the lead in this relatively new niche. They generally take a laid back approach to eligibility if you can show that you are registered with ACRA.
Another advantage of using these platforms is that they also act as a networking node, bringing in investors who want to finance companies that inspire them by becoming their angel investors. The flip side is that business owners, like yourself, may have to give up a stake in your company if you want an angel investor. These platforms offer both secured and unsecured loans.
- Loan interest rates: varies, e.g. from 1.3% per month for Validus and 7.28% per annum for Infund
- Loan tenure: up to 24 months
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $5 million
- Other loan terms: minimum operational period (3 – 12 months), incorporated in Singapore, at least 25% owned by a Singaporean/ Singapore PR
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No
| Interest rates: | varies, up to 20% per annum |
| Loan tenure | 3 months to 2 years |
| Late interests/ late fees | Varies depending on the platform at the institution’s discretion |
| Processing fees | 1% to 5% of loan principal (usually capped at around $200) |
| Early redemption fees | up to $1,000 (some have no charges) |
| Average loan amount you can take | up to $5 million |
| Other loan terms | Minimum revenue ($100,000-$500,000) and operational period (2 – 3 years) |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes |
Banks
Banks
Banks have always been the stalwarts of business finance. Despite the recent surge in the number of business loan financing alternatives, they remain the most respected and reliable option. With that long history and prestige, though, comes a higher cost. This is evident from the relatively higher interest and fees.
Many SME owners who want a low-interest-rate business loan will opt for government-assisted loans (EFS) through banks. However, banks also have their own SME loan packages. If you’re eligible for both EFS and new business loans direct from your bank, choose the direct route if you prefer premium service and are willing to pay for it.
- Loan interest rates: From 7% p.a.
- Loan tenure: up to 5 years
- Processing fee: varies; 1.5% to 2% of loan principal (minimum $500)
- Early redemption fee: varies; typically 2.5% to 5% of the principal amount redeemed early, whichever is higher
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $500,000 for majority of banks
- Other loan terms: minimum operational period (2 – 3 years), incorporated in Singapore, at least 30 – 50% owned by a Singaporean/ Singapore PR; may require guarantors
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No
| Loan interest rates: | 3.5% to 11% p.a. (effective interest rate of 6.5% to 24%). |
| Loan tenure | 1 to 5 years |
| Late interests/ late fees | 22% to 26.9% interest on outstanding amount; fees from $60 to $80 |
| Processing fees | 1% to 3% of loan principal (usually capped at around $500) |
| Early redemption fees | around $150 or 2.5% to 6.88% of the principal amount redeemed early, whichever is higher |
| Average loan amount you can take | $50,000 to $500,000 |
| Other loan terms | Minimum company revenue of $300,000 – $500,000 and operational period (2 – 3 years); may require guarantors |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes |
Licensed moneylenders
Licensed moneylenders
Licensed money lenders have become a robust and widely-respected part of the financial services community. That itself is a testament to the hard work and deliberate efforts of licensed lenders who have had to battle the Ah Long stigma that has unfairly been attached to them.
These legal lenders cater to the widest array of applicants living in Singapore because they rarely have restrictions on citizenship and residency status. However, borrowers have to contend with a higher interest rate of 4% to 8% per month. If you can put up with that and need money in a hurry, licensed lenders can often be the best option.
- Loan interest rates: 4% to 12% per month
- Loan tenure: up to 12 months
- Late interest and fees: interest capped at 12% per month; fees capped at $60 per month
- Processing fee: not applicable
- Early redemption fee: not applicable
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $300,000
- Other loan terms: business registered with ACRA, have been in operation for the past 6 months, and have a director who is a Singaporean/ Singapore PR, or a foreigner residing in Singapore.
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? Yes
| Loan interest rates: | 1% to 4% per month |
| Loan tenure | Up to 12 months |
| Late interests/ late fees | interest capped at 4% per month; fees capped at $60 per month |
| Processing fees | capped at 10% of loan principal |
| Early redemption fees | Not allowed |
| Average loan amount you can take | $500 for those earning less than $10,000 a year; $3,000 for those earning $10,000 to $20,000 a year; and 6 times monthly income for those earning over $20,000 a year |
| Other loan terms | business registered with ACRA, have been in operation for the past 6 months, and have a director who is a Singaporean/ Singapore PR, or a foreigner residing in Singapore. |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes |
Prosper Credit is an established licensed moneylender that offers affordable business loans.
Crowdfunding platforms
Crowdfunding platforms
The term ‘crowdfunding’ is self-descriptive – getting funds from random people. P2P (peer-to-peer lending) in crowdfunding gives money to a business in the form of a short-term business loan to be paid back to the investors at a predetermined rate of interest. Payments are usually deferred for several months to allow the injection of capital to have its desired effect.
- The Singapore crowdfunding scene is dominated by a small number of crowdfunding platforms, namely Funding Societies and FundedHere.
- Loan interest rates: from 0.8% per month
- Loan tenure: 5 to 36 months
- Early redemption fee: depends on loan, no charges for some
- Maximum loan amount you can take: $10,000 to $1 million
- Other loan terms: minimum annual revenue $500,000 onwards for Funding Societies’ Business Term Loan; minimum operational period 6 – 12 months, incorporated in Singapore, at least 30% local shareholding
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? Yes, for Funding Societies
| Loan interest rates: | from 0.8% per month |
| Loan tenure | 1 to 12 months |
| Late interests/ late fees | some charge 0.1% of the outstanding principal per day |
| Processing fees | 3% to 7% of loan principal |
| Early redemption fees | depends on loan, no charges for some |
| Average loan amount you can take | $5,000 to $5 million |
| Other loan terms | Minimum revenue $300,000 onwards and operational period 2 – 3 years |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes, up to 80% of property value |
Private financial institutions
Private financial institutions
Any private company may give another company a business loan. In Singapore, private businesses that extend loans to other businesses in the form of B2B loans do not require a separate licence to operate.
Transport stalwart Grab started GrabFinance for this purpose. Other major players in this category are IFS Capital Limited, GB Helios and Capitall. These companies are currently not on the list of top business loan providers, but they provide a range of attractive financing options for both new (at least 6 months old) and existing businesses. Some are open to financing promising business ideas, too.
They may offer repayment flexibility in the form of weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly instalments.
- Loan interest rates: from 0% to 7% per month
- Loan tenure: up to 12 months
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $300,000
- Other loan terms: GrabFinance’s Easy Loans are only for Grab merchants; GB Helios’ unsecured term loans are for local businesses in operation for at least 12 months; Capitall’s loan requires the Private Limited Company be ACRA-registered and been operating for 10 months or more, have an annual revenue of $100,000 or more, have a director who’s a Singaporean or PR or foreigner living in Singapore, have a personal guarantee
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No
| Loan interest rates: | from 0.9% to 7% per month |
| Loan tenure | 2 to 12 months |
| Late interests/ late fees | Twice the monthly interest rate |
| Processing fees | 5-10% of loan principal |
| Early redemption fees | Yes, for some |
| Average loan amount you can take | $10,000 to $500,000 |
| Other loan terms | Revenue $100,000 to $500,000, staff less than 200, and operational period 6 months onwards |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Depends on the institution |
Government-assisted loans
Our government has always been very supportive of small businesses and that is evident from its range of support for SMEs. There are several financial schemes under the umbrella of the Enterprise Finance Scheme (EFS) currently available to eligible businesses.
These loans are not directly negotiated with any government agency, but are instead available through banks and other financial institutions certified by the government as Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). However, assistance comes in the form of the government acting as a partial guarantor, shouldering between 50% and 70% of the risk-share. This is an incentive for banks to approve more working capital loans for companies, including those that don’t have the best credit or are fairly new.
EFS loans are available to all businesses based in Singapore that are at least 30% owned by Singaporeans and PRs. There is enhanced support for ‘young businesses’, defined as those operating for five years or less.
- Loan interest rates: SME working capital loan interest rates are usually upwards of around 7% (depending on the financial institution)
- Loan tenure: up to 5 years
- Maximum loan amount you can take: $500,000
- Other loan terms: maximum company revenue of $100 million or a maximum of 200 employees
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No, EFS loans are unsecured
Digital financing platforms
Digital financing platforms
Digital financing platforms fill the gap between large financial institutions – such as banks, and licensed money lenders. They have a quicker and more streamlined process than the former and access to greater loan amounts than the latter. However, they are also strictly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Companies like Validus and Infund have taken the lead in this relatively new niche. They generally take a laid back approach to eligibility if you can show that you are registered with ACRA.
Another advantage of using these platforms is that they also act as a networking node, bringing in investors who want to finance companies that inspire them by becoming their angel investors. The flip side is that business owners, like yourself, may have to give up a stake in your company if you want an angel investor. These platforms offer both secured and unsecured loans.
- Loan interest rates: varies, e.g. from 1.3% per month for Validus and 7.28% per annum for Infund
- Loan tenure: up to 24 months
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $5 million
- Other loan terms: minimum operational period (3 – 12 months), incorporated in Singapore, at least 25% owned by a Singaporean/ Singapore PR
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No
| Interest rates: | varies, up to 20% per annum |
| Loan tenure | 3 months to 2 years |
| Late interests/ late fees | Varies depending on the platform at the institution’s discretion |
| Processing fees | 1% to 5% of loan principal (usually capped at around $200) |
| Early redemption fees | up to $1,000 (some have no charges) |
| Average loan amount you can take | up to $5 million |
| Other loan terms | Minimum revenue ($100,000-$500,000) and operational period (2 – 3 years) |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes |
Banks
Banks
Banks have always been the stalwarts of business finance. Despite the recent surge in the number of business loan financing alternatives, they remain the most respected and reliable option. With that long history and prestige, though, comes a higher cost. This is evident from the relatively higher interest and fees.
Many SME owners who want a low-interest-rate business loan will opt for government-assisted loans (EFS) through banks. However, banks also have their own SME loan packages. If you’re eligible for both EFS and new business loans direct from your bank, choose the direct route if you prefer premium service and are willing to pay for it.
- Loan interest rates: From 7% p.a.
- Loan tenure: up to 5 years
- Processing fee: varies; 1.5% to 2% of loan principal (minimum $500)
- Early redemption fee: varies; typically 2.5% to 5% of the principal amount redeemed early, whichever is higher
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $500,000 for majority of banks
- Other loan terms: minimum operational period (2 – 3 years), incorporated in Singapore, at least 30 – 50% owned by a Singaporean/ Singapore PR; may require guarantors
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No
| Loan interest rates: | 3.5% to 11% p.a. (effective interest rate of 6.5% to 24%). |
| Loan tenure | 1 to 5 years |
| Late interests/ late fees | 22% to 26.9% interest on outstanding amount; fees from $60 to $80 |
| Processing fees | 1% to 3% of loan principal (usually capped at around $500) |
| Early redemption fees | around $150 or 2.5% to 6.88% of the principal amount redeemed early, whichever is higher |
| Average loan amount you can take | $50,000 to $500,000 |
| Other loan terms | Minimum company revenue of $300,000 – $500,000 and operational period (2 – 3 years); may require guarantors |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes |
Licensed moneylenders
Licensed moneylenders
Licensed money lenders have become a robust and widely-respected part of the financial services community. That itself is a testament to the hard work and deliberate efforts of licensed lenders who have had to battle the Ah Long stigma that has unfairly been attached to them.
These legal lenders cater to the widest array of applicants living in Singapore because they rarely have restrictions on citizenship and residency status. However, borrowers have to contend with a higher interest rate of 4% to 8% per month. If you can put up with that and need money in a hurry, licensed lenders can often be the best option.
- Loan interest rates: 4% to 12% per month
- Loan tenure: up to 12 months
- Late interest and fees: interest capped at 12% per month; fees capped at $60 per month
- Processing fee: not applicable
- Early redemption fee: not applicable
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $300,000
- Other loan terms: business registered with ACRA, have been in operation for the past 6 months, and have a director who is a Singaporean/ Singapore PR, or a foreigner residing in Singapore.
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? Yes
| Loan interest rates: | 1% to 4% per month |
| Loan tenure | Up to 12 months |
| Late interests/ late fees | interest capped at 4% per month; fees capped at $60 per month |
| Processing fees | capped at 10% of loan principal |
| Early redemption fees | Not allowed |
| Average loan amount you can take | $500 for those earning less than $10,000 a year; $3,000 for those earning $10,000 to $20,000 a year; and 6 times monthly income for those earning over $20,000 a year |
| Other loan terms | business registered with ACRA, have been in operation for the past 6 months, and have a director who is a Singaporean/ Singapore PR, or a foreigner residing in Singapore. |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes |
Prosper Credit is an established licensed moneylender that offers affordable business loans.
Crowdfunding platforms
Crowdfunding platforms
The term ‘crowdfunding’ is self-descriptive – getting funds from random people. P2P (peer-to-peer lending) in crowdfunding gives money to a business in the form of a short-term business loan to be paid back to the investors at a predetermined rate of interest. Payments are usually deferred for several months to allow the injection of capital to have its desired effect.
- The Singapore crowdfunding scene is dominated by a small number of crowdfunding platforms, namely Funding Societies and FundedHere.
- Loan interest rates: from 0.8% per month
- Loan tenure: 5 to 36 months
- Early redemption fee: depends on loan, no charges for some
- Maximum loan amount you can take: $10,000 to $1 million
- Other loan terms: minimum annual revenue $500,000 onwards for Funding Societies’ Business Term Loan; minimum operational period 6 – 12 months, incorporated in Singapore, at least 30% local shareholding
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? Yes, for Funding Societies
| Loan interest rates: | from 0.8% per month |
| Loan tenure | 1 to 12 months |
| Late interests/ late fees | some charge 0.1% of the outstanding principal per day |
| Processing fees | 3% to 7% of loan principal |
| Early redemption fees | depends on loan, no charges for some |
| Average loan amount you can take | $5,000 to $5 million |
| Other loan terms | Minimum revenue $300,000 onwards and operational period 2 – 3 years |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Yes, up to 80% of property value |
Private financial institutions
Private financial institutions
Any private company may give another company a business loan. In Singapore, private businesses that extend loans to other businesses in the form of B2B loans do not require a separate licence to operate.
Transport stalwart Grab started GrabFinance for this purpose. Other major players in this category are IFS Capital Limited, GB Helios and Capitall. These companies are currently not on the list of top business loan providers, but they provide a range of attractive financing options for both new (at least 6 months old) and existing businesses. Some are open to financing promising business ideas, too.
They may offer repayment flexibility in the form of weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly instalments.
- Loan interest rates: from 0% to 7% per month
- Loan tenure: up to 12 months
- Maximum loan amount you can take: up to $300,000
- Other loan terms: GrabFinance’s Easy Loans are only for Grab merchants; GB Helios’ unsecured term loans are for local businesses in operation for at least 12 months; Capitall’s loan requires the Private Limited Company be ACRA-registered and been operating for 10 months or more, have an annual revenue of $100,000 or more, have a director who’s a Singaporean or PR or foreigner living in Singapore, have a personal guarantee
- Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? No
| Loan interest rates: | from 0.9% to 7% per month |
| Loan tenure | 2 to 12 months |
| Late interests/ late fees | Twice the monthly interest rate |
| Processing fees | 5-10% of loan principal |
| Early redemption fees | Yes, for some |
| Average loan amount you can take | $10,000 to $500,000 |
| Other loan terms | Revenue $100,000 to $500,000, staff less than 200, and operational period 6 months onwards |
| Can business owners pledge private property to get a higher loan? | Depends on the institution |
Compare loan terms across
different financial institutions.
Compare loan terms across
different financial institutions.
Apply for business loan
What are the eligibility criteria for SME loans?
Here’s a summary of the eligibility criteria for different types of lending platforms. Note that different lenders may have differing eligibility criteria. Check with each one before deciding on what works best for your small business.
Government-assisted loans
Business registered with ACRAMin 30% Singaporean/PR ownership
Group revenue of up to S$100 million or maximum employment of 200 employees
Digital financing platforms
- Business registered with ACRA,
- Operating for at least 3-12 months
- Min 25% Singaporean/PR ownership
Banks
Business registered with ACRA,
Operating for at least 2-3 yearsMin 30%-50% Singaporean/PR ownership
May require guarantors or collateral
Licensed moneylenders
- Business registered with ACRA
- Operating for at least 6 months
- Singaporean/Singapore PR director or a director who is a foreigner residing in Singapore
Crowdfunding platforms
- Business registered in Singapore
- Operating for at least 6 – 12 monthsMin. 30% Singaporean/PR ownership
Private institutions
- Business registered with ACRA, may have to be private limited company
- Operating for at least 10-12 months
- May require a Singaporean/PR director
- May need an annual revenue of at least $100K
How to apply for a business loan?
How can you get a business loan in Singapore for budding or new businesses? Here’s a summary of general application procedures. The exact procedures may differ between companies and loan providers.
Government-assisted loans
- Submit EFS e-form with supporting documents to PFI
- PFI assesses loan application
- PFI issues Letter of Offer
- Business accepts the offer
- Loan disbursed
Digital financing platforms
- Apply online
- Application and document verification (usually 24-48 hours)
- Funds disbursed to the nominated account
Banks
- Submit an application online with supporting documents
- Bank assesses application and contacts guarantors, if any
- Bank extends a loan offer
- Loan disbursed (usually directly into a bank account)
Licensed money lenders
- Apply online
- Loan officer contacts business owner
- Visit money lender’s office with necessary documents and business pitch
- Sign loan contract
- Loan disbursed
Crowdfunding platforms
- Pre-assessment and valuation with industry expert
- Campaign (around one month) by the platform to attract investors
- Direct pitches to groups of investors
- Investors send funds
- Business receives funds
Private financial institutions
- Contact the institution with a brief outline of the business plan and supporting documents
- Loan team review (usually within 24 hours)
- Meeting with the team to customise the best financing options
- Loans disbursed (possibly within 24 hours)
What are the documents needed?
For the average small business loan amount, you will generally need these six documents:
1
ACRA Business Profile Information
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) issues a document that shows your business information, a list of directors and shareholders, and the company’s paid-up capital.
2
Notice of Assessment (NOA) of Directors
Company directors’ Notice of Assessment (NOA) for the last two years is usually needed to ascertain their income. This gives financiers an idea of the debt-to-income ratio of the directors.
1
ACRA Business Profile Information
Find out more
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) issues a document that shows your business information, a list of directors and shareholders, and the company’s paid-up capital.
2
Notice of Assessment (NOA) of Directors
Find out more
Company directors’ Notice of Assessment (NOA) for the last two years is usually needed to ascertain their income. This gives financiers an idea of the debt-to-income ratio of the directors.
3
Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) Report of Directors
A Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) report to show company directors’ repayment histories, outstanding debts, and outstanding unsecured loan amounts. This gives an idea of the borrower’s creditworthiness.
4
Company’s Financial Statements
Financiers use the company’s financial statements such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets to determine its historical performance. Most lenders require the latest two years of information.
3
Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) Report of Directors
Find out more
A Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) report to show company directors’ repayment histories, outstanding debts, and outstanding unsecured loan amounts. This gives an idea of the borrower’s creditworthiness.
4
Company’s Financial Statements
Find out more
Financiers use the company’s financial statements such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets to determine its historical performance. Most lenders require the latest two years of information.
5
Latest Bank Statements
Bank statements reveal the company’s day-to-day bank activities and the balance at the end of the month. These figures indicate cash flow and whether the company has sufficient funds to repay a loan.
6
Accounts Receivables Aging List
The Accounts Receivables Aging List is an optional extra. It lists the business’s clients and outstanding payments receivable. It also lists debts and how long they have been overdue.
5
Latest Bank Statements
Find out more
Bank statements reveal the company’s day-to-day bank activities and the balance at the end of the month. These figures indicate cash flow and whether the company has sufficient funds to repay a loan.
6
Accounts Receivables Aging List
Find out more
The Accounts Receivables Aging List is an optional extra. It lists the business’s clients and outstanding payments receivable. It also lists debts and how long they have been overdue.
Can I get a business loan with bad credit?
Some of you might ask – what if you (and/or your other directors) have a bad credit history?
It is possible to get a business loan with bad credit, but the process may be longer and the terms of the loan less favourable.
SME loans in Singapore with banks
Bigger lenders such as banks have especially stringent eligibility criteria. The main reason for this is that they are listed companies with obligations to their investors. If they expose themselves to greater financial risk in the form of bad debts, it may harm their share prices. As such, banks will summarily reject loan applications from anyone with bad credit.
SME loans in Singapore with
licensed lenders
SME loans in Singapore with licensed lenders
In contrast, licensed lenders are much more receptive to loan applications from applicants with bad credit and even offer them fast cash loans. Each application is judged on a case-by-case basis, which gives them more room to adapt to individual cases.
However, the loan terms may be more severe — a higher rate of interest, shorter repayment period, increased payment frequency, and higher penalties for missed or late payments may apply. The loan principal itself may be smaller to shield the lender from excessive potential bad debts.
How will bad credit affect your loan?
Bad credit is the biggest barrier that many aspiring entrepreneurs face. It can stall or completely derail otherwise profitable business ideas. Try to always avoid bad credit because it will burden you with these disadvantages:
Loan Approval
All lenders, big and small, are less likely to lend money to someone with bad credit. Licensed lenders are generally more lenient but most banks automatically reject applications from anyone with a poor credit history.
Interest rates
Getting a good business loan interest rate depends on your credit score. If you have bad credit, lenders will attach a higher rate of interest to the loan even if your loan application is approved. This means that those with bad credit pay more in every instalment, costing them money that could have been channelled into their business.
Loan amount
Lenders are more cautious about extending large sums of money to a borrower with a history of not repaying their loans. You could miss out on the capital you need if you have bad credit.
Other loan terms
Bad credit affects loan tenure (shorter time to repay) and opens the borrower up to severe late payment penalties such as potentially higher interest rate on late payment amount and higher late payment penalty charges.
How do I get a business loan with bad credit?
Although it is more difficult to get a SME loan in Singapore with bad credit, it is certainly not impossible. Here are some strategies you can employ to offset the disadvantages of your bad credit history.
Partner those with good credit
If a single borrower has bad credit but his or her business partners have good credit, a lender is more likely to consider and approve their loan application.
Get a co-signer
A co-signer acts as a guarantor, ensuring that the lender will get paid even if the borrower with bad credit is unable to pay.
Apply for a secured loan
In a secured loan, the borrower puts an asset such as a vehicle or home up as collateral. Lenders are keen to offer secured loans because they have the right to seize the pledged collateral and liquidate it to recoup their losses if the borrower fails to pay them directly.
Have more questions regarding business loans?
Reach out to us.
Pros and cons of taking a business loan with licensed lenders
Licensed lenders are a noteworthy provider of business loans for SMEs . They may not be able to extend the largest loans but they certainly cater to the widest range of applicants.
Pros
- Simple and convenient online application process
- Minimal documents required
- Fast approval (within 24 hours); perfect for those who need money urgently
- Less stringent credit checks (approval even with bad credit history)
Cons
- High interest rates mean higher overall costs
- High late fees, late interest, and charges — more severe penalties for defaulting
- Loan tenure is often shorter — less time to repay the same loan principal
Apply for an SME business loan
in Singapore
Are you planning to apply for an SME loan in Singapore? At Prosper Credit, we offer attractive startup business loans that cater to your needs.
Apply for an SME business loan
in Singapore
Apply for an
SME business loan
in Singapore
Are you planning to apply for an SME loan in Singapore? At Prosper Credit, we offer attractive startup business loans that cater to your needs.
Are you planning to apply for an SME loan in Singapore? At Prosper Credit, we offer attractive startup business loans that cater to your needs.
Apply for an SME business loan
in Singapore
Are you planning to apply for an SME loan in Singapore? At Prosper Credit, we offer attractive startup business loans that cater to your needs.
About the Author
Hello! I’m Nikki and I nitpick through all the boring financial data and jargon so you don’t have to!
